Today consisted of many firsts for me.
I flew for the first time, which was awesome & way more enjoyable with turbulence (despite disagreement among my peers). It is essentially like a roller coaster ride - bunny hops, hands up, roaring noise, some people are nauseous, & the seat belt is secure but slightly roomy in case of air time opportunities. I quickly learned its essentially impossible to sleep (comfortably) in an airplane, but I'm glad I was awake to get a peek of the Swiss Alps in the morning sunlight out of the windows. It was honestly one of the most beautiful, amazing sights I've ever seen - the other amazing one was seeing the plane ascend through the clouds...it was unreal!
Alps
I finally got to see the Colosseum & will be going inside of it - and completing that life goal - within a couple of days. It is an incredible structure & even more incredible to think of the history and culture that took place there. I cannot wait to wander through the ancient place. I think I will get to appreciate it a lot more after learning about it's architecture in my college art class.
I bought my first legal drink today - it is a grapefruit Bacardi cooler, which will be consumed sometime other than when I feel like passing out after flying almost halfway around the world & touring a chaotic foreign city. (Technically my first alcoholic beverage consumed was a little bit of wine in the evening).
I TRIED FOOD TODAY!!!! Lunch was at a cute little outdoor cafe directly down the street from the Colosseum. Dinner was a fancy 4 course meal near the apartments. My favorite course for the whole day was surprisingly the lasagna, which I never ever ever eat....ever. That dinner was probably the most filling dining experience ever.
Between flying, carrying bags, trying to understand extremely fluent Italian, avoiding persistent street vendors & terrifying gypsies, walking around alllllll over the place, and eating like crazy, I don't know how quickly everyone will be moving when we have to get up for a 7:30am departure to Vatican City. Tomorrow will be another incredible day (& full of tourist hot spots for me to share pictures of), so I am definitely looking forward to it, as well as getting the most needed night of rest ever.
But, in summary, this place is amazing & I wish I could stay, it was 90 degrees & sunny out today, & this is the place we're staying at while in Rome: http://www.casalipapareschi.it/
( You can also check out the class's website at www.pointparkjournalism.com/italy )
