3 Months Left...

It hit me the other day that I only have about three months left here in Rome. I remember back in September when it seemed like spending eight months here would be an eternity. There has been a lot of time between then and now, but when I look back it seems to have just flown by. I've traveled a lot of Europe and seen some incredible architecture and culture so far, but there is no way I'll be able to keep up that pace simply because there is a lot more work to be done this semester and I'll probably run out of money if I go at the same pace as my winter break. So, I will probably not be traveling as much. The consolation, though, is the fact that I get to spend another three months in Rome where, even after so many months here, there is plenty left to see.

Rome never ceases to amaze me. Love it or hate it, one cannot deny the beauty of its churches, the far reaching history of its past, or the peace that comes from a walk through any number of neighborhoods throughout the city. Rome truly is a timeless city. You can walk along the same road day in and day out and see a new building you've never seen before along the way, or decide to wonder down a side street and come upon some beautiful little church tucked away in a corner. There are restaurants, little shops, and markets of countless number just begging to me perused. There are just so many things to see. One could spend all their time just wondering around and never have the exact same experience twice.

Many people in the architecture program are creating Rome "Bucket Lists," in hopes of seeing and doing all the things they have thought about but not yet made a reality. There are plenty of things I want to do and places left to see but I find it much more worthwhile to go about my daily life and see what comes up along the way. I like the surprise of stumbling upon something rather than simply going to see something everyone else has already seen. Some of the most interesting things I've seen in my travels have no mention in any travel guide or textbook. Beauty can usually be found in the most inconspicuous places, and I'd much rather wander the back streets and humble neighborhoods than participate in monument chasing with the hoards of tourists.

This second semester abroad will continue to fly by, but it will not stop me from exploring and seeing the architectural beauty that Rome has tucked away around every corner. There are only three months left and I will get the most out of them that I possibly can.