Forza Roma!! My First Italian Soccer Experience

Rome has two competing soccer teams: AS Roma and Lazio. The rivalry between them is huge. The team you support in Rome is part of your identity.The Lazio-Roma soccer game was a few weeks ago and my friend Tighe and I really wanted to go, so we invested in the 20-euro tickets at a Tabacchi …

Cinque Terre: Beach, Hiking and Pesto!

Cinque Terre is located in the Italian Riviera, a four-hour train ride from Rome. Dubbed the “five lands” for its five adorable towns, this beautiful area is full of beach, sun, pesto, focaccia, and hiking trails. I learned about the Cinque Terre from my friend Erin, who was in Europe for the summer. Had she …

Spanish Steps: Seven Miles of Exploration

The store that sells my University’s textbooks is right next to the Spanish Steps. Since I needed a book last week and had nothing to do on Friday afternoon, it seemed like a great day to spend at the Piazza di Spagna. I met up with Marni, a fellow Gator, after class, and crossed the …

Trestevere Tour: The Other Side of the Tiber

Last Saturday, I sat in bed all day long with a cold. When Sunday rolled around, I was feeling much better and ready to go see more of Rome with my roommate Malia! So I put on some walking shoes and grabbed my Rick Steves’ tour book as a guide, then stepped out the door …

Getting Lost in Rome

Last Thursday, I didn’t have any classes, so I planned some time into my day to get lost in Rome. After walking from my apartment to the Tiber River, I chose a direction and walked for several hours. I meandered north, and after several minutes I was surprised to see a huge castle just blocks …

First Week in Rome

Ciao! After arriving in Rome last Wednesday at 8:30am, life has been pretty crazy. The first day, all of the Study Abroad Italy students were shuttled from the airport to our apartment. My roommates and I were speechless when we opened the door. It is so cute! Located several blocks from the Vatican, it is …