I’ve almost hit the two-month mark on my time in Rome.  That is just crazy to me.  All of the cool things that I have been able to see and experience make me never want to go home.  I seriously feel like I’m living in a dream world.  For example, I had the opportunity of hearing the Pope’s resignation speech yesterday.  The last Pope to resign was 600 years ago, so this is a pretty big deal.  I’m so pumped that I had the chance to experience this.

I will say though that with all of these cool things I have experienced, I’ve learned a ton.  I cannot believe that I went to another country where I do not know the language or anyone there or basically anything to expect.  However, my expectations have been exceeded.  I have met some awesome people and done some cool things.  I love that it’s a normal thing to see the Colosseum passing by as I go to the train station.

The first month is all about excitement and meeting people and experiencing new things.  There are a few bumps after that time of newness, however, it gets easier and easier.  The time is going by so quickly so far and I honestly do not like it! I want it to slow down, so I can take it all in.  I don’t want to waste any time that I have here in Roma!

Katherine, University of Tennessee at Knoxville