StWTI Magazine #46    2014 October, 29
Author : Matthew Lofstrom      Translation by:

Since I began learning about Italy as a child, the city of Rome has always interested me and it was my dream to someday make here to experience all of the art and history that this bustling city has to offer. I have now been living in Rome for 6 weeks and the experience has already been much more than I could ever have imagined.

The most extraordinary part of the city for me is Vatican City for the history, the art, and simply its size. Back in the United States I have never seen anything that could even compare to what St. Peter's has to offer.

In order to get to my classes at Pontificia Università Urbaniana I am required to cross Via della Conciliazione, which leads straight to the doorstep of Vatican City. Although I have been making this walk daily for a month and a half now, not a day has gone by for me where I haven't taken a few minutes to simply marvel at the sight and admire all the efforts that were put towards building this colossal structure hundreds of years ago.

Even for non-Catholics, the sheer magnitude and detail that the Vatican exemplifies is nothing short of incredible and the art that can be found inside is even more breathtaking. For instance, the colorful marble floors, the beautiful ceiling decorated in gold, and to top it off, once inside the church, Michelangelo's Pietà can be found to the right of the entrance. Unfortunately, because it is one of the most popular attractions in the world, it can be very crowded. However, it is a great part of the city that I would urge everyone to see because there is simply so much offered.

At the same time, one of the most difficult cultural transitions that I have had to make is learning to accept the way that Romans drive throughout the city. The way that they weave in and out of traffic and alleyways on their scooters is difficult to adapt to, but it is a part of Roman culture that makes the city what it is today.

Similarly to Americans, Romans have things to do, people to see, and places to get. However, crossing a street is not as simple as waiting for a red light. You need to learn to be direct while also being safe and aware at the same time. In the United States, we are used to cars slowing down, stopping, and allowing pedestrians to cross. While it is easy for Americans to label the way Romans drive as "dangerous", I find that I must disagree.

In Rome, life is fast. Often times, when I'm walking down an alleyway on my way to go shopping, I find myself hugging the parked cars on the side of the street as best I can to allow Italians to zoom past on their Vespa's and stay as far away from them as I can. It is certainly an adjustment, but it's a characteristic that gives this city a feeling of freedom and excitement.

I have found that one of the easiest parts of Rome to get used to is the vast amount of delicious food offered in any and every part of the city. While it is easy to find a sit down restaurant, I find that there is nothing better than finding a small sandwich or pizza shop, where everything is made fresh daily, and sitting down outside to just slow down for a few minutes and take it all in.

Before leaving the United States, I told myself that I would do my best not to take a single day in Italy for granted. Not to forget that Vatican City is located in my backyard, to appreciate the thrill of Roman traffic, and to always remember that some of the best cuisine in the world can be found just outside my front door. Experiencing the Roman culture is a privilege, and I am very fortunate to be able to study and live in this truly extraordinary city.