Villa Aurelia, Rome

Buongiorno!

I finally got some internet service in our hostel, so I wanted to check in to say ciao to everyone back home. I am staying at the Villa Aurelia, where we have been for two days. The air in Rome is fresh and cool, but the weather has been beautiful. We are not allowed to go outside because we really aren't near anything, but yesterday we had the opportunity to visit Vatican City, (our fourth country in three days! (U.S. / France / Italy / Vatican City)). 

The Piazza di San Pietro and the Basilica church is magnificent. There was a huge Christmas tree and Nativity scene in the center next to the obelisk, which partly obscured the view of the church from the outside of the piazza, but it was amazing none the less. 

I got to go inside the Basilica for about forty five minutes, said a prayer for Kevin and Jim in one of the prayer rooms, but supposedly missed an actual service by about three minutes. Darn. 

Dad, I drank an espresso at the Cafe San Pietro, so got to check that off of my list of things to do in Italy. I am sure it was the first of many! My friends all got gelato, but I wanted to save that for when I get to Sicily. 

We have been doing tons of orientation, my favorite activity was when they gave us a big map of Italy and said, "identify where you will be!" The results were catastrophic. Surprisingly, very many people couldn't say where they were headed to live. I am going to be on Sicily with two others, who happened to be my friends, which is very nice, because I will get to see them at a few orientations throughout the year.

I just checked out of my hotel room, which stank of feet. I have five hours to hang out in the hotel lobby until I fly to Sicily. I am looking forward to feeling the Mediterranean heat when I step off of the plane, but nervous / excited to meet my family and see my town. 

Hope all is well on the home front. I'm sure everyone is happy to be done with midterms, and the Riverkeeper auction. Mom Dad Simon Max I will call when I get the chance, but its been iffy using the phones here. Sorry for getting cut off before Sime. Keep the fire going in the living room! And Max, enjoy my binders.

Ok, miss you all but have not felt much more than that yet. Its been great, smooth travel (knock on wood). Hope it continues to be.

-Zander