Arrividerci

The last few days of my stay in Rome have been pretty emotional, good and bad. The mood has changed. In a weird way many people who have not made the most of the trip are beginning to realize that their chances to make the most of it are diminishing. I have begun to figure out ways to use up my meal tickets because I had $170 worth with only six days to go. I have been eating out with more than any other time during my trip abroad.

I completed the majority of my Christmas shopping in the past few days, ecept for my sister (Girls are impossible to shop for – especially girls that are your sister). It was easier this year than any other because of the daily market in Campo Di Fiori which has very discounted vendors selling everything from dips, olive oils, crackers, pasta, and spices to scarfs, tee shirts, hats, jackets, and purses, to condiment holders, flowers, wine openers, and fruit stands. I literally bought gifts this year for people whom I have never bought gifts.

Rome has visibily transformed this week. The are more and more Christmas decorations put up daily. The small cobblestone streets are lit overhead by an array of lights just above the first floor level of the major areas. There are snowflakes and stars painted on the walkways in front of a few of the local stores. There is an ice skating rink set up right next to the Tiber in proximity to the Castle St Angelo. There are light covered Christmas trees in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vatican.

Final exams were a little brutal considering the fact that it was my last week in Rome and all I really wanted to do was spend time with my friends and visit the things and places that I had not yet. Final exams were relatively easier than the mid-term exams had been. All except for good old Carlo Carleo and my History of Western Philosophy exam (for those of you in the class you will know exactly what I mean). This was my last exam and completing it was a total relief.

Once the exams were over, there was the last cocktail which was at the Perfect Bun. The entire group showed up and everyone had this anxious excitement which suggested that everyone knew it was the last night. This was the last night to be with these friends we had made which had become some of our best and to also sightsee and visit some of the places (clubs/bars) that we would not be back to for a while. The emotions were obvious as many people were hugging and crying as we left.

The after party was at Campo Marzio and everyone came over to drink and dance so we could all be together one last time before going out. Our place was the party scene for a while but eventually we moved the party to the bar on the backside of our building. We had referred to the bar as “the red bar” all semester because it was lit up with a bunch of red lights. I still do not know the official name of the place. Afterward, we ended up going out to Anema and then some ventured off to Coyote before the night was over.