Roma
Our arrival in Rome was one I shall never forget. Although, cold, cloudy, and rainy, nothing could take away the excitement of being in such an amazing place. Once finding the apartment and meeting the roommates, (sweet ladies) it was time to adventure out into the tranquil cafés 
surrounded by death defying traffic and live as the Romans do.
(Insert a couple days of getting lost and drinking too much caffeine).
So today was officially the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (my mom is so proud). The American University of Rome is located in a beautiful, and well-shaded neighborhood about 20 min away from my apartment. Our first day started off in true Italian style; late. After finally figuring out a bus route that wouldn’t drop us off in the middle of an abandoned pizza parlor in who knows where (this happened a couple times), we reached the school and indulged ourselves in a cappuccino and croissant before hitting the 4 flights of narrow stairs. The view from the classroom however was breathtaking (literally I couldn’t breathe after all those stairs) as it looked out on the imposing mountains and impressive church spires of the eternal city.
After class, a group of us wondered through a couple quaint neighborhoods and streets until reaching the center of Rome. And what is the first activity one must do when arriving in the center of Rome? Find the gelato. I pushed through the angry crowd of fellow gelato lovers to the shop counter before I quickly panicked realizing there were at least 20 flavors and I only had 5 euros. Oh the sacrifice. I finally decided on a scoop of pink grapefruit and a scoop of chocolate- horrible together, heaven one at a time.
We finished the day by meandering through the bustling streets, passing stunning sculpture, fascinating churches, and scrumptious side walk cafés filled with happy Italians who apparently display this emotion by yelling at each other.
Regardless, the entire day was like a never-ending daydream and I am so blessed and happy to have the opportunity to live in such an amazing city that has truly captured my heart (and my diet).
A Presto,
Rachel
