cab rides home at sun rise

We make our way down the windy cobblestone path and join the crowd at the taxi stand. My feet screaming at me for deciding on the 5 1/2 inch grey suede pumps, hair reeking of cigarette smoke, and my body exhausted from all the dancing, all I want is my bed. The night sky is growing lighter as we flag down a cab and I check the time - 5:30 am. Back in California, this was my typical wake up time during the week. Oh how different things are now.

Sarah and I say our goodbyes, complete with double-cheek kissing, and hop into the cab. Discussing the night we just had, all of our new friends, and swapping stories, the crazy taxi driver speeds down the narrow empty streets. He takes a strange turn down an unknown street. Confused as to why he didn't continue on the familiar former street, I use the little Italian that I know to question him. He quickly explains that the side street he turned on would lead us to Magna Grecia, the major street we live off of. "Ahhh, buona. Grazie!" I say.

During the next 5 minutes as he chauffeured us home, we exchanged conversation in Italian. I surprised myself with how much of the language I already understand. Even with my American accent and broken Italian, I feel as though I am beginning to get the hang of this. He drops us off and we bid farewell - all in Italian of course. Beyond drained, but content with my life in Italy, I crawl into bed as the sun begins to make its mark on the day.

food, architecture, and nightlife

Before leaving for Italy, countless people raved to me about the food. The word “fresh” was always used and now after multiple Italian meals, is really the best and only way to describe the cuisine. One would think that after eating an entire cheese pizza topped off with grilled zucchini you would want a wheel burrow to roll you out of the restaurant – This is not the case. The ingredients being real and whole, void of any unnecessary ingredients such as preservatives, leave you feeling energized. Unlike the heavy full feeling you are left with after eating a #2 at In-N-Out.

The architecture here is breathtaking. Every building you walk by is ornate and so different than the next one. I actually find myself holding my breath at times looking up in amazement at the ancient buildings. On Saturday we visited the third largest church in Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano, and I was at a loss for words. I kept looking around in awe only managing to get out the word “Wow.” I had to include a photo of the detailed ceiling; however, pictures really don't do these structures justice.

Nightlife here is definitely an experience in itself. Our first weekend here just happened to be opening day for the summer club "Babel". These are held outdoors and this concept is one of my favorite things about Rome thus far. The weather Saturday night was cool and breezy, perfect for a night out. After grabbing drinks at a pub we headed down the cobblestone streets towards the outdoor party. Walking in heels on cobblestone is quite a challenge, but we survived only taking a few stumbles.

While it has only been three days, I feel like we have been here for weeks already. Every outing has proved to be an adventure in itself and I am excited to write about all of it.