For the past 9 months I have lived in the city that I studied abroad in. I never thought I could love a city as much as I loved Florence, so when I got the opportunity to move to Rome, I was not sure what to think. I am a Florence girl. I know the city, the people, where to go…what to do…but the idea of having an adventure in Rome appealed to me. I decided to go for it, and after almost 2 weeks of living in the eternal city, I think it is safe to say that I am transferring into a Roman.
The lifestyles are by far different in more ways then one. I have had to say goodbye to the Oil Shoppe, but thank goodness the pizza shop down the street has Suppli’s. I am beginning to look forward to Tony’s dinners as much as I looked forward to Gatto, and I am just starting to get the hang of the bus (which is just never going to be on time).
There is something magical about walking over the Bridge of Angels to the Castel Sant’Angelo at night, and I will never get over that I can see the Vatican from my bedroom window. I am just a bus ride away from hanging out with some gladiators at the Coliseum, and I love that there are ruins literally all over the city. Casually. Romans are similar to Florentines, as I have found them to be generous, caring people, with the same pride in their city that Florence has.
Exploring different parts of Italy is one of my favorite parts about living here. It’s great that Naples is just 2 hours away from Rome, and I really do love going there. Any city famous for mozzarella cheese is a winner in my book, and when you throw in four castles and the birthplace of pizza…I’m sold. I love the culture in SouthernItaly, so I am fortunate to be able to get down there on our trip often.
Having been fortunate enough to live in both Florence and Rome, I am excited and ready to continue my life in home sweet Rome!
