First few days

The first few days are summed up pretty easily: hotel living, touring the city, orientation sessions.

We moved into our apartment yesterday. It is located in the Monteverde neighborhood across the Tiber river. We have a 20 minute walk to "campus" (I put that in quotation marks because "campus" is made up of two buildings). Everytime we walk to campus we find new shortcuts, which is wonderful. We haven't explored our neighborhood that much yet. But last night we took a quick stroll to find un mercato because we needed shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. There are many shops around, so I know I'll always be able to find what I need. It is mostly residential, but I think tomorrow the roommates and I will walk around to see if there are any bars/clubs in the area.

The apartment is pretty big. There are 6 of us all together and I like all my roommates (except Leah of course). We have a kitchen, wifi, two bathrooms (one of which has a large bathtub-shower and is attached to Leah and I's room), and a living room. We are on the fourth floor, which I love because it makes me feel safe. On the bright side, one of our program directors lived in the same neighborhood for many years and said she never felt unsafe.

Today we had more orientation stuff. We also met Rick Steves' son, Andy, who has a weekend trip bussiness. I think Leah, my other roommates, and I are going to go on his trip to the Swiss Alps. During the trip you stay in a Swiss Chalet in Gimmelwald and get to do wintry things all weekend. Leah and I were being indecisive about it, but then again, I didn't get to participate in any winter activities this winter! So we'll get to hike, (intense) sled, snowshoe, and xc ski.

Tonight we are going on a walking tour with Andy Steves, then to a group dinner with him where 15 euros covers 4 courses and all the wine you want.

Tomorrow there is a tour of churches in the afternoon, which I'm really excited about. Leah and I are going to explore the large park that is right around the corner from our apartment and buy frutte e verdure in Campo dei Fiori so we don't have to go out to eat as much!