When in Rome

Augustus once said, "I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble".

I stumbled upon Rome for a short term study abroad trip to explore Rome's history and culture and be tasked with producing a short documentary. Little did I know that a mere 5 weeks enabled me to "The Haute Way of Living" today. 

It's not about the pizza, the wine or the gelato, I learnt to feel a city with all my senses and an open mind. From anticipation, uncertainty, denial to living within, I went through different emotions since I stepped off the plane at Fiumicino. Everyone has an existing mental picture of a place, especially about a great city like Rome. But it was never about seeing the part of Rome that meets my expectation. 

Over the weeks, I grew to like pairing a glass of wine with my meal, sitting by a lovely fountain at night, getting lost vicariously between the cobblestone streets and savoring a cornetto and a cappuccino standing in the bar every morning.

Rome found me a wanderer and left me an inspired soul. In the midst of these moments with the Colosseum in the backdrop, my story unfolds.