ITALY - ROMA

It's October 4th, 2024, and I can hardly believe that a month of my exchange semester in Rome has already flown by! I made it here by car from Feldkirch, and I'm so excited to say that I also brought my friend and roommate, Kevin, with me! Kevin – who has already saved me twice in times of need – and I are sharing a small but oh-so-cozy apartment! It's not right in the center, but it's still really easy to get around! The city center is just a short 30-minute walk away, and the main train station is only 20 minutes away! The metro is a great way to get to the university. It only takes about 35 minutes, assuming everything runs on time!

My time in Rome got off to a rocky start, but it's been an incredible journey since then! On the third day, something wild happened! My car window was smashed, and my backpack was stolen. Thankfully, there were no valuable or personal items inside, but it was a bit of a challenge dealing with the Italian police. Communication was a bit slow, but it was still a great experience overall! The process took a little longer than expected, but it was totally worth it. Luckily, Kevin came to my rescue! Thanks to his amazing Italian skills, he accompanied me to the police station and helped with filing the report. While it wasn't the ideal beginning, Rome quickly made up for it!

The city is absolutely breathtaking! The historical grandeur that can be felt on every corner is simply breathtaking and makes you forget your everyday worries in an instant! No matter how many times you walk down the same alley or pass by the same building, there's always something new to discover! Rome is like a treasure chest, revealing more of its hidden stories with each step you take!

My first month in Rome was truly special, as my parents came to visit. We explored the city together, sampling the delicious food that Italy has to offer. It was an incredible experience to show them my temporary home and share these unique moments with them.

I absolutely love exploring the city, but I also make sure to visit the local markets regularly! I absolutely love trying different dishes and discovering the incredible diversity of Italian cuisine! It's an incredible experience just seeing the fresh ingredients, chatting with the vendors, and experimenting with new recipes! These markets are an absolute paradise for food lovers! They also offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the Romans.

To really get to know the city and its culture, I've signed up for an Italian language course! We're a small but mighty group with participants from all walks of life, representing a diverse range of ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. This diversity makes learning even more exciting! We exchange stories about our cultures and learn from each other in so many ways.

At the university, I've also had the amazing opportunity to meet so many international students! It's absolutely amazing to exchange ideas with people from all over the world! It's so inspiring to see how everyone brings their own unique perspective to the table. I'm constantly learning new things about their countries, traditions, and ways of thinking. This diversity makes studying here absolutely amazing and so enriching!

When I'm not at university, I absolutely love spending time with Kevin! We explore the city together, try out new restaurants, and jump right into Roman daily life! It's absolutely amazing to have a friend by my side who shares this experience and with whom I can create so many unforgettable memories!

My first month in Rome has been absolutely amazing! It's been full of ups and downs, but the city's beauty and the warmth of its people make everything worthwhile. I'm so excited for the months ahead! I can't wait to see what else Rome and this exchange semester have in store for me.

And now a description of the collage:

Let's start in the top left! The statue of Emperor Trajan, one of the most significant Roman rulers, stands proudly in front of the Roman Forum, a magnificent sight to behold! This incredible depiction captures the sheer historical grandeur of Rome, and the clear weather really enhances the impressive atmosphere of the location.

And now for something really special! Look up at the top right of the screen. A thrilling Europa League match between AS Roma and Athletic Club Bilbao! This was your second football match in Rome, and the sheer excitement of the fans in the stadium is palpable! The moment when the teams stand for the anthem is a perfect example of how deeply Italians are connected to football culture.

Middle right: A lovely Roman street with cobblestones, surrounded by classic buildings. This scene perfectly captures the essence of everyday life in Rome, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots. It's an incredible place where you can truly experience the authentic daily rhythm of the city!

Middle left: Your car with the smashed window is a symbol of the bumpy start to your stay in Rome—but it's also a symbol of the adventure that awaits! This image is a reminder of the unexpected adventure that awaits you in Rome! It represents the challenges that are part and parcel of your journey, and it's a symbol of the exciting twists and turns that await you in this incredible city.

And now for the grand finale! The incredible St. Peter's Square with a breathtaking view of the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican! The square is absolutely packed with visitors and tourists, which just goes to show how significant Rome is in terms of religion and culture! The slightly overcast sky adds a touch of solemnity and reverence to the scene, making it all the more special.