Week One--CHECK

Ciao,

Wow is it nice to only have classes two days a week! This semester I only have classes on Monday and Wednesdays from 8:30-3:45 and it might be the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Yes, I have to wake up pretty early for my classes, but the feeling at 4pm on Wednesdays afternoon makes it all worth it. Imagine this—having a four-day weekend EVERY WEEK! Well guess what not only is that my average week, but I get to do it in ROME.

This week was my first full week of classes. So far, I think I am going to really enjoy them. I am taking two major requirement classes, and two poly sci classes. I can tell class in Europe is much different than it is in Columbia, SC. The work is much more independent, and my final grades are usually made up of only 2 or three assignments or exams. Thankfully all my classes transfer as pass/fail because I’m not sure how long it would take me to get used to this new way or learning while also accounting for the fact that I’m living in an entirely different country.

On Friday, we woke up semi early and went to a cooking class in Testevere. It was such a fun time. We made Roman style artichokes, pasta, and tiramisu. Later in the day we went shopping in the city center. Something very interesting about Rome is that January is the only month their government lets shops have sales. Almost every window was marked “Saldi” or sale. This has basically become my favorite Italian work.

This morning we woke up and went to a farmer’s market a little outside of town. It was amazing. There were close to 200 vendors all selling fresh meat, cheese, fruits, veggies, seafood…everything. It was actually quite overwhelming, but the prices were insanely cheap. OH and there was also a vendor where you could bring your own water bottle and they would fill it up with wine for only 2 euro! I LOVE THIS PLACE! It seemed like we were the only non-Italians there which was a good sign that we had come to the right place!

Tonight, my roommates and I are cooking artichokes and homemade pasta. We are anxious to put our new learned skills to the test! Hopefully we will also book a spring break trip to Greece tonight (fingers crossed!)

xo,

Peyton