Arrivederci!

Hi everyone! 

By the time you read this I'll be on a plane to Rome. I have no idea what the wifi situation is going to be like when I get there, so I probably won't be able to post any pictures of my trip for a few days. I've scheduled a few posts in advance while I'm gone, so I hope you enjoy them! I'll also try to keep up as best as I can with commenting on all of your blogs.

I'll update you all on my travels soon!

--Becky

Anatomy of a Carry-On Bag

I'm trying to pack as light as possible, but I still need some things to entertain me during the 10-hour flight to Rome. Here's what I'm planning to take in my carry-on as my "in-flight" entertainment:

For fun:

• Rome travel guide: my parents gave me an Eyewitness Travel guide for Christmas
• My journal
• Embroidery floss to whip up a few friendship bracelets

For survival:

• One water bottle: they only allow you to bring one on the flight, I'm told
• Pens
• Gum: My ears always get plugged during flights, so I've learned that chewing gum does the trick to "unpop" them
• Ear plugs: Pretty self-explanatory. I'm hoping I don't get stuck to a crying baby for the whole flight.
• Inflatable neck pillow: so I can perhaps catch some shut-eye during the flight

Tech:

• Nook Color: loaded with my reading assignments for class as well as a movie or two (any suggestions on anything new that's come out?)
• Cell phone
• iPod: loaded with all of my playlists and some Rome podcasts.

Well? Do you guys have any suggestions on what to bring for the long plane trip? Specifically books, movies, etc.?

Italy: The Preview, Part 1

A week from today I will be on my way to ROME everybody! I keep feeling like it's not going to happen. The idea of me going over there just seems so unreal. I was the same way about college: I don't think I realized I was going until the night before.

We have a tentative schedule of where the Student Life assistants will be taking us throughout our 5 weeks in Rome. Obviously I'll be exploring the city a ton, but here's a look at where I'm staying and the planned excursions I'll be going on outside of the city.

John Felice Rome Center: arrive May 20th

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This is what the college campus I'll be staying at looks like. Doesn't it look so picturesque? I imagine I'll be out and about most of the time, but when I'm not in the city I'm going to love just sitting outside on the lawn under that huge tree to study.

Monte Mario Neighborhood: tour the afternoon of May 20th

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This is the neighborhood that our campus is located in. Monte Mario is on the highest hill in Rome, giving us great views of the city.

Maccarese Beach: Sunday, May 21st

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I really don't know much about this place, except that we have a beachside orientation here on the 21st. Don't ask me how we're supposed to do orientation things like listen to them talk about safety and all that jazz. The ocean is RIGHT THERE!

Pompeii: Friday, May 25th

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I think we've all heard the story of Pompeii--how the island was covered in ash in only a day, killing almost all of its inhabitants. Remarkably, the ash preserved many of the original structures of the city. I imagine walking through Pompeii will be like walking through a ghost town.

Vatican City: May 30th

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We're going to be part of the pope's papal audience on May 30th, meaning that classes will be cancelled and we can go explore the world's smallest country the rest of the afternoon.

Assisi: June 9th

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Assisi is a medieval town that is the birthplace of St. Francis, who is known for his love of animals and nature. I can't wait not only to see the history of the town but see the environment that inspired St. Francis.

Stay tuned for Part 2, listing all the specific places I'll be traveling within Rome!