A City Come Alive

Today everything seemed to come alive! As I walked the streets of Rome, making my way through new allies and discovering new spots such as the one I’m sitting in now, Circus Art Cafe, I felt as if everything stood out. The marble city silhouetted with domes and towering statues, seemed so clear from the top of Piazza Garibaldi. Even the mountains showed off their beauty, a careful contrast against the white outline of the city!

The cute, chic café that I happened upon while exploring the backs streets has a unique style, and somewhat of an American twist to it (American only because it actually has tables and chairs to sit down in to enjoy a cup of coffee or work on a paper!). The sun is shining through the window wrapping me in warmth as I drink a cappuccino.

I’m getting in the habit of forcing myself to order everything in Italian. My efforts to fit in, and appear to be an Italian have seemed to fail up until this point…and I thought I was doing well. For example, when I ordered some gelato yesterday: “Coni piccolo con pistachio solo, per favore!” I immediately felt a sense of pride only to hear the guy scooping my gelato say: “Americini…American?!?!?” Ugh. Really? Was it that obvious that I’m American? In any case, this set back won’t stop me. I’ve continued to order in Italian, and not only that but only speak Italian when I’m addressed by another Italian. I refuse to speak English whenever possible while out in public (except when I’m with other American speaking people).

As of late, my mind has been focused, far too much, on what is my favorite time of year: Christmas. I don’t know what has sparked this premature excitement for preparing for Christmas, but it’s all I can think about. I’m most excited about experiencing a little taste of the Christmas Season, or, rather, the preparations for it, here in Roma! I want to experience and commandeer new traditions. Europeans seem to have more traditions, or should I say, different traditions. Maggie and myself planned a trip to Austria the second week in December, where I hope to participate in their Advent festivities.

So much is planned for the last four weeks of my stay here in Rome. My heart aches at the thought of leaving, yet I must not dwell on the days left, but cherish and live each day to the fullest. I’m making a list of the things I have to fit in before I go so I don’t forget to do them before I leave. We’ve done so much already!