Submitted by Alexandra Evangelist on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…
I arrived in Rome on January 8th. On January 12, 2024, a few days after my arrival, I visited the Colosseum. Knowing that the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world, I’ve always wanted to visit. Being able to go inside just to admire the architecture and see where the gladiators fought is surreal. The Colosseum was able to seat around 50,000 spectators for a variety of events which is hard to believe. The Colosseum is a major historic landmark and is one of the seven wonders of the world. I went to see this site with my new friends I met during orientation this week. I have had a great time immersing myself with Italian culture. Trying new food, meeting new people, and being a part of new experiences are just the highlights of the beginning of my experience. My specific experience abroad is unique because of the fact that Rome is enriched with history that goes back before christ. The architecture, art, and stories behind this city are never ending. The Colosseum, along with a lot of other landmarks, was built brick by brick years ago. This makes it crazy to believe it is possible to create without technology like today and also that it is still intact. (Submitted January 14, 2024)