In the final stretch of my time in Rome, I can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude for this amazing adventure. Living and breathing in another country like Rome and Athens has been a wild ride, full of culture, business, and history.
First off, let’s talk languages. Rome threw me a curveball because not everyone was as fluent in English as they were in Athens. Laundry on night one turned into a bit of a comedy show, with us trying to communicate using mostly hand gestures. But hey, it sparked a crash course in Italian phrases for me and my roommates!
Food became a saga too. Athens made my gluten-free life a bit tricky, unlike Rome, where I got treated to a full-blown gluten-free feast. Picture this: a three-course meal, complete with special fryers to keep things gluten-free. My buddies even took a pasta-making class where I was able to use gluten-free flour, just to make sure I didn’t miss out.
Now, let’s dive into the drama between Greece and Rome. Our tour guide threw some subtle shade at Rome, claiming they had the first mall. But, surprise, surprise, Athens swears the first mall was in the agora. It was like being caught in a historical soap opera. Getting the gossip from both sides was cool, but our professor had the real scoop.
Sightseeing was a whirlwind of iconic spots—the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Saint Peter’s Basilica (where we even spotted the Pope there on a Sunday morning), the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum, and Hadrian’s Village. Saint Peter’s Basilica stole the show for me. It was like stepping into a majestic, intricate and intimate place of worship. It’s as if every corner holds a piece of art inviting you in to get lost in its beauty.
To sum up what really stuck with me about the Roman Empire was they loved to intimidate. Those ancient buildings? Totally meant to make you feel like a tiny ant. Exploring the stories of their emperors was eye-opening too. Rome was a powerhouse, no doubt. I’m leaving with a backpack full of memories and gratitude for everything Rome had to offer from the past and present.
