A last-minute Italian to-do list

By Abby Lubbers

Created:
04/19/09 1:00pm

Last updated:
04/19/09 1:00pm

No comments

Rome, Italy — It is just starting to sink in that I leave Europe three weeks from Saturday. That means I have three weeks to squeeze in everything I have not seen or done. Not to mention writing papers or studying for five finals.

And then there are all the small lifestyle differences that I have grown accustomed to.

So, here’s my list of things I will have to see and do between classes and homework:

1. Visit Galleria Borghese. Located within the Villa Borghese, it is best known for its Bernini and Caravaggio sculptures, and all my friends who have gone said it is worth the € 8.50.

2. Take a picture at the Bocca della Verità, or the Mouth of Truth. This marble face, which is displayed outside of the Santa Maria in Cosemedin church, was seen in Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar winning film “Roman Holiday.” Visitors place their hands inside the mouth, and tradition says the Bocca will bite the hand of a person who has lied.

3. Read on the Isola Tiberina, a boat-shaped island on the Tiber River. It is located just a few minutes walk from the John Cabot campus, and many people lounge in the sun on a warm day.

4. Get my fix of gelato. I walk past one of Rome’s most famous gelaterias, Old Bridge, on my way to and from campus everyday. Sure, I have eaten my fair share of the delicious ice cream, but I am pretty sure there is no such thing as too much gelato. Plus, there are still new flavors left to try. My favorite combination so far: pineapple, coconut and strawberry — although pistacchio with nutella and coffee is also pretty amazing.

5. Buy snacks for my family at my favorite Italian bakery. I have been there more times than I care to count, and I still do not know its name, but it is delicious and inexpensive. They sell everything from cannoli to tiramisu and even a few panini. And the bonus? It is open 24 hours a day.

6. Travel to Tuscany for a wine tasting. John Cabot hosted an introductory wine event during the first week of school, but I still need to go to the heart of the wine region before boarding my plane home.

Even after more than three months in Italy, this is the most condensed list I could make of what I still want to do and see. Rome is beautiful, with so much history and art to absorb and I am very fortunate to be able to spend an extended amount of time here. I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends in a few weeks, but I know I will miss walking past ancient sculptures and monuments everyday — not to mention the gelato.

Commentary

Add your $0.02, go to the comment form or follow the comment feed

About This Italian Life

Journalism and political science junior and former State News reporter Abby Lubbers is studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome for the spring 2009 semester.

Follow her journey of what it’s like to live and learn overseas.

This is Abby’s Italian life.

Follow this blog in your feed reader

TSN BLOGROLL More »

FEATURED CLASSIFIEDS: More classifieds »

In Employment:

In Duplexes/Rent:

618 STODDARD. Rent now for fall.

In Houses/Rent:

FRESH CONTENT More »

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK:More reprints »

Westboro Baptist Church member Shirley Phelps-Roper of Topeka, Kan. holds up signs at a 30-minute protest ...
Junior center outfielder John Martinez bats a ball. The Spartans defeated the Gophers by, 3-2 within ...
From left, human biology junior Shaylyn Sinclair and media arts and technology senior Stephanie VanDoorn ...
Communications senior and cook for Spartan Signature Catering, Jeremy Epley makes pulled pork sandwiches ...
Breakdancers from two competing crews square off Saturday afternoon at Red Cedar Ransom. The breakdance ...