2011

I don’t think I’ve ever felt this behind the times…literally. While celebrations for the new year of 2012 have already begun around the world (it’s midnight in Sydney right now!), there’s still another ten hours to go before midnight arrives here in Rome (GMT+1). Sitting, waiting, wishing…

But besides time zones though, the timing of everything has been so perfect recently, it’s great! I should also point out the fact that today, ‘l’ultimo dell’anno’ marks my halfway point (give or take) here in Italy on exchange – 26 down, 26 to go!

Reflecting on what’s already past, the whole experience has honestly been so amazing, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed everything thus far. But I’m also really looking forward to and excited for part II – hurrah!

As a whole though, the year that’s [almost] over has been such a great year – for which I am so thankful to God for. I have the most incredible family and friends, what more could I possibly ask for?! And to anyone who’s reading this along with everyone else who has made 2011 the incredible year it’s been, thank you so much – it means so much to me!

So I’ve tied all the loose ends together; have my list of new year’s resolutions ready-to-go; calendar flipped; bags packed for a week away in the mountains and I’m all set. Now for 12am to actually arrive…tick, tick tick.

From what I can already anticipate though, 2012 is going to be another huge and memorable year with things like becoming legal and finishing high school underway! Until then though…buon anno, happy new year, bring on 2012!

xxxxxxx

Serena

[Nemi - cute little town overlooking the sea]

All roads lead to…Rome

Yesterday I went to the centre of civilisation: Rome. It was extraordinary in every way, and generally such a beautiful city! I guess I wasn’t really expecting to do touristy sight-seeing given it was a school excursion for a Latin assessment, but as an added bonus I was able to see the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill (one of the most ancient parts of the city on which Rome was founded).

Everything was amazing; the streets and architecture of the many different buildings are so full of historical significance. It was just such an overwhelming aura to absorb all at once: the food, the people, the sites, the city! And Roma Termini was another experience in itself…

I’m definitely hoping to visit Rome again once I get the chance to, and perhaps see a little more of this magnificent city – ’twas a great day!

Ti voglio bene!

xxxxxxx

Serena

[I apologise for the major lack of photos, as I mentioned before my camera is broken so it's a little difficult to transfer the photos I've taken from the borrowed camera onto my laptop. For now though, the iphone will have to suffice - The Colosseum]

Departure in 48 hours

Alright, so here it is – my official blog following my adventures in Italy on exchange for two months. Inspired by Ceren (check it out here!) and spurred on by many others, hopefully I’ll be able to document and share my journey and experiences with you all every now and then.

I’m really, really excited, but being my first time in Europe, I’m not quite sure what to expect. For those of you who don’t already know, I’ll be living in Ariccia, a town within an hour’s drive of Rome which should be amazing!

At the moment, I’m just finalising my packing, finishing off my Christmas cards and crossing things off my extensive to-do list. I guess it really hasn’t yet hit me that I’m leaving in exactly 48 hours; Italy is still the distant, foreign place I’m going to at the end of this year.

While I hope to make the most of this incredible opportunity in experiencing the culture, learning the language and meeting so many new people, right now just thinking about being so far away from family, friends and the people and places I love most for two months makes me really upset.

So while I’m really keen for take-off, I don’t know how I’m actually going to survive by myself for that long. I guess everything changes once I actually get there though!

A dopo!

xxxxxxx

Serena