All Roads Lead to Rome


 **press play! (It sets the mood)

After lots of anticipation, the day came for me to go to beloved Roma.

I was incredibly nervous to board the train and venture out with my new amazing friends after lecture after lecture. "Watch out for gypsies!" "Don't trust those flirtatious men!" But I had one amazing adventure.

My friends and I chose a shopping neighborhood called Quirinal where we could also admire la Fontana di Trevi and toss some coins in! I had my Lizzie McGuire moment and made some wishes, and as legend has it, guaranteed my return to Rome by continuing this tradition (but I don't think that'll be a problem).

Lucky for us, there was some parade going on as we tried to manuever through the streets. Although there were more people than we would've liked to see hanging around, it was interesting. It was sort of a protest parade, but the actual party being supported was unclear. Aside from the intimidating carabinieri everywhere, it was cool to see.

Being the American teenagers that we are, we also decided to eat ethnic food. On empty stomachs, we practically sprinted to an Asian Fusion restaurant, only to decide it wasn't enough. We got a table at the Hard Rock Cafe, and made sure to get some American food while we could! It was a nice change, but don't doubt that I had a very large gelato the moment I could! There was also plenty of time left over to do some much needed shopping. There is a lovely street called Via Corso with tons of shops, and I wound up at Zara. What's cool about shopping here is that even though I have been to Zara's in the USA, they carry lots of different clothes! It was a different retail experience than the 5th Avenue location, that's for sure, and I even got to practice my Italian with the sales associates.

Rome was wonderful! The whole atmosphere was exciting, but unlike a city in the USA where people are always rushing and ignore others as the continue on their way, there is no rushing among Italians and they consistently people watch. My friends and I got our fair share of "Ciao"'s and waves. It was refreshing to see people appreciating every street corner one passes and to turn the cornered and stumble spontaneously upon an ancient piece of history.

Roma, ci vediamo presto!








"You look like your host family just caught you snacking!"






Location: Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy

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