Pictures of the John Felice Rome Center

Here are some photos that I took of the JFRC (John Felice Rome Center) where I am living and taking classes. The JFRC was founded in 1962 and was originally used as a convent. Roughly 150 students live and attend class at the JFRC. Much of the faculty also lives on campus. The John Felice Rome Center is located in Monte Mario on Via Massimi, which is a quiet wealthy residential area. There are also a few shops and restaurants in the center of town. Monte Mario is Rome's largest hill located on the Northwest side of Rome. Much of the walking that my roommates and I do off of campus is uphill- exhausting, yes but with all of the pizza, pasta and mozarella that we will be eating it can't hurt!

Ciao for now!

First Swim in the Mediterranean Sea

Today my entire school went on a bus excursion to Maccaresse Beach (40 minutes west of Rome). We had a luncheon at the Paradise Restaurant and relaxed and swam all day. Tip alert: lounging on the beach is a GREAT way to beat a case of jet lag!
Maccaresse beach in late August is full of Italians, as well as tourists. Many venders pass by selling knock-off handbags, colorful beach towels, handmade jewelry and an array of other goods. I am going to keep this post short because I did not do much on this trip besides nap on the beach!

Ciao for now!

(Photograph of beach by Brhea Lyke)

First Return to the Trevi Fountain

Visiting the Trevi Fountain or in Italian, Fontana di Trevi was breathtaking. The Trevi Fountain may be a tourist trap during the day and early evening but late at night (between 1am-6am) visitors can have the fountain almost completely to themselves. Guards watch the fountain 24/7 so it is still safe to visit at night. The area between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain is filled with great upscale shopping and dining.
When I traveled with my family to Europe at age 14 we visited the Trevi Fountain together. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain you will return to Rome again someday. Legend proved to be correct- and of course I threw another coin in this time around!

Ciao for Now!

(Photograph of Trevi Fountain by Brhea Lyke)

I Made it to Rome!

After a whirlwind 3 days I am finally settled into Rome. My first evening was spent visiting the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. I was exhausted from the travel but the astounding beauty managed to keep me awake! I arrived in Rome at 8am, but to me it felt like 1am since I traveled from Chicago. In order to beat the jet lag it is important that you do not go to sleep until it is "bedtime" in Rome. This was difficult to do but was definitely the best way to get myself on Rome time.

I hope to update again soon. On Sunday I leave for a tour of Northern Italy, including: Verona, Assisi and Ostia Antica.

Ciao for now!

(Photograph by Brhea Lyke)

About to Embark on a Four Month Journey

With travel books highlighted, destinations mapped out and suitcases packed I am nearing my departure for Europe. I can hardly believe that I will be living in a "foreign" country for four months! I created this blog with hopes to share my travels with my friends and family. Also, I am hoping to give readers an inside view of the good, the bad and the ugly of what it is like to be a traveler on a student budget.

This will be my second trip to Europe. When I was 14 I went with my family on a trip through Rome, Florence, Bruges, Brussels, Paris and London. I had an eye-opening experience and have been hoping to return ever since.

Although my last trip to Europe was awesome, I am excited to return a bit older with the freedom (and responsibility) of traveling without parents. I am sure that I will experience some incredible places, visit historic sights, relax on beautiful beaches and meet some interesting people along the way. I hope to share these experiences with all of you.

Ciao for now!