GL 350, Week 2!

When I decided to come to Rome, I knew I would be learning a million new things, tasting food I have never tried before, and trying to speak a language that I barely mustarded a B in back at Walsh! When I arrived I was shocked and stressed about all of these things. So far, I have over come every obstacle that has come my way! I am really proud to say that. This week though, has been eventful to say the least.

The first obastacle I had to overcome was riding a bike. When I was told I had to ride a bike down the old Appian Way I laughed, but on the inside was mortified. The last time someone tried to make me a ride a bike I wrecked into an old man's truck and left a lovely pin strip down the side. As everyone joked about me never riding a bike, I tried to hide my horror of actually trying to do it. When I was handed my bike, I was also given a brief tutorial how to ride it. I was a little shaky at first, but quickly caught on! The cobblestone made it difficult to manouver but, I adjusted quickly! I was thrilled, I even rode better than most of those who teased me! I had a great time, I was sore the next three days but, I would glady go riding again!

The next obstacle I had to over come was traveling to a flooded Venice. Danilo kindly told us the water was taller than Henna; making the water reach my hair line! He did not seemed phased by the high water, but he left the rest of us in a tizzy. How do you even begin to pack for such a trip! I had not even left Rome yet but, was already thinking of Barzini's statment about how nothing compares to Rome. When we arrived the water had gone, thank goodness! I had renewed hope that I would enjoy Venice, it is after all one of the most touristy areas in the world. By the end of the weekend, the water was rising again and my mind was back on Barzini. I spent the entire weekend trying to find a real Venetian to talk too, it is nothing like Rome where you can find a native just about anywhere! It seems as though the only Venice natives are the gondaliers!

Returning to Rome home, the nickname we have all picked up for our home away from home, felt like the best day in the world. I was exhausted from all the traveling and wated nothing more than to see the familiar iron gate of our home. When I laid down in bed, I talked to my family for a while and I realized how homesick I really am. Rome home, is nice but it does not compare to my quite family farm in Ohio. It is strange to me how while I am away from Rome, I miss it and can not wait to return but, when I am back I miss my real home. The confusion in my head does not stop there. It is only week two being here, but I feel like I have been gone for a month. I also feel like my time here is so limited but, on the other hand I feel like the middle of December can not come soon enough. I suppose the once again Barzini somes all of this up for me; "Man must have many things, a great confusion, in his head, one must allow contradictory tendicies to proliferate, one must cultivate opposite ideals..."