Rome In Retrospect

As I look out my window at Italy below me, I felt so many emotions while the Godfather theme music played on repeat in my head. I didn't know what I was about to experience when I landed at Fiumicino airport. Sitting in a window seat next to a stranger with awful morning breath mixed with last night's tomato juice, I couldn't wait to get off that plane. I shuffled through the aisle, bags and pooh bear in hand. Customs could not have been any slower that day. Once I got through with the airport, I felt like a dream was beginning. Despite having to roll my heavy luggage on cobblestones, it did feel like a fantasy. Everything was perfect, even the way they drove, fast and aggressive. I felt like this was how everyone should drive! But now, as I look back, I wish they had gone slower, I wish I had slowed down, and I wish I had more time.

Rome, how is it possible that this place is just as captivating as I imagined? Nothing in my life ever lives up to my expectations. Rome blew my expectations out of the water. (well, I did imagine there would be more air conditioning and less walking, but both of these issues turned out okay!)

It was easy to settle in Rome. On one of my walks home from McDon, I caught myself feeling like I was home, as if Rome was another state, and I wasn't far from anyone at all. I think what makes other countries and far away places feel further away is airports. A plane ride isn't anything but airport security; what could make you feel more foreign? In Rome, nearly everyone spoke enough English to keep up a simple conversation. Because of this, it was easier to integrate into their world.

I was beginning to give up hope on making friends in Starkville; everyone I met didn't have anything in common. I'm so glad I came on this trip, not only for the experience but also for the people I met! They are all so entertaining and cool and fun! Hannah, kind and empathetic and funny! I'm happy we did so much together. The trip would not be the same without you drinking market wine from the bottle every night! Emily- I'm glad you ended up in our apartment; we bonded over Star Wars, Roman Holiday, and X files! I've enjoyed becoming friends with you on the trip. Tori- prayed for your feet many nights while in Rome! Also, pray for your liver. You and Trent are on the top of my list of who I want to go out with, seriously funniest duo ever. Every time I think of yall two, I imagine two meerkats outside of a bar looking for cigarettes. Haha. Trent- Periodt. Also, I miss your southern asf accent. I read your tweets in your voice, and it makes everything funnier. Alexis W- thanks for holding me up when I almost snapped my ankles in my platform boots. Also, thank you for flagging me down that day I was leaving school alone. I'm glad we had dinner together. I'm glad we got the chance to get to know each other. TJ- girl, if you don't pick up the phone next time I call you to hang you're going to wish you stayed in Italy. Mandy, praise Novo. Thanks for bringing that tasty treat into our lives. Also, I wish I had seen you fall out of that bar — one of my biggest regrets. Amelia-wish I went to Almafi with you. You're one of the sweetest people I've met.

Mimi- I respect you a lot, one- the fact that you speed-walked those 2 miles to school in 100-degree heat, and two- your nails stayed so beautiful and red the whole trip. I was so jealous. Alexis B- thank you for not throwing holy water on me when I wore my purple two pieces. You can borrow it anytime. Jake would love it. :P Claire- the most talented person I've ever met. Thanks for buying us that carousel ride; it was the peak of the trip. Swayze- I can't wait for you to style Gus seriously; this will happen like it seriously has to. He can not wear hiking boots and cargos forever.

I will remember Rome for the rest of my life, and even if I were to go back (I'm going back; I tossed a coin into the trevi fountain over my right shoulder, so it's already set into fate), it could never be the same. I feel so blessed to be able to have this experience. In my memories, I see myself walking out of our apartment onto the sunny street of Giovanni Bettolo. I can still feel the heat. I can still taste the Limone Schweppes. Ciao!