14 miles

14 miles. That's how far I walked today. 14 miles around the ancient walls of Rome. 8 hours. 2 short breaks. Hills and down hills and rainstorms. It was long. In the end I signed a piece of paper to signify my accomplishment and grabbed my free fanta and headed to the packed metro...where still I was unable to sit down. My legs hurt more that they ever did even after two soccer games in one day. Although the truth is that pain is so distant now it could have possibly hurt more.

Today marks the end of week two here. It's been busy and only to get busier. But this is a good thing because it will make time pass and fill it with fun experiences.

For now.... a hot bed and relaxation.

One word at a time.

I know all my loving fans are dying for a new post, pictures included, but the sad truth is that this computer will not read my external hardrive. So I'll have to bring my laptop in sometime, but the issue with that is that I don't have a bag to carry it in....just full of problems.

Short update though:
Classes started this week. They are small...only 6 in my photo class. A welcome change from Kutztown.
My Italian professor only speaks to us in Italian and it's the most exhausting hour of my day.
It feels much more comfortable here. Riding the metro, the bus and walking don't seem like a huge deal.
It's still difficult at times but I'm trying to remain positive and get the most out of the experience.
Off to catch a bus and stop at a pizza shop for dinner with Liana.
Ciao :)

just another manic monday

First week of Rome completed. It's starting to feel more comfortable here. I get homesick often but I'm so busy most of the time it goes away quickly.

Today is the first day of classes. I don't start till 2. So I'm spending my time around the apartment. Our tv should be fixed at some point today and then I can learn some Italian through watching it. For now I'm just trucking along. I made myself eggs on the evil stove. It's a gas stove and I burn myself every single time I use it. There was a woman in here cleaning earlier and another came in to fix our curtain because it wouldn't close. They are such nice little ladies. Always saying Ciao.

Thinking good thoughts for my mom and her week alone with the pups.
And for Denis as he's turning things around so he can prove people wrong.
And for dad in China.
And for Lin in California...it's always a struggle with the crazy family she's surrounded by, but you gotta love um.

I'll write more at school and post some pics.

First few days in Rome

This seems to be all the photos my finicky internet will allow me to add for now. They are only around the apartment and not the greatest things since I sort of just quickly took them when we got here. I'll take more and better one's soon. Maybe of the cool yellow gate that surrounds the windows and door to the patio. I'm not gonna sugar coat this because it is definitely harder than anything I've done but I will say I'm trying to just take it a day at a time so as to not overwhelm myself. As I type the Italian maids are in my apartment...a little awkward since I don't know how long they will be here and if they plan on taking the sheets I am currently sitting on. Anyways so here's the tour in short.


This is Liana on our very uncomfortable couch.

This is the bathroom with cute designs on the tiles. Note the little button way above to toilet to flush.

Not sure what she was doing here. Side note I think the neighbors are playing opera. hmm.
Anyways that's the small kitchen, there is a door to close it on the left there...in case you don't want anyone to see your dirty dishes.

This is across from the couch. Small tv. Little round table. Nice little hang out.

This is where Liana and I sleep. Small uncomfortable beds but it will do. We are pretty much unpacked and amazed that it all fits here.

More later....
Ciao