One Week In

Well, I’ve been in Italy a little over a week and it’s pretty sweet. Actually, I think you all should be jealous. Rome is the most amazing city in the world. The other day we were going to see the Victoria Emmanuel Monument and as we turned the corner, I looked up and the Coliseum was right in front of me! I could have walked over and touched it! The Victoria Emmanuel Monument was pretty cool too, but getting lost in it wasn’t much fun. Fortunately, before climbing up the 242 steps to the top of the monument, we ate a delicious meal at a local place. By the way, Italian food is amazing. Last week we also saw San Pietro’s Basilica and San Clemente’s Basilica. San Pietro is in the Vatican City and has the most fantastic artwork one has ever seen. San Clemente isn’t quite as artsy, but is built on top of an ancient Mithraic temple and house. It’s crazy to think that I walked around something that was built in the 2nd century AD.

This week we are going to Pompeii and the Etruscan Museum. Next week it’s inside the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hills, and the Pantheon. Stay tuned for updates.

Okay, enough about the site seeing. Here are some things I have learned about Italy:

1. Rome has the craziest drivers I have ever seen. There really isn’t designated parking. Basically, if there is an empty space and your car can fit, you park there. Curbs and sidewalks are not off limits. Pedestrians don’t always have the right of way, and in the words of Chris Carter “lanes are just a suggestion”.
2. Italy runs at its own pace. Never expect a timely response.
3. Rome has a really great public transportation system, but don’t expect to sit down during your ride!
4. Pick pocketers are NOT everywhere. Just be smart and you will be fine.
5. Italian boys don’t whistle at girls, or at least the ones in Rome don’t.
6. Again, Italian food is amazing.
7. The following things they do not have in Italy: salad dressing, peanut butter, pepperoni and Oreos
8. Soda is really expensive
9. Toilet seats are optional. The other day we went to a restaurant and they were selling disposable toilet seats in the bathroom.
10. Italian advertisements are way more risqué than American advertisements
11. Gelato is epic.
12. Italy has really cool lightening storms
13. Italy is overall amazing.