The Pizza is Square.

The pizza is square. This was my first thought as I chowed down on my first meal in Italy. After just over a week in this wine-induced and pasta-inspired land, I’ve learned so much more than I ever thought possible. In just one short week I’ve had to make adult decisions regarding apartments, phone plans, groceries, bills…the list goes on I promise. Each of these decisions has really allowed me to mature and become a confident American study abroad student.

The architecture here in Rome is unbelievablely beautiful. I haven’t even had a chance to see the Colisseum or the Vatican City yet, but I’ve found pictures to take and sights to read about every time I step out of my front door. The most wonderful times I’ve had here in Rome so far have simply occurred from wandering the city, finding parks and museums and hidden cafes that I never would have found just simply riding the metro into the City Center.

For never being out of the United States, I think I’m fitting in here quite well. Italians walk absolutely everywhere. The university I’m attending is a 40 minute walk (which at first I gasped about) but I’m finding gets easier to make each and every day. There is no shortage of outdoor markets and shops to peruse through on your way to anywhere. Everyone here is just a bit more relaxed I’ve found, even the Italian dogs! Many owners let their pets run free off the leash, and I’ve only seen one incident at a Carnevale celebration in which it became a problem.

I’ve seen so little of this amazing city, and I can’t wait to keep exploring and discovering. Before I sign off, I wanted to give a huge congratulations to the newest members of the IB department. I’m sure you guys are just as excited as I was to begin researching all of the different schools. LUISS in Roma is an amazing one, and I hope you’ll keep on reading my posts to find out why!

Alorra, I have to go to my last class of the day! Tonight, we have our last event for Welcome Week, where we get free admission to one of the best clubs in Rome (reserved JUST for the exchange students at this school!). Until next time, ciao!