Melissa Meets Rome

Buongiorno!

So, I made it! The plane ride was good but I am exhausted! After waking up at 6 am Monday morning after 2 or 3 hours of sleep, a 6 hour drive to Minneapolis, a 2 hour flight to Detroit, a 9 hour flight (over the ocean!!), a 7 hour time change, and my first time being abroad ever, I'm feeling drained. We had quite some drama with a mad shuttle driver and a language barrier yesterday. . . But, we're in our apartment safe and sound so nothing to worry about!

Our apartment, by the way, is so incredible! We all thought we would be in a crumby little hole in the wall, but it is wonderful! The best part is probably that since we are on the top floor we have a huge roof patio with breath taking views. This is a photos I took on our patio last night after a little venture we took onto the streets of our neighborhood. Beside that we have huge windows that let in a lot of light and great views, bathrooms full of stone and marble (we are in Italy!), and we're in a great location!

Sleeping last night was tough. I'm sure it was a combination of missing people, being hot (82 when I laid down at midnight and of course no AC), the time change and being nervous about being here. This morning went pretty smoothly though! We were up earlier enough to get a monthly tram pass, navigated how to work the tram, and got to studio with plenty of time to find a danish and water breakfast! After studio we walked around a bit. We found a beautiful square with gorgeous ancient buildings and a market. I ate the most delicious peach I have ever had! I stopped mid sentence after I realized how it tasted! Unfortunately, however, our internet is very finicky. Our wireless stopped working last night ans hasn't started yet. I'm down the street at the apartment of some guys in my class using there internet. We have a deal, food at our wonderful apartment and internet here! We're going to head to the market in about an hour to get food to make dinner.

That's it for the Rome update! Uncle Bob was wonderful enough to co-sign my loan! A few people know I was pretty apprehensive about coming here because I haven't gotten anything back about my loan yet so right now I am scared and nervous. . . I'm sure it will all be fine once it goes through but it's hard right now. Grandma was able to loan me about $450 before i left, but after the euro exchange it was only 300. Yesterday we had to pay 165 euros in fees for housing, 25 for a shuttle and taxi from the airport and our place, 30 euro for a tram pass, we have no groceries (no dinner last night since the markets are closed and we aren't comfortable for a restaurant yet!), no school or studio supplies, and another fee for studio. . . so this is why I'm scared and nervous. I have 85 euro until the loan comes through. I mean, I don't spend a lot of money in the states, I'm just really apprehensive about my needs here. So, I hope something comes back really really soon!

So, there have been some ups and downs. I am so soo very sick of being in a constant state of sweaty but, I am loving it here! I'm sure I will love it even more when I can afford a pizza and cappichino! Some friends are going to the beach this weekend! I hope I can afford to join in. But, I am in Rome, I look out my window and I can't believe Little-Never-Been-Anywhere-Melissa is sitting in Italy!

Once I have money I will set up my cell phone but until then we have cells for the apartment. I can receive calls there if you can make them 3495342590 or 3495407832 if someone is at the phone. Besides that (if I can get on the internet) gchat or email cooper.mn@gmail.com, facebook (Melissa Cooper of Iowa State University) or skype (cooper.mn)!

Love you all! Ciao!