10 Lessons I have Learned In Italy So Far

1) To get out of the bank, you press the button. Screaming like a banshee and throwing yourself against the glass will not only make you look like a lunatic, but also indicate to the random passerbys that you are indeed, a tourist.
2) Cobblestones are very very slippery, especially when they are wet.
3) Do not get the Bidet and the Toilet confused with each other.
4) Vespas are The Devil on wheels, and crossing the street is always a near death experience.
5) Do not take for granted that the shower head will stay on the wall.
6) Gelatto is just about the best thing on this earth. Eat as much as possible.
7) Wi-fi and hot water are blessings.
8) Do not be alarmed if the toilet's flush sounds like a teakettle going off. This is normal.
9) Watch out for dog poop in the middle of the sidewalk.
10) If we were living back in the days when Ostia Antica was a living and breathing city, taking a bath would be considered a sin. The smellier you were the closer you were with God, hence the phrase "the smellier the better".

Ciao From Rome!

Ciao!!
These first few days in Rome have been absolutely amazing! We have done lots of site seeing, and exploring both sides of the Tiber River. It has been quite the adventure! The first few days I was so sleepy from the jetlag that it didnt really sink in the I was in Rome, but now after walking around, eating Gelatto and getting lost I can finally say it; I AM IN ROME!! Its very exciting.

Orientation was very informative. Our apartment is about a 10 minute walk from both campuese, which is so nice. The campuese are very close together, about 5 minutes apart and its super easy to get to both of them. John Cabot and SAI held a nice orientation that allowed us to explore and get used to Rome without getting too lost. For one of the nights, Andy Steves (yes, Rick Steve's son!!) showed us around and pointed out all of the good restaurants. Im so excited I got to meet him!

I have had some very good pizza and gelato so far. My favorite gelatto so far has been the hazelnut flavored one. there are so many gelatto places, its fun to try out each one. The pizza here has also been deliscious. Its not like american pizza though, you have to cut it yourself!

I have taken so many pictures and done so many things I am just going to highlight:

This is the Tiber River. it is one of the main rivers that runs through Rome, and it is the divider between Trastevere (where I live) and main Rome, which is the more touristy part. Its super easy to navigate here because if I ever get lost all I have to do is find the Tiber River.

During Orientation SAI took us to Ostica Atica, which are the ruins of an Ancient City. It was amazing! We were able to walk through the ruins and explore. This is what I came to Rome for, I love all of these archeology sites.

 SAI also took us to Borgo Di Tragliata, which is located in the countryside. It was absolutely beautiful! We had an amazing lunch, and then we toured the farm. It was amazing!

Thats all for now!
Tomorrow classes start, Im looking forward to it!

Ciao Bella, Kathleen