How do you pile so many experiences into a mere 350 or 450 words? For just a few short days, I’ve seen so many amazing pieces of history and learned a ton about myself along the way. Rome was like nothing I’ve ever come close to seeing before (I had never even been to Europe before this trip) and I’m so happy with the amount I was able to see and do in our time there. There were the planned situations: seeing the Pantheon, touring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Sistine Chapel, having class at the University of Rome, visiting the Trevi fountain, eating our first gelatos, etc. Then there were the unplanned experiences: visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum at night, falling behind from the group but coming across an independent bookstore, being serenaded while eating dinner in a beautiful hidden alleyway, watching a John Lennon look-alike sing Metallica and Led Zeppelin songs, watching riots by the Spanish steps and altercations in the street across from our hotel, getting semi-lost (but not really) on the way to the Maxxi museum, drinking cappuccino on a rainy day across from the Vatican, riding a taxi through the pope’s parade, sitting in peaceful silence in the Piazza del Campidoglio, and so much more.

The unplanned and planned all have one thing in common: they’ve been life changing. I know that sounds cheesy, but Italy has already changed me (hopefully for the better). In the process of learning more about myself, I’ve also observed others in a new way. Some observations were out of necessity, such as needing to know how to order food or ride the metro, (and feeling slightly embarrassed when the locals immediately noticed that we’re all American), but some out of just pure curiosity and fascination. I’ve noticed a lot about the Italian culture and people that I wouldn’t have even considered prior to coming here. For instance, Italians are so much quieter than Americans. My general disposition has changed to adjust to the way they interact with one another. I also feel a more urgent desire to be polite, which is really eye opening because the “ugly Americans” phrase comes into my mind any time I feel myself being loud or less respectful than I should be. I also really appreciate the way Italians seem to be so peaceful, even in Rome. Despite being a massive city, Rome balances the hustle and bustle of city life with this incredible calm, one that I’m trying to master in my own life. Rome has definitely made an impact and I’m excited for what’s to come.