Wow! I just had my first Italian meal at a “ristorante” here in Rome! It was buonissima! Our program directors chose Caffé Ciampini for our welcome dinner Friday night, which is located near La Piazza di Spagna, which is very close to our school.
We were told that the four course dinner was “light Italian fare,” which made us worry about how we’d ever be able to eat a full Italian meal! Our first course was Caprese salad (tomato, basil, mozzarella), followed by creamy herbed risotto, then pasta with tomato sauce, and finally lemon sorbet for dessert. It was all quite tasty, and the sorbet was a perfect finish! The food was accompanied by bottles of local white wine (we appreciate the drinking age being 16 in Italy) and sparkling Pellegrino water.
The dinner was relaxing and slowly paced, and so when it finished after 9:00, most of us were more than ready to go to sleep after our long day. Some of my classmates were even falling asleep on the tables! We’re back at the hotel now (which is in the same building as our school), and I can hardly stay awake. After I tackle the tiny Italian shower, I’ll be collapsing in my bed for sure!

Posted by Lisa at 09:12 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

I have safely arrived here in Rome, after 12 hours in the air and a few more hours in airports. My checked bags, however, failed to meet me at the baggage claim. I flew from Houston to Newark to meet my classmates, and then we all flew together from Newark to Rome. The airport tells me that my bags were probably left in Newark, and did not make the transfer to my plane to Rome. After reporting them lost, I was told that they should get here by the following afternoon, and would be delivered to my hotel. It’s quite an interesting situation, considering the restrictions on what we can bring on carry-on baggage (no liquids); I don’t have anything like toothpaste, face wash, make-up, or anything I need. And, even though I’d been advised to pack an extra pair of clothes in my carry-on, I didn’t do that due to a lack of room, and because I thought for sure that my luggage wouldn’t get lost! I won’t make that assumption again!
As far as the flight went, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. The time passed pretty quickly as I watched a movie and tried to get some sleep in the uncomfortable plane seat. And the jetlag wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected either! I was actually quite energized and excited upon arrival, and that has lasted most of the day, although I think I’ll be ready to sleep after dinner tonight!

Posted by Lisa at 05:11 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Hello again! Well, the days are creeping closer to when I leave for Rome! I can’t believe I’m going to be in Italy in just a few days! I’m mostly excited, but a little nervous too. Trying to pack everything I’ll need for a semester in just two suitcases is insane! That’s probably the biggest problem I’m facing right about now; it’s so hard to try to decide what to leave and what to bring. Tonight my family and I are going out to eat as a farewell dinner for me. It’s going to be hard to be away for four months without seeing them or my home. My parents might come to visit for a weekend, though; so that’s something to look forward to. One thing I’m not looking forward to is the 8 hour plane ride from Newark to Rome. And, I have a 4 hour plane ride to Newark from Houston before that. It’s not going to be a very fun day of travel, I can tell you that! Well, I’m getting ready for dinner, and have so much to do before I leave, but I’ll keep you posted, so keep checking my blog!

Posted by Lisa at 10:07 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)