Roma, Italy 2/23-2/26

Nate, Brennan and I planned a super last minute trip to Rome and I’m super pumped we did. I went to Rome in 2018 with my highschool and honestly didn’t really like it because of how touristy it was, but this trip definitely changed my perspective. It was still super touristy but how could it not be–there is so much to see! But we found local areas and that made it much more personal and cultural. Our first day we woke up and toured the Forem (ruins) and the Colosseum right off the bat. The weather was so nice so being outside was great. We then went to Catacombe Santa Domitilla. The catacombs are basically underground cemeteries without the bodies because diggers would go in and take them to sell them (weird). Being possessed is literally my biggest fear so being down there was not my most favorite thing! But it was cool. After that we went to the Church of Saint Nicholas and to the Crypts (another area similar to the Catacombs). Later we got a traditional Italian meal and drank classy wine. I’ve become such a wine drinker since being here! I’ve officially retired from boxed wine. After dinner we scootered to the Spanish Steps and then to this bar called Scholars which was so awesome and fun. I thought Brennan was going to crash and die but thankfully God was on my side and we were fine. Scholars' music was so great and I was united with the amazing Annabelle Webb and that was SO FUN. We both happened to be in Rome at the same time and it was perfect. From Scholars we went to Shari Vari Rome which was a really overcrowded club but it was cool. Nate almost got mugged too.

The next day WE SAW THE POPE! We toured the Vatican which was BEAUTIFUL and our tour guide was this sweet old lady named Margarita. After that we had this four hour food and drink tour of Trastevere where we got to try more traditional and authentic Italian food. I tried cow tongue and it wasn’t really bad, I just couldn’t get past that it was tongue. The first place we went to was called Trapizzion where they served meat wrapped in warm bread–amazing. Next we went to Essenza and had charcuterie boards which reminded me of the ones Jason would make. We also got to try the most expensive prosciutto in the world from Spain. We then went to Pasta e Vino where we had carbonara and pig cheek. The pasta was so thick I literally couldn’t eat it. We finished off with Gelato at Gelateria Cafeteria. Our group was so fun and our tour guide was awesome. I really connected with this 60 year old woman and her husband–they told me how they dated in highschool, split up and didn’t reunite until ten years later–so special!

After the tour we stayed around the Trastevere on the steps for the remainder of the night and met some people from London. For a last minute trip it was great and I had a great time hanging out with Nate and Brennan. It's been almost a month of me being here but it feels like I’ve known them and the rest of my friends for so long! I wouldn’t change a thing.

Maya Kollme 2/26/24