Submitted by Giulia Richardson the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…
Week 4 (Jan 29- Feb 4)
During my time in Rome so far, I’ve taken two weekend trips to other countries in Europe. My first trip was to Paris, France, and my second trip was to London, U.K. Being able to explore other parts of the world while already living in a city as amazing as Rome is such a privilege. Rome is a center for international travel, which, in addition to its own beauty and culture, makes it an even better place to live. Other countries with completely different histories and cultures are only a 50 euro plane ticket away. It was shocking how different Paris, London and Rome are from each other while being in the same continent. Paris was so unexplainably “Paris”; beautiful uniform buildings with detailed iron terraces, boulangeries on every corner, and people wearing berets all over the streets. London had the classic red telephone booth, the big red buses, and the pubs with fish and chips. We hear about other cultures of the world all the time, but to see it in real life exactly how it was explained was surreal. Although these weekend trips were fun, and I do plan to go on more of them, it also made me grateful for where I chose to live this semester. Traveling to these places made me realize how much of a homey and comforting feel Rome has. It’s a colorful and old fashioned city where the people are friendly and warm. It’s a major global hotspot but the streets feel safe and calm. I’m excited to travel more of the world but even more excited to keep exploring my home in Rome. (Submitted on February 8, 2024)