When I arrived in Rome, despite the long day of travel, I was so excited that I didn’t feel tired at all. After being picked up from the airport by someone from API Abroad Experience (an organization partnered with the UA Abroad program) and taken to a hotel where I met a few of my first friends for the trip. Even though it was rainy, we walked around the nearby area and tried to soak in the foreign experience. Looking back, it was a special and memorable start to my adventure.
My favorite thing about Rome has been how much you walk here—something I was warned about but didn’t fully appreciate until I got here. The city’s steep hills and many stairs mean I’m walking about 10 miles a day. Although Rome has easily accessible public transport, I’ve chosen to walk to see more of the city and truly experience it. Academically, I’m taking two elective courses: Roman Sketchbook and Religious Architecture. Since these classes are mostly off-campus, they’ve given me extra opportunities to explore and learn about Rome beyond the classroom. One of my favorite trips so far was a weekend getaway to Split, Croatia, with a group of friends I made during my time in Rome so far. We went on a boat excursion, hung out on the beach and sampled local food, with the kebabs tortillas being a standout favorite.
Meeting locals has been a big part of the experience. While the language barrier has posed some challenges, especially in less touristy spots, many people speak English, and Google Translate has been a huge help. As I prepare to head home, I’m starting to gather souvenirs and reflect on my time here. The excitement of returning home is mixed with the sadness of leaving a place that has become so special to me.
When we arrived in Split, Croatia, we unloaded onto the tarmac, and I took this quick selfie below:
