Roma--An ancient city with an old friend

Buongiorno,

Two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit Rome with Amy Bednar, one of my good friends and another Miami student. Even though I only spent two days (it is about an 11 hour train ride from Geneva), I think that Rome was one of my favorite cities in Europe. The unique blend of ancient history and modernity, great food and friendly people, I think that Rome is one of the most livable cities that I have visited in Europe. In fact, I was so enchanted that I took more pictures here than I have taken anywhere else--600+ in 2 days!

What makes Rome so livable is hard to distinguish. Maybe it was the fact that Italian is so close to Spanish, a language that I miss here in Geneva. Or, maybe, it was the friendliness of the people which I had the opportunity to meet. Anyone who knows me will understand my utter fascination by ancient Roman culture. For me, visit a place like Rome was like actually living in a special on the Discovery Channel. Ok, so, now that I have revealed myself as a history nerd, I think that Rome has so many interesting facets and quirks that the city offers a completely different experience to each visitor.

Moreover, it was great to see Amy and to be able to share this experience with her. It is rare that friends can say that they have traveled to 2 countries (yes, I am counting the Vatican) together. I also enjoyed catching up with Amy...it was nice to have a few reminders of home. In actuality, I didn't realize that I was homesick until seeing Amy. Such a reunion always brings up past memories, talk of common friends, and life at Miami--things that I have not done in a long time. Yet, such an experience reaffirmed that I need to make the most of my opportunity abroad and that Miami will still be there when I return.

Learning about Rome in history class, I knew that there were so many monuments and places inside the city that I wanted to see. Fortunately for us, we were able to see all these extraordinary places. However, we almost missed St. Peter's Basilica. We arrived in Rome on Friday (Halloween) and went to the Colosseum early in the morning. After the tour (to skip the line) we also took a tour of Palentine Hill, the hill overlooking the forum and the location of many former palaces and temples. Our tour guide, probably one of the best that I have had in Europe, told us that the Basilica would be closed the following day (because it was All Saints Day), a thought that had never occurred to us. She went on to explain that here tour company was one of the only 3 allowed into the basilica the next day, so we bought tickets. Well, we then set off on a dead sprint to the Vatican Museum because we were afraid that we would miss the museum/Sistine Chapel. Luckily, everything worked out well and we had plenty of time to see both locations, in their entirety.

Apart from the whirling tour of the city, I really enjoyed the art of the city. It is nice to put the information that I learned in art history course at Miami to good use. I was amazed at just how many of the pieces of artwork that I had learned about in the class were in Rome. In addition, as a gourmand/gourmet, the food in Rome was incredible! I believe that I had gelato 4 times in 2 days. Besides that, I was able to have some of the best pizza, panini, and pasta on the planet.

I think the part of Italian culture that I found the most refreshing was their joie de vivre (joy for living). The Italians seem to know how to appreciate the fine aspects of life, not be bogged down with the seriousness of careers (or politics, as most Italians joke). It is nothing for them to spend two hours in a cafe or spending a whole evening eating food with friends and family while watching the local Roma football match. I think there is a lot of beauty in this way of living and is also a trait the Italians share with the Spanish. In today's high-paced, profit-driven world, it is very refreshing to see a culture that values taking things one day at a time and living for the simple pleasures in life.

Food first. Pasta alla carbonara and lasagna. Traditional Italian cannoli on the right.

Bruschetta with mushroom topping and Chicken saltimbocca alla Romana.

Salami panino and gelato... the first of four. My favorite flavors were frutti di bosco and lemon basil.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin church near the Circus Maximus. The Colosseo at night.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel, the first leader of a united Italy. The Castle of Saint Angelo... of Angles and Demons fame.

Next stop, orator of the Senate. Look mom, I am in two places (Italy and Vatican City) at the same time!

The beautiful interior of St. Peter's Basilica.

The ancient Pantheon (oculus included). Piazza Navona, a beautiful, open-air square in the city center.

The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain at night.

One of the numerous famous pieces of artwork in the Vatican Museum... can anyone name it? Saint Peter's square at night.

The ancient Roman Forum...very impressive. The Colosseo, a must see in Rome.

Hope all is well back home. My Eurail pass expired this past weekend, but I have updates coming on Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, and Zurich... so, look out for those. Also, now is a good time for me to buckle down as I have a few papers and finals due in the next couple weeks.

Ciao!

Love and Honor,

Matteo