Rome via Brooklyn

Before coming on the trip, I had two going-away parties that were very Italian-themed. Pictured above is me, my mom, and my aunt toasting our glasses of Prosecco. I also actually won 25-dollar MET Opera tickets to see Anthony and Cleopatra, which I thought was very fitting before going. I have always wanted to go to Italy, and it is surreal that I have the opportunity to do so! I’ve had this sense of dread when going into the trip because I am away from my family for a while. My aunt, uncle, and mom dropped me off at the airport, and the drop-off was super hectic, to say the least. Going to check in my bag and the long walk to the gate felt like a super long runway of nervousness mixed with excitement. My family advised me not to get kidnapped and to stay in a group, which I plan to do. The last time I flew this far was for my friend’s birthday in 2019, so it is interesting how I experienced it differently on my own. I thought the plane was nice, though, there was room because I had an even more space seat. The food was okay, though. I know it’s a plane, and what should I expect, but you know. The movie selection was expansive, and I watched Blade Runner till I passed out.  In the readings, I enjoyed reading about all the different modes of transport, and I want to take a bullet train somewhere, I just don’t know where. I also enjoyed how, in the readings, Italians work off of a gut feeling, with family and regional relationships being considered.