Diagnosis: Wanderlust: Etxarte

The basque have a beautiful word: etxarte (pronounced etch-arte). It means a sort of home away from home, literally a home between. I think I've found this in Roma. I have those moments where I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else in the world. I feel as if I belong here! My Italian is definitely improving as we pack a whole quarter's worth of class into 3 weeks, so I can actually have moderate conversations with people in Italian.

This city is just so comforting and wonderful. I don't ever feel lost, even when I most definitely am, and I am never overwhelmed by the 'city life.' That's probably because Roma is a rather quiet city. As much as we think that the Italians are crazy drivers, they drive rather slowly - they give off this illusion by accelerating quickly and then getting to a top speed of about 35 mph. Yes, they believe that lanes and traffic lights are merely suggestions, but that's because they think they know better. Italians are actually very courteous drivers and they will stop and let you cross when you start to walk - even while their light is green!

I can get around this city so easily. Nowadays walking 3 hours straight seems to be the normal amount of time I should spend getting about on a lazy day. I can never get bored of this city, there is always something more to see or do or taste! I literally made a list of things that I need to do in Roma and it is getting so long... but suggestions are always welcome!!

Another thing that makes living here so much fun is my flatmates. They are the most amazing set of ladies. We've heard some horror stories from other girls about how they are getting rather clique-y and are refusing to hang out with the others. We are shocked by this. We have family dinners every once in a while and every time we are about to go out we invite the entire flat. The food we make is so delicious. Garlic bread (I made a spread from butter, diced garlic, basil, and olive oil), pasta, and bread salad (the perfect way to use your hard bread). Our kitchen always smells so good. We cook with simple italian ingredients and everything is ridiculously fresh. I just love living here!