Finding my apartment, via del mirisoni 16

hello everyone! Usually i will not blog this often but since I have a lot of down time now before orientation starts tomorrow I am trying to write as much as possible to share my experience so far!! This morning I woke up around 9 a.m. at my hotel and had the free hot breakfast, which of course consisted of a load of bread and jelly, but at least it was free since everything is SO expensive here. I had to go check in at the IES center which was about a 5 minute cab ride that I could not walk because I had my suitcase, travel back, and regular backpack. I thought I would see a lot more kids checking in, but I only saw one girl with everyone getting in at different times and what not. Then I grabbed another taxi to my apartment which is located southwest of the center. The taxi drivers are insane and drive all over the place even some sidewalks if need-be. I arrived at my apartment and there was no one there to let me in so I went into the "office" where an elderly Italian women tried to help me, she seemed very helpful but of course spoke not a lick of English. I was stuck outside my apartment with no way in! Then finally after about an hour of waiting a kid a little older than me showed up and was from IES, he let me and showed me how to work the electric, washer, fridge, ect. My apartment was incredible, definitely old but had a very big balcony which connects all of our bedrooms and the kitchen; the view is amazing it overlooks several other apartment communities. We also have two bathrooms which is very convenient. I received my welcome packet which stated the next week's agenda for me, which also looks hectic. We have orientation all day tomorrow and then starting Thursday we have intensive Italian for 5 hours; hopefully that will be very helpful.

When i got to my apartment one of my roomate's Eric who is from Virginia was already here sleeping in his bed, most likely tired from the flight. I unpacked all my stuff, having no clue where to put anything at all. After I was all unpacked I decided to go exploring, but before I could go anywhere... I found Pat standing in the middle of the street with his bags, the taxi driver dropped him off and demanded 50 euro and just left him!!! So I walked back with him and he unpacked everything. While all of that was taking place our other roommate Mike from New York arrived and we got to know him a little. Then Pat and I went on a journey for some lunch, we walked all the way to where our classes will be held and decided to turn around and get a bite to eat. We walked into some local sandwich place not knowing if it was okay to sit down or not because here they often charge you a service fee. We both ordered the same sandwich one with pizza bread, zucchini, and cheese along with some tap water. It was actually really good and filling! Then we found our way back to our place. Tonight we are hoping to meet up with some people that Pat met on the plane, but we will see how that goes. My other two roommates are out getting food and walking around now and Pat is sleeping because he is most like still exhausted from the plane!

I on the other hand am still in shock that I am actually here in Rome already, I can't believe this summer flew by so quickly but I cannot wait to see what awaits me and where I travel to in this incredible area. I am finally adjusting to the time change even though I am still a little tired. I am also starting to pick up on a little Italian since everything here is in that language.