This past weekend was my last weekend in Rome. It’s hard to think that in just 12 days I am leaving Italy and returning back to the States. Being in Rome is very different from being in Massachusetts. Although I have been living in such a big city for the past 4 months, somehow I find spots in Rome that are relaxing and comforting. All of my programmates have different opinions about where their favorite spot in Rome is, or what their favorite city that they have traveled to is, but I can honestly say that my favorite places from this semester are right here in Rome.
From the first week I got here I have been exploring all over Rome. Within the first week I found my first favorite spot. After a long day of exploring and trying to understand the hectic transportation systems in Rome, I stumbled upon the zoo, where there are many animals and not many people. Its not much different from other zoos, but there’s something about the Rome zoo that makes it great. It might be the fact that not many people go there and it’s not listed as one of the best places to go to in Rome, but I love it. 
My second favorite place in Rome is definitely a tourist spot, though not a typical one. This spot is usually quiet because it is breathtaking. Climbing up to the top of St. Peter’s Dome to get a view of all of Rome is unbelievable. In the past week I’ve already done it twice. Being at the top of St. Peter’s Dome is relaxing and beautiful. It is the only place where you are in the heart of the city, but far away from all the craziness. I have yet to meet someone who does not feel the same way about the top of St. Peter’s Dome.
- Erica Pagliarulo, Rome Fall 2011, Rollins College