Passport to Spain: When in Rome... Day 1

For Valentine's weekend I was fortunate enough to be in one of the top romantic cities in the world: Rome. I visited my sorority sister, Margaret Biebel, who is studying abroad in Rome. After a long night/morning of traveling I had finally arrived in Ciampino, then took a 40 minute taxi ride to my hotel in Rome. The drive wasn't anything special, although toward the end, my cab driver gave me some much needed advice: "In Italy, we Italians follow one word: Live lightly". At first, I didn't take his motto into deep consideration, but eventually I realized it was something very valuable. We tend to live our lives with heavy weight on our shoulders: academics, finances, relationships, etc. I stress about so many small things, and never take time to just breath or "live lightly". Being abroad is finally making me realize that I can't keep sweating the small things, because it won't get me anywhere and only diminish my happiness. The Italians live life to the fullest: eating as much as they please, making plans loosely, and simply being. To many individuals this taxi driver would never serve as a significant purpose, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and for me, it did.

Once I arrived in Rome, I met up with Marge for brunch. My first bite of Italy was impeccable. We both shared chocolate chip banana pancakes and a giant salmon eggs benedict. After brunch, we explored Rome, seeing the Tiber River, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, ending the day with real Italian pizza and gelato! It was the perfect first day in Rome.