Rome via Brooklyn

Word Count: 420

Time to Read: 3-4 minutes

Freshly off the flight, we were picked up by Professor Yarrow in the airport. Soon after rounding us up, tickets were bought and validated, and before we knew it, we were off. The train ride to Trastevere was stunning — it was AC’d, and the landscape outside was ornamented with golden grass, the occasional hay bale, and the most stunning flowers in saturated shades of the purple and pink family. “This is Rome,” I contentedly sighed. I’m so glad I decided to just go forward with the group flight; being with my classmates made the entire experience significantly nicer. There’s nothing like having someone to talk to about what you’re seeing and feeling.

Upon arrival, we were introduced to our wonderful guide (whose name may or may not have been Sam), who offered some invaluable advice along with a holistic tour of our apartment. At this point, I was on cloud 9 and ready for whatever the day brought!

At around 6:30 PM, we started our journey toward the restaurant. We saw a flight of stairs impressive alone by the fact that they were so long; a closer look made something cool become monumental. There was a face in the stairs, assumedly carved, where the artist created an optical illusion!

While looking at the stairs, I thought back to this quote found in our reading. It goes, “Archaeological tourists hardly move across the city in a chronological or typological order,“ and I now wonder what the travel experience would be like if I was more cognizant of eras. Would we pick up differences and similarities in architecture ourselves? Is it even necessary? I’m not sure I have the answer to those questions, but maybe someday I’ll try exploring a new city that way.

Anyway, dinner was outstanding. We had 3-4 courses — if salad is considered a course (I think it is) — and the food was excellent, but the company even more so. I think we have a really great group here. With so many different personality types present, it is not outlandish to presume friction, but I see none of that happening! We shared many a laugh, there was lots of chatter, and the energy was so vivacious beginning to end.

I adored seeing the tall trees lit by the sun, the buildings casting massive shadows, and the brightness of Rome in general. There was a warmness in the air while we sat in the restaurant — in thanks to both the fresh cooking and the vibes.

On the way back, one of my roommates and I walked back to our apartment. The nightlife scene, especially in our neighborhood, gives NYC a run for its money. In fact, outside of our apartment, there was music blaring and clamor until 2:30 AM. Never in my life had I been happier to be deaf in one ear, until I laid on my working ear and realized I could still feel the bass. Alas, sleep might be a rarity!