I still can't believe I have been here for almost five weeks now. However, I have been adapting to my new environment amazingly well and consider myself a part of the city. Just like the typical Italian, every day I get up around 7:30 am with Arielle and start my morning trek from Via Livio Tempesta, 41 to The American University of Rome on la Via Pietro Roselli, 4. Unlike Michigan State's campus, I actually enjoy walking the 40 minutes uphill to class, mostly because I listen and breathe in the Italian culture, which includes aromas of buttery croissants, pastries, cappuccinos, and coffee beans grinding and roasting in small cafes, the chaotic sounds of buses and smart cars slamming on their breaks and laying on their horns, the small talk between the Italian workers starting their day by setting up shop, and the echoing sound of feet stomping on the sidewalks by locals (such as myself) anxiously rushing to get to their destinations. Although I am adapting to the atmosphere of the city, I still am not used to the atmosphere in the classroom, which hold a maximum of 30 students per class. Coming from Michigan State, it is not common to be one out of 350 in a lecture hall in the Business College Complex. However, I love the fact that all of my professors know my name, nationality, and background information and for once in life, I am not just another eight-digit number. Now that I am confident in myself, I am also starting to branch out and establish relationships by making new friends from all over the United States (which includes states such as California, Boston, Minnesota, and Maryland.) Still, I treasure my independence and challenge myself every day. I am always on an adventure. ALWAYS. Just last week I found the most beautiful park across from AUR and a view to die for. There is a small pathway called Viale Paolo Narducci that is a steady uphill incline, but oh my god once you are up there, you never want to leave. I can't even describe to you the view, but let’s just say it stops my heart and chills cascade down my spine. It is my favorite place in the entire world.
This weekend I hope to go to Vatican City early tomorrow morning with Preeya and tour the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters. I am such a tourist, but I don't care. It surprises me that, after being here for almost a month now, I still haven't toured that sacred place...it just shows you how busy we all are in Italia (which I am NOT complaining one bit!) Next weekend, Taylor, Kelsey, and I are going to London to have tea with the Queen. I hope this upcoming trip will be as wild and crazy as our France excursion! 
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