Observations from my first week in Rome

The markets are the best place to shop, cheapest, freshest, and friendliest people.

Peanut butter is extremely hard to find

Even grandmas will try to steal your things on the bus

I will never be able to drink a coffee at starbucks again, it’s too good in Rome!

Ice cream does not compare to gelato.

Absolutely NO coffee with a meal, “It’s simply not done.”

The Colosseum is very cold!

There are no dryers here!

Everyone is on “roman time”( things get done when you feel like it)

Every day is liking walking through a museum. When you least expect it, youll be standing in front of an ancient artifact.

What looks like a hose pipe just left on are actually water fountains that are completely safe to drink from and can be found all over the city.

La mia prima settimana a Roma (My first week in Rome)

Rome is an incredible city! Although I am still trying to navigate my maps to find my way around the city, every street corner has something interesting going on.
I moved into my apartment, which is in the Monteverde area of Rome and it is absolutely gorgeous. Monteverde is a quiet residential neighborhood.
We have been touring around the Travestevere Area, Campo di Fiori, The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and much much more! It is an almost surreal feeling seeing these architectural masterpieces all around you. In person, the infrastructure is stunning beyond belief. It really is so amazing to walk down the street and see buildings that are 1500+ years old!
We have orientation tomorrow at the American University of Rome and then classes begin on Monday :)
Ciao xx
Here are some pictures so far:

my first Italian Cappuccino!

Pictures from london

Arsenal Game!

Tate Modern

South Bank, St. Paul's Cathedral

Borough Market stall!

Being a Tourist...

My parents have joined me in London for the last few weeks of my time here. I cannot believe that one month has already passed and my time in England is quickly fading.
Here is a quick update of what I have been up to:
I spent a few days in Kent with Jessica and my new niece Sydney Isabelle! She is a very good baby, I cannot wait to see her in the summer, where hopefully she can sit up and play little games :)
I made my way back to London, and for the past 3 days I have visited the Tate Modern, The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, Walked allong the south bank over Tower bridge and to St. Katherine's Dock. However all of these activities will fall second to the fact that I somehow managed to get my father to buy a new pair of fitted jeans and a new pair of shoes! If anyone has ever met my dad, this is a pretty big deal, for he doesn't exactly stay up with fashion( and that is putting it quite lightly). All that said, it has been really nice spending so much time with him. I dont remember the last time I have done so many activities with just him.
Today I am off to Borough Market with my mom, can't wait to see it!
Pictures to follow soon...
Josie xx

grandpa overlooking Coombs Hill

War Memorial

London So Far

London is an amazing city and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to live here for a month before I start my semester in Rome. I've been touring around different museums and historical sites. It is so strange to walk around in England compared to America because everything feels as though it has so much history. From the architecture to the parks to the shops, this country has such a rich atmosphere and everyday is a reminder of the traditional culture and way of life of the English people.

I am currently in Amersham with my grandparents( getting very spoiled), going back to London next week, to meet up with my parents to go see my lovely new niece Sydney!

January is such an exciting month, living in a new city, getting ready for Rome, having time to spend with family, and a new baby niece! I cannot wait to see what this year in Europe has to offer!

Will post pictures soon!
Josette xx