After arriving in Rome soaking wet and exhausted I quickly unpacked. After unpacking I laid on my bed talking to my new roommate. Once everyone in my apartment had arrived we decided to go out to eat for the very first time together! While I was sitting outside enjoying my amazing meal I could not wrap my mind around the fact that I was now in Rome. I finally grabbed that experience that I had been working nonstop to reach. As I ate my delicious meal I could not help feeling like I was on a movie set. Rome was everything I dreamt it would be and so much more. This will be the place where I learn to live like the locals and I could not wait to immerse myself in the Italian culture.
The orientation from SAI and JCU were both extremely helpful. I do not know what I would have done without navigation 101. Eating a full Italian meal has been the highlight of my first week in Italy by far. I am stuffed to the max! The potato, rosemary and sausage quiche was my favorite appetizer while the pasta with tomato and bacon sauce was amazing. By time the chicken breast with ginger and lime came around I did not think I could swallow another bite! The meal was fantastic and the view was nothing short of breath taking. The whole time I could only think about how much I wish my family could enjoy the beauty of Italy.
I am so thankful for this experience and I can’t wait to see what else my journey brings. Hopefully I do not get hit by one of these crazy drivers!
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Ashley is a student at St. Norbert College studying at John Cabot University during the Fall 2013 term.
