Initial Reflections and Experiences in a Different Culture

Today marks my first day attending a school in a completely different culture, not to mention my birthday! I could not have asked for a better birthday than walking around a picturesque medieval town built within the gently rolling hills of northern Lazio. I am living la dolce vita, Italy's sweet life. In his book, Vroom with a View, Peter Moore details his adventure to Italy to purchase a legendary motor scooter, a '61 Vespa, to cruise around Italy and enjoy life to its fullest. He abides by no true schedule, avoids the heavily touristed sites as much as possible, and takes up the very comfortable, genuine, and relaxed lifestyle of the Italians. Moore's account of his Italian adventure had many inspiring ideas which I have decided to make a must on my own adventure, though it wouldn't be MY adventure if I did everything exactly the same. 

For starters, I was not too partial to the whole idea of riding around on one of the most fuel inefficient vehicles ever know to man. Those who know me quite well could attest to my minimalist approach to environmental impact; so bicycles, horses, and my own two legs have and will continue to be my means of exploration. I also have no desire to travel the entire length of Italy searching for the sweet life...for I feel that I have found just that, at least the unrefined, rough draft of living sweetly. 

It began with a week-long stay in Rome with my mother, who is undoubtably responsible for my adventuresome genes (sorry, Dad, you would probably agree anyway). We spent many amazing hours walking the historical city, seeing a lot of the major scenes it has to offer. Of course, a stop at Vatican City was on the agenda, which was more of a very extravagant museum than a true CHURCH, but that is only my, clearly official, opinion. The Coliseum and Roman Forum, however, were nothing shy of their reputations. The majesty of both cannot nearly be explained in writing or pictures, but rather mandate physical attendance.  Rome was amazing, a definite necessary if given the opportunity, but on my adventure, it was but the smallest tip of a very large iceberg. 

After seeing my mom off at the airport came the time to meet my fellow study abroad students, something I am not necessarily the best at, given my rather reserved nature. Fate, however, didn't seem to be disturbed by such a defining quality, for I was provided an introduction to one of the most unique, intelligent, and genuine individuals I have ever encountered, someone who shares so many ideals and interests it's almost scary. Since we first introduced ourselves, a mere four days ago, I have enjoyed some of the most amazing experiences one could possibly wish for, or at least I could wish for. The private exploration of an eight century old church built upon the remains of its five hundred year older predecessor, the enjoyment of a magnificent town and way of life, a hike through the beautiful hills and dense forest culminating in a picnic along side a gorgeous river, and conversations deeper than your average college student dialogue, have all shown me what a Wonderful World we truly inhabit. Peter Moore would be a bit jealous that my search for the sweet life was over within the first couple of chapters and the rest were spent living sweetly.