Culture Shock

I am sorry it took me this long to write again, but words cannot describe how busy I am! First off, everything is great! I live in this area in Monteverde which is viewed as a residential area of Rome. However, we are right on the border of it and it is a ten minute walk to Trastevere. Trastevere is considered the hip bohemian area of Rome (which I have not yet been too, but hopefully tonight!) My apartment is nice and serves it purpose. We have an electronic gate to the apartment building that you have to open with a key every time you go in and out. Once you open it my apartment is one the ground floor. You don't actually walk into the building to get to my room you go through the terrace. The terrace is hugggggge and it is where we put our laundry out to dry!
There are cultural differences that will take time to get use to. The main difference is the pace in which Romans handle everything. Everyone takes FOREVER to do anything in Rome. Momento can mean anything from 5 minutes to an hour….it's frustrating, especially when trying to get to school in the morning. There is no bus schedule, the bus comes when it feels like it. It is quite an experience to take the bus in the morning rush over. They have instilled in our minds that we must keep our belongings in our site at all times, so it is hard to just relax for a minute. Also interesting fact about the system, the bus driver is not responsible to see that you validated your ticket. There are these machines placed in different ends of the bus in which you are suppose to stamp your ticket. You can ride the bus or metro without paying. However, if an inspector comes on and asks to see your ticket and you haven't validated it you have to pay 101 Euro. So, in conclusion, I bought a monthly pass for 30 Euro. So we take the bus to this stop which is literally thirty feet from Trajan Column (I think it is called Piazza Novana, but not sure.) Anyway, Trajan's column is AMAZING. Unfortunately there is scaffolding on part of it, but it is so awesome to just be able to walk by it everyday.

Crossing the street is so nerve racking. Rome does have red lights, but no one follows them. They are truly viewed as suggestions, especially when it comes to scooters which so many people use. You basically walk out to the middle of the street and pray that no one runs you over! Mostly I just wait for someone to say go or follow an Italian. It is definitely going to take some getting use to.

Other than that little things like different electric converters, to showers with barely any hot water that take time to adjust to. I can't wait to share more with you, but it is time for lunch! One amazing aspect of Italian culture is the value and appreciation of a relaxing meal. Lunch will be about two hours long! Ciao!