Recovering from Roma

So I have finally returned home a few days later than scheduled thanks to US Airways and much, much more tired than I could have imagined. After almost a week, I feel like I am nursing a case of permanent jet lag.

Rome can be best summed up as a beautiful mess. It is over crowded, graffiti covered, noisy, dirty, and chaotic but it is unexpected, beautiful, awe inspiring, and unbelievably welcoming. The people although completely over whelmed with crowds and rude tourists for the most part are kind and gracious. They want to help and they want you to love their city as much as they do. They want you to enjoy the food and the wine. They want you to see and understand the rich culture and heritage.

But nothing runs on time. . .I got pick pocketed (nothing serious just a few items that didn't mean anything), and a very serious case of blistered feet. All and all I am happy I went. . .and I wish I had more time and energy to take it all in. I am both happy to be home and wishing it all wasn't so far away and so different from where I live.

Above is a collage of just a few of the hundreds of pictures took.

Chronic Singleton Goes International

No, I haven't suddenly signed some book deal or decided to move over seas. I am just taking a long needed vacation next week in the Eternal City of Rome. I am so excited not only because I have always wanted to go to Rome and that I love Europe but also it is the first time I have traveled internationally solo. My two previous trips were either with school or friends. I am so excited about setting my own priorities and schedule and not worrying about what anyone else wants to do.

I plan to take in many of the major sights but also to just simply wander around and enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things. I can't wait to go and I can't wait to come back home and blog about it.