Imagine that you are getting back on a plane at the end of the Rome experience. How do you imagine that you have changed? Week 1, GL 350

Many friends of mine typically think of me as an outgoing, type A individual who needs to have a routine to order my daily life. I am an animal who requires regularity and consistency. In a way, I know for a fact that this trip to Rome will greatly change me in this regard. It is true that there is a schedule associated with my stay in Rome. However, there is a considerable amount of ambiguity and the capacity to get lost while in the city. Freedom is absolutely relevant. I am absolutely and unequivocally ruled by the moment in Rome and it’s energizing. I am embracing every single moment. I can already feel myself acclimating to this new way of life. In The Italians Barzini states that, “familiarity never breeds contempt in them” (Barzini, 1964). He is speaking of the native Italians and how the natural beauty of their country entirely captivates them. They never tire of the same sights, same restaurants, same lovers, and the same art. Every experience is new and fresh even though they do have a particular schedule. They make the most out of every situation. I know by the end of this trip I will share the same sentiment with the Italians not just with this idea but also with food and drink.

            Back in the United States I liked to very rarely explore new foods and drinks. However, now that I am in Italy I have expanded my personal tastes and preferences. I have tasted genuine pizza along with a variety of delicious pastries. The wine here is exquisite and the beer is bold. The gelato is also something to absolutely die for. The texture is creamy and splendidly flavorful. Every single bite or gulp of a drink sends an explosion of feelings over my body. Trust me when I say this, it is not to be taken lightly. The food and drink here in Italy are truly incomparable. According to Barzini, “…they drink wine as if it were a potion necessary to acquire a new personality…to celebrate the crossing of a spiritual border and to inaugurate new hopes and a new life” (Barzini, 1964). In my opinion, this is a very true statement. It seems as if I have passed an invisible border into a realm of extravagant new tastes and there is no going back. 

            I have never been an avid learner for artistic endeavors. I appreciate art and all of its fine nuances and depictions but I have never truly been drawn to it. I imagine that I will change greatly in this manner at the end of my eight weeks in Rome. I have already been enthralled with the statues and the churches that seem to populate every corner of Rome. I particularly enjoyed the statue of Giovanni Bruno in the middle of Campo de Fiori. The actual physical representation itself was intriguing along with the backstory. Apart from this, I thought the tour of the Coliseum was profound and engaging. Susan Cahill the editor of The Smiles of Rome references a comment Byron makes in relation to the Coliseum, “ while stand the Coliseum, Rome shall stand, when falls the Coliseum Rome shall fall, and when Rome falls, the world” (Cahill, 2005). This little excerpt is incredibly powerful in the regard that it bases an exorbitant amount of importance on the Coliseum. It rightly deserves this much prominence for it has bested the test of time and stands as an engineering masterpiece. I can honestly say this because I have seen it with my own two eyes. It is simply stunning. I know that I will show a deeper appreciation and understanding of art at the end of my eight weeks in Rome. You can’t escape the beauty of this place, it breathes in every stone, in every crevice, and in every heart of every citizen.

             Healthcare is one of those elusive yet powerful topics that always warrant discussion in any situation. It is prevalent anywhere where civilization is present. I have always found medicine and healthcare compelling. Not to mention I am majoring in pre-medical studies which obviously betrays why I express so much interest in the topic. I am very pleased that my fellow students and I get to learn about the Italian healthcare system and explore its vast implications to other healthcare systems in the world. By exploring the different modes of healthcare application I will develop a deeper understanding of global healthcare. In my opinion, this is most important for the conglomeration of opinions fosters deep insightful and original discussions. At my current stage, I am only knowledgeable of the American healthcare system, which limits me at this current time. However, at the end of my stay here in Rome, when I leave on an airliner, I know that I will significantly mature and offer erudite commentary when the situation promotes it. Rome, Italy will stay cherished in my heart until the day I die. I cannot wait to go the distance and become the best version of myself at the end of my eight weeks here. I know that I will have changed for the better. Ciao!