Ciao Bella!

I'm awake. It's dark outside. My roommates are still sleeping in their beds, but I can't let this opportunity pass me by. I quietly tie my running shoes and tip-toe toward the door. Slowly I descend the stairs to the front entrance of my hotel. Palo, the doormen, sits sleeping at his post. I wonder for a moment if I should wake him, and request that he unlock the door. But I choose not to for fear he will label me as one of those inconsiderate tourists he rants about during the continental breakfasts. Luckily, the door is unlocked. I step outside. Immediately the scent of cigarette butts, exhaust and burnt asphalt strike my senses. Taking a hesitant and deep breath, I look at the narrow, winding streets ahead of me and start to run.

To my left I can see a small gelato shop with a large array of flavors reflecting off the shop's glass windows. To my right I see African immigrants preparing their markets for morning traffic. What trinkets will they sell today, I wonder. Silk ties, a nice pair of shoes, a bracelet?

Farther and Farther I run, leaving a trail of mental bread crumbs that will lead be back home. A clock tower is to the East, a bakery shop to the West, and just North is my destination. The sun is beginning to peak from behind the buildings. As I run down the narrow sidewalks I notice shop owners opening their windows, sweeping their doorsteps and setting dining tables for hopeful customers. One man with a shaved head and missing tooth even waves at me. His white bakery apron is tainted with red sauce and flour. I am motivated by his friendly gesture, and continue moving forward.

The sun continues to rise, and in the distance I can see where I'm headed. I am only half a mile away. Looming arches begin to grow with each step I take. Ancient stone becomes more defined as I move myself forward. And then, I am there!

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I can't believe it's already been one year since I left for my European study abroad program. It seems like just yesterday I was jogging through the curving streets of Rome, smelling the flavors of Italian spices and the stench of exhaust escaping from buses and motorcycles.

The synopsis above is a little reflection of mine from my time in Rome, Italy. During my travels, I made it a personal habit to wake up every morning to go running. It was best way to see the city. While everyone else was cozy in their beds, sleeping off their hangovers from the previous night's festivities, I was sitting at Trevi Fountain or the Coliseum in total solitude. It is hard to believe that hundreds of years ago, people actually used structures like the Coliseum for major sporting events and gladiator entertainment. Looking at the ancient structure now, it is apparent that the weathering of time progression and people has taken its toll on the old cracked stone. Despite its aged look, however, there is a unique appeal to the famous arches and detailed pillar pediments. Its beauty and roughness still captivate me today.

I'd like to give a shout out to my girls: Angela, Annie, Cici and Gena! Thanks for making last summer fantastic. Angela, I miss splitting all my meals with you, speaking in a Russian, British and Spanish accent, and stealing front row seats to West End Musicals (Thanks for making me go to Les Miserables...so amazing).

London
The British Museum...yes, we are respectable.
Venice
Cinque Terre
Running through the streets of Rome
The Coliseum