Roma

Rome was beautiful and highly enchanting. Arrived mid afternoon, checked into the hostel, showered and hit the town. Goal: wander around. Like I said, there werent very many concrete plans. The sun started to set and we were walking up and down these older Roman streets, passing by old churches, big statues, every once in a while seeing ruins. And of course, PICTURES. That night we saw some of the Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, lots of other random but beautiful old stuff. And that was literally what I was doing that night, "look! thats old, right?" as I'm snapping my pictures.

Next day, Vatican City. I think I missed something there, like another part I was supposed to go and see, but I saw St. Peter's Basilica and the square. The [ ] was really, really pretty, even though it looks more or less average in pictures, but I really didnt like the Basilica. It was nice and whatever, but I guess I was spoiled on the Duomo. Saw the Vatican Museum as well, where the Sistine Chapel is. I imagined it differently. I was sadly underwhelmed with the Vatican... Sorry mom, sorry God.

Then, the Colosseum. I dont even know how to talk about it. Like, what could you even possibly want me to say? The symbol and the history and the foreign all converging on top of you, pressuring you to feel something profound, to experience it or something.

I dont know, tourist after tourist after tourist after tourist. Does anyone have a home anymore? Do I?

I didnt feel that way in China, at the Great Wall, at the Imperial City, wherever...

Maybe thats because it was more novel? (and by it I mean the trip, the culture, the experience)

Alas, I've digressed. Italy was everything I wanted it to be. Italy just fit. It was beautiful, fluid, and it felt very natural. Maybe in time, or subsequent journeys, or more time with my beautiful english major, I'll be able to express it better, but for now, hopefully this is sufficient.