Submitted by Nikki Dombrowski on the 2017 spring semester program in Rome, Italy…
It wasn’t long before I realized that Rome is a spectacular city. The neighborhood that we live and go to school in is exactly what I wanted to immerse myself in; a collection of colorful family owned shops, quaint apartments and unavoidably delicious restaurants… oh and I can’t forget to mention all the dogs! But to my surprise.. what was waiting for me on the other side of the river was something much different than what I had imagined or had seen in movies. Venturing into the main city of Rome was not a visitation to historical sites, instead I felt as if I was living the history as I just casually strolled through the city. I expected all sites and monuments to be gated off in some park space that was reserved just for the monument, but Rome is not this way. It is pleasantly shocking to see these grand historical buildings blended into a city that formed around them. A bustling world operates in the midst of an ancient city. I am happy to be a part of this and to intertwine my American background into this new Italian setting.
