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January 31, 2007

Thankfully back in Rome!

Ever since I moved to Italy to study at The American University of Rome, my trips back to New England have been no longer than two weeks. This year, I decided that there were some things about the USA that I needed quality time with: bagels, root beer, Philly cheese steaks, mom's home-cooking, etc. I planned to spend a whopping four weeks back on the east coast and away from my current environment.

The first week was great. I saw my family, met with friends over bowls of clam chowder and decompressed from the stress of school and city life.

Into my second week, I began to feel like I was 16 again. For one, my mom expected me home at a certain time for dinner -- something that is much appreciated (great pot roast, Mom!) but jarring after feeding myself for the past three years. My high school friends called and we arranged meeting points and plans of action to pass the time in our quiet town. I listened to my old CDs and fantasized about traveling to foreign countries.

My Italian boyfriend arrived during the third week. I nearly begged him to take me back to Italy on the day of his arrival. I missed the cobblestone piazzas and open-air markets. Shopping malls and supermarkets just didn't cut it.

By the fourth week, Philly cheese steaks and root beer had lost their charm. Being away from good pasta, Coca-Cola made with sugar (instead of high-fructose corn syrup) and cheap espresso was driving me nuts.

So here I am: Back to the Roman way and back to the books. Upon my return, the owner of the corner coffee bar greeted me with an enthusiastic "buongiorno." She noted that I had been gone a long time and asked if everything was OK.

I looked down at the cappuccino in front of me. There was nothing "grande" about it. No "double-mocha with whip" or paper cup with a logo. Justa simple cappuccino in a porcelain cup.

"Everything's perfect," I said.

Posted by Kelsea  at 7:21 AM | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: marta at February 17, 2007 12:35 PM