So much has happened, and there is so much to fill in on. I don't know how I'm going to work pictures and updates. If you would like more pictures...go to facebook. I will add you as a friend if you aren't already!
Let's start at the trip over here, it was long! I went from KC to Chicago. That flight was easy and short. Then I had a four hour wait, and I wasn't able to connect to the internet, so I couldn't locate any of the addresses or maps that I thought I would need upon landing in Rome. In Chicago, I got on a plane to Rome. It was a 9 hour flight. The people around me were amazing and had so much advice to give. However, my seat wouldn't lean back, my headphone jack was broken so i couldn't watch the airline movie or listen to music, my reading light was broken so i couldn't read or write in my journal. There was a baby right behind me that cried most of the flight. Thank you Cait Eyestone for your earplug Christmas gift...they were the only reason I got one hour of sleep...and I was very grateful.
I landed here at 8:30 am, which is 1:30 am Kansas time. I couldn't find my luggage, but luckily it arrived. Then, i couldn't find the right train. Then I when i got to the right Rome terminal, I was told the wrong train 7 times by employees and travelers. I don't speak Italian, so it was hard to communicate...but, I thought I had it taken care of. Then, I had to go up and down several flights of stairs to get to the right terminal. However, by this time...two handles off of 2 pieces of luggage had snapped off, and therefore, I was manhandling my luggage up and down stairs. It was incredibly humid, and I was sweating like mad. Once I got on the right train, I was in the wrong car....so, a local took pity and helped me drag my luggage through 6 cars. I was so grateful for her help. Then, someone was in my seat. He was American and just as lost as I was, so I felt horrible asking for him to move. I dozed a couple times, but tried to keep myself awake looking out the windows. At first, the scenery looked a lot like here...but then it all started to changes. It goes from shacks to mansions to wineries to mountains. AMAZING.
I got off in Florence and had to pay for 15 minutes of internet after everyone I talked to said they didn't know what Plus Florence hostel was or where it was on the map. So, I paid. Sent an email to the parents so they knew I made it, and then looked up and highlighted my maps from Google. Then, I debated walking...but with broken luggage and drenched in sweat, I decided I'd pay the taxis. It cost 8.30 in Eur, which was rediculous, but I did it....I was so exhausted.
Moved in before my roomates. Cooled down and then met them. They are really cool! One's name is Lunar and she lives in New York. She's so much fun. Then, Florencia is from Argentina and speaks Spanish and Italian extremely well. She's sweet and a lot of fun too!
That night, we went out in the hostel to the bar. I got hit on and asked if I was from Rome...a lot. It was humorous. Then, about 1:30 am I collapsed knowing I had to be up for orientation, even though my roomies orientation wasn't until Friday. So, it was soooo hot that I didn't sleep. I got maybe 2 hours...maybe. I was drenched in sweat. I went to the front desk and said that I couldn't get the air to work and stay on...and wouldn't you know...they have remotes for it....and so I got one...cooled down and then slept another 30 minutes....that was the fate of my first day. Luckily, things turned for the better! :)
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