More reflection on Rome

So I had to cut my last post a little short before because I had to go to class, but now I have returned and I want to say a little more about what I have thought about since I got back from Rome. As you could tell, I absolutely loved the city for its art, history, and food. But now that I have been back to school, walked through the city, and interacted with the people of Spain again, I have realized a few things. I was so excited about what I had seen and done in Rome, that it didn't really phase me to think about the two different cultures in depth. I was definitely ready to be back in Spain at the end of the weekend because though it was a beautiful city, the people and the culture didn't really seem as beautiful as I had imagined. Since it is such a popular city there are thousands of tourists and I can imagine the Italian people would get annoyed with so many people that cannot speak their language. The cars nearly ran us over in the street in Rome, sometimes took aim, compared to Sevilla where you can just cross the street and any car will stop for you to cross, even with a nice Midwest-type courtesy wave with it. I don't think I talked to any Italians or interacted with them while I was there except for ordering food or buying museum entrance tickets. When we had to ask directions to find the Vatican Museum in Rome, we asked some Vatican workers and they told us it had already closed when it was supposed to be open for another 3 hours. We were upset but checked it out anyways just to make sure, and what do you know, its completely open. I've realized that they lied to us because they were American, no other reason and they just didn't care.

The hospitality in Spain is magnificent. People will strike up conversations with you on the bus, at restaurants, are more than willing to help carry bags, or explain a concept for you. I never really understood how generous it really is until I went to Italy. I am sure the customer service, the restaurant workers, and the people are very nice and I probably shouldn't make any generalizations that Italy is antiAmerican or less hospitable after only being there for two days. However, I was just happy to be back in Spain where I felt comfortable and actually a part of the culture. When I was in the airport in Rome about to come back to Sevilla, I was so excited to see the Spanish people in line with me and hear the language. I guess Italy was just my first experience being in another country where I couldn't communicate and it was difficult. I felt like such a tourist and in Spain, I feel like I actually understand and am a part of the culture.

Please don't get me wrong, I absolutely adored Rome and cannot wait to go back to Italy and travel more, but the trip definitely made me realize how much I have become a part of the Spanish culture already and how much I really love being here. :)

Thanks for reading my thoughts and supporting me!

Love you all!
Besitos,
Betsy