Ti amo Italia
It amazes me that though we have only five days left, it feels as though we have completely been submerged in the culture. In true expository fashion, I’d like to share with everyone a few “savvy tips” that I believe everyone has learned.
The White Ones Don’t Stop: When we first got to Italy everyone was terrified of the traffic situation. Intersections are a fiasco and apparently stop signs are just a suggestion! As we roamed around, we quickly learned to dart our head around the corners of even the smallest alleys, just so you don’t end up in an altercation with a Fiat. As we ventured further from the hotels, we learned more confidence–cross the street when you see an opening, and give bad drivers a nice stink eye when you think you might have just lost one of your toes.
Air Your Dirty Laundry: Dual meaning I know, but that in itself is very important. Doing laundry was a trick seeing as most of us can barely turn around in our rooms, none the less find places to hang wet clothing. However, after about a week, we began notifying one another of the nearest laundrymat and going in on loads of wash to cut costs. It’s amazing how the scent of Tide makes you a little homesick!
Mi Scusi, Mi Tardi: We have lots of deadlines and times that we have to meet. If you haven’t heard already, a few of us, myself included just couldn’t quite get back in time for our boat off Capri. As we watched our classmates sail away, it became very clear how important it is to either stop what your doing a little earlier and/or learn the language so you can run across piazzas and vias in order to make it places on time. Just don’t be shy!
Sexy Wine: Some of the most interesting things that have happened to us have been when we stepped outside of our comfort zone and opened up to new experiences and people. When you leave the beaten path and find that perfect spot, it is amazing how quickly you’ll make friends. Quick shout out and high recommendations go to Mikki and Romeo at Miscellanea behind the Pantheon. Its an international student pub and if you find yourself there, drink some sexy wine!
Enjoying Italy to the fullest and already planning to come back! Ciao for now!
Rachel A.
