Rome via Brooklyn

469 words, 2 minutes read time

Starting off my blog a little different since I’ve been here since Friday morning. My trip was uneventful (in the best ways) – breezed through TSA, sat in a lounge for an hour, boarding was swift, and we were in the air without problem. The flight itself was fine – felt long because I can’t sleep on flights, but otherwise fine. We arrived at Fiumicino an hour early and the gate wasn’t ready, so we had to deplane using those cool stairs that you see in movies. I’ve only ever done that once before, but on a smaller plane. Getting through the airport was fast and I was out and with my family in just 30 minutes. Overall, one of my best international travel experiences.

My entire first day was practically spent in bed. The jet lag and the exhaustion hit me so hard that I hardly even noticed just how uncomfortable the spare bed was. But it was wonderful waking up to see my Zia (Nonna’s big sister) – who I haven’t seen in almost 20 years – sitting on the couch watching tv. Something mundane and normal to her, but something that filled me with immense joy and emotion. It was a dream waking up every morning with un caffe, un cornetto, and a big kiss on the face (and Mozzi, Zia’s sweet little cat). Sharing space with her, despite our language barrier and time apart, was effortless and beautiful, and something that I will carry with me forever.

On Saturday my cousin took me to visit took me to visit with some family in our town up north. It was a surreal experience. We had lunch with another cousin of mine and her fiancé and it was beautiful, albeit emotional, spending time in a place where multiple generations have lived and died over the years. I feel a certain kind of nostalgia in Italy that I can’t quite explain. It hurts so good being here: I come so infrequently, and because it doesn’t stay trapped in time, I come back and everyone is so much older or no longer with us. We even took the time to visit the cemetery where multiple relatives have been laid to rest, and I was overcome with emotion at the realization that these were people I only knew once upon a time and now they’re gone. It’s strange, but I’m so grateful to be back and to be able to enjoy my time with all of them.

On a more practical (and not so melancholy) note, some advice — it’s HOT! 🥵 The temperature itself isn’t terrible (low/mid 80s), but the sun is merciless and the UV index is high so I really cannot emphasize enough – SUNSCREEN! Pack extra if you haven’t already!

See you all tomorrow in Prati! Have a safe flight! ✈️

-Julia