Submitted by Irene Piro the 2024 Spring program in Rome, Italy…
I took some time off because my roommates and I were sick for a bit, and right after, exams quickly followed (the exams have continued…the reality of studying abroad I suppose). It has become quite warm here in Rome during my hiatus (I may need to retire my puffer soon!). In this time, I have also gone on quite a few adventures, and have picked up on little bits of Italian/Roman culture that I have come to appreciate.
I have been able to visit many different areas of Rome such as the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill where there is an orange garden, along with a few hidden gems. In my neighborhood, Trastevere, my friend and I visited a small nursery that sells so many different plants. I’m very tempted to take home a cactus, but I’m not too sure how I’d go about that. My friend and I did pick up a basil plant for the apartment though, so we’ll enjoy that for the time being. I’ve also been able to try several new restaurants in Rome, and I have enjoyed the late-night, slow dinners that seem custom here. On Valentine’s Day, my friends and I spent a good 3-4 hours at dinner, where we enjoyed live music, pasta, drinks, and dessert. I fear that I’m taking the slow meals for granted here!
Spring break was also amazing. My friends and I hit 4 countries in 6 days. Our first stop was Budapest, where we explored the city, visited the thermal baths, and did a Prosecco River Cruise. Then we hopped on another plane and hit Brussels. The fries were delicious! Next, we took a train to Paris and saw the basics–the Mona Lisa, The Eiffel Tower, and the Arch de Triomphe. Then finally we flew to Dublin, where it snowed the day before and rained for a good amount of our first day. Our socks and shoes were wet from the slush, but we still managed to have a fulfilling time. We went on a Jameson and Guinness tour where we learned how to taste whiskey and the proper way to pour and of course, drink a Guinness. I’d love to visit Ireland again in the spring or summer without the biting wind, slush, and rain, but overall, it was definitely a spring break for the books. (Submitted on March 18, 2024)