2008 Woodie Awards
Ciao, from Italy
Jenna Rignanese
Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
As our Boeing 777 taxied its way down the runway of Logan International in Boston, I peered through the window at the freshly lit skyline of the city. This would be my last glimpse of America until May.
After six and half hours of zero sleep, processed air plane food, too many songs, and deep thoughts of apprehension, excitement, and sadness, we touched down in snowy London.
London, in a blanket of white, kept us waiting for 4 hours, on the plane. Friends were made and stories exchanged, as one would naturally do in a cramped space.
Our final destination came quicker than expected. Blustery winds and rain welcomed us to Italy.
We made it off the plane intact, luckily retrieving all pieces of luggage moments later. Loading the bus up was a task in itself. The last stop was our soon to be home.
With three bags, weighing in at 54, 58, 25 respectively, I trucked down the streets in the pouring rain.
Three friends and myself were guided to our new apartment on Viale Di Trastevere.
The language barrier and the unknown was now a reality as we were dumped into the middle of this ancient city.
We realized immediately that life in this culture is quite different as we poked around the apartment. My heart began to race as we read the signs on the door; 15 minutes of hot water a day. Between six girls, the water issue would be nothing less than a travesty. Do not use your curling irons or flat irons- they will blow up!
Be quiet at all times, your neighbors can here you. Lock your doors even when you are home, little children may sneak in and rob you.
My palms were sweating and my head was spinning.
After the initial shock we made it out on the town. The first day was tiring and overwhelming, followed by the second day, which began with our first visit to the American University of Roma.
The short train and bus ride to school brought us to a colorful campus with great views of the Vatican City.
The next few days were devoted to exploring the city. We saw points of interest like the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Colleseum.
We went out at night to Campo de Fiori, a trendy cobble stoned area connected to various bars, where many college kids congregate in Rome.
Adjustments are always difficult, and learning a new culture becomes more challenging with every day.
Tune in next week for more. Ciao!
After six and half hours of zero sleep, processed air plane food, too many songs, and deep thoughts of apprehension, excitement, and sadness, we touched down in snowy London.
London, in a blanket of white, kept us waiting for 4 hours, on the plane. Friends were made and stories exchanged, as one would naturally do in a cramped space.
Our final destination came quicker than expected. Blustery winds and rain welcomed us to Italy.
We made it off the plane intact, luckily retrieving all pieces of luggage moments later. Loading the bus up was a task in itself. The last stop was our soon to be home.
With three bags, weighing in at 54, 58, 25 respectively, I trucked down the streets in the pouring rain.
Three friends and myself were guided to our new apartment on Viale Di Trastevere.
The language barrier and the unknown was now a reality as we were dumped into the middle of this ancient city.
We realized immediately that life in this culture is quite different as we poked around the apartment. My heart began to race as we read the signs on the door; 15 minutes of hot water a day. Between six girls, the water issue would be nothing less than a travesty. Do not use your curling irons or flat irons- they will blow up!
Be quiet at all times, your neighbors can here you. Lock your doors even when you are home, little children may sneak in and rob you.
My palms were sweating and my head was spinning.
After the initial shock we made it out on the town. The first day was tiring and overwhelming, followed by the second day, which began with our first visit to the American University of Roma.
The short train and bus ride to school brought us to a colorful campus with great views of the Vatican City.
The next few days were devoted to exploring the city. We saw points of interest like the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Colleseum.
We went out at night to Campo de Fiori, a trendy cobble stoned area connected to various bars, where many college kids congregate in Rome.
Adjustments are always difficult, and learning a new culture becomes more challenging with every day.
Tune in next week for more. Ciao!
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