Rome is for everyone

The Pantheon

In the city of Rome, visitors can explore the history and culture of an ancient world. You can taste market fresh produce, explore ancient buildings, indulge in gelato, and gain a sense of yourself in this beautiful city.

 I went to Rome to study during intersession through the University of New Brunswick. This was my first trip across the ocean, so my experience was completely new.

 I arrived in Rome jetlagged and ready for a shower. I met with my fellow students in the airport to get a taxi to our hotel.

            A handsome young Italian driver greeted us. He was dressed as if his next stop was the runway in Milan. I was under the impression that New York and Toronto had the worst taxi drivers. I can now add Rome to the list.

            Five other girls and I gripped the sides of our seats, or whatever we could find, as we endured a ride of honking, screaming, mad Italians, and were almost plowed into by a bus. Before our stop the driver almost hit an older Italian woman. She was screaming at him, and brushing her hand under her chin, as he did the same.

            I feared for my life on this ride but it made me feel a little bit like an Italian. As I would come to find, Italians are very passionate people. I saw an Italian couple fighting in the streets. He grabbed her to kiss her, she kisses him back, he pushes her away, she chases after him, and on it went. I stood there in the street mesmerized by this outburst.

            Rome is beautiful and full of amazing architecture; the people however make the experience. It is so fascinating to watch a city move, talk, love, and fight in a way you have never seen before.

Saint Peters Square

I stood in Saint Peters Square; the structure is built in a circle, sculptures fixed on top of the pillars, and a cobblestone street. It was nighttime and the square was lit up. Lights shown from the water fountains. Glowing water trickled down the fountains, and it was then I felt the romance of Rome. I consider Rome to be a very romantic city with its architecture, people, food, and dessert! 

            Water fountains are common in Rome; this is because the emperors of Rome wanted their visitors to be greeted by fresh water from the aqueducts.

            The artwork and sculptures in Rome are beautiful and humbling. The art calls your attention and demands your focus. There are stories behind art, which is its purpose, instead of pages of writing, the brush or chisel tells the story.

Statue of Mary

            The statue of David by Michelangelo, in Florence, is stunning. Its enormity in itself is breathtaking, but to be flawless in its design was something I couldn’t imagine. I would advise all who go to Florence to see it.

            The other students and I went to the beach one weekend. It costs about 7 Euros to go but it’s worth it. You get your own lounge beach chair and umbrella, which is great so you don’t burn the soles of your feet. Rome was 32 degrees and we were loving it.

            The Mediterranean Sea is gorgeous. Its greeny blue water, and sandy bottom, it was heaven for most. Just remember to wear lots of sunscreen; it may not feel that hot with the wind blowing, but it gave some students a painful lobster tan.

The Beach in Ostia

           Being a vegetarian I assumed I might have some problems with the meals. I was wrong. Italian food is vegetarian friendly! Most of the pastas have no meat, and the meatless pizzas are so delicious!

          Four days of the week we eat at the same restaurant, and everyday we would be given bread to dip in olive oil and vinaigrette. A starter would be a bowl of pasta, then the meat eaters would get a meat dish and potatoes. I would get pizza or more pasta and then dessert. There was only one meal I didn’t enjoy. A big plate of fried mozzarella. When the waitress placed it in front of me the other students at my table said to me, “what is that?” I shrugged my shoulders and said, “No idea.” I plucked and searched through the stretchy mess to see if there was something in it. My professor laughed and said no it’s just fried cheese. I did eat some of it, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

         Rome has food like you have never tasted. Everyone goes to the market in the morning to get their fresh produce. I bought some strawberries and they were so good. The reason why Italian food is amazing is because everything is so fresh, nothing compares to it. When I came home I tried to make pesto pasta and it just wasn’t the same.

        Rome is a city of beauty, good food, great fashion, and wonderful people.

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Posted by Alaina Nugent on Oct 9, 2009. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.