Rome Sweet Rome

Here I am, sitting in my new white and purple bedroom, trying to figure out where I want to begin. After 24 hours of traveling alone and some serious navigation skills, I have made it to Italy. I said goodbye to my parents and sister Nicole at the Toronto airport where I began  my lone venture across the Atlantic. This was my 21^st time flying, and so you think I would’ve been able to keep my cool. However, this was also my first time flying completely alone, and I barely slept on the plane. It was uncomfortable and I felt nervous the entire way there (this could also be a side effect of the fact that it was the 10^th anniversary of 9/11). My plane first landed at the Frankfurt airport where I had 4 hours to roam around and do whatever my little heart desired, but unfortunately for me, I felt sick the entire time I was in Germany, and only bought a couple souvenirs (a postcard for my family, a little magnet with the temperature on it, and some newspapers). Germany was just like I imagined it would be – people were very conservative and there were pretzel stands everywhere you looked. From there, it was another 2 hour plane ride to Rome, and I was just so happy to finally arrive. But no, my travels did not end there… I had to go to Stazione Termini, the main train station in the city.
It was extremely hot in Rome when I arrived and I was wearing a pair of sweatpants, carrying a heavy backpack, and two 40 pound suitcases. I felt like that Greek mythical character who was trying to carry a ball of wax that kept melting in the sun and rolling back down the hill. Fortunately for me, I met these kind Danish people who adopted me when I arrived. They were two couples who were in their 50’s and they helped me carry my luggage and saved me a spot on the train. After the 30 minute train ride, everything fell apart. Including myself. I was tired and hungry and sick and sore. This Danish family helped me look for my host mom, Stefania, who I could not find. My phone had died and I was lost. After a small breakdown, the Danish took me to the police station where they called Stefania and everything worked out from there. I was so happy to go to bed that night.
All the floors in the home are made of hardwood and the ceilings are at least 20 feet tall. The doors are all white with beautiful brass décor that can only be opened with even more beautiful brass keys. There are 3 terraces and my bedroom has this beautiful antique desk. There are books and pieces of art everywhere, so I am quite comfortable here.
The mom, Stefania, is so sweet and understanding. The dad is a dentist who doesn’t speak a word of English, but at least if I ever have a cavity, then I’m in the perfect place. Giulia is the 9 year old girl who I take care of, and she is so so sweet. Last night I helped her with her spelling and time tables, and I can tell that she’s smart. For the most part she behaves politely and she loves that I came all the way from Canada to play with her. Giulia has two older siblings – a 30 year old sister and a 24 year old brother. They also have a 40 year old maid/cook here named Cely from the Philippines who is so sweet.
It’s my second full day here, and I have already tried the staples of the country. I ate lemon gelato on the first day and raspberry cheesecake gelato on the second. I also went out for pizza which was so good that I almost cried. And the pasta… While walking in the streets of Rome, it is impossible to blend in. Most people assume that I’m either Dutch or from a Scandinavian country which is flattering, but when I tell them I’m from Canada, they get so excited. For example, yesterday an old man was selling flowers and he gave me a beautiful pink daisy for free after I had a simple conversation with him. He kissed both my cheeks and calls me bella every time I walk by. There is also this old couple who owns a small café and gives me a free drink whenever I stop by. I don’t really know what it is, but it looks and takes like ice tea, so I’m guessing that’s it. They don’t speak any English and I don’t speak Italian, but somehow it doesn’t matter.
Tomorrow I have the day off, and Stefania is going to show me around the city a little bit more, so I’m very excited. I’m also excited to get some sleep tonight, which I haven’t had enough of since I left Canada. I haven’t seen any important monuments yet or met any of the au pairs, but I have tried some truly delicious food which makes up for it. 
So far things are going pretty well, and I’ve already learned some very profound things since my arrival:
1. I love my mom more than anyone in the world.
2. I hate flying alone and will avoid taking a connection ever again.
3. Nothing tastes better than Italian food.
4. I love Danish people.