My first day in Rome - Sunday July 1

My first morning to wake in Rome! Only 3 hours of sleep, but my body seems confused... but the swallows are so noisy outside of my room that I find it impossible to stay asleep any longer. I have a Caffe Americano waiting for me, I must find it! The streets are very quiet....where is everyone? Oh, wait...there is the church bell...its 6 am on Sunday morning! I will explore until the bars open.... (coffee bars)

I did it! I walked into the bar, ordered a caffe Americano... oops, I forgot, we pay first. I am lucky, it is Sunday and not busy and the lovely lady behind the bar excuses my error. I have a wonderful coffee and cream croissant and take in the beautiful morning conversations. I will relax now, because the day has much in store for me. I meet with the class today, go to the apartment that will be home in Rome, and later today we will have what our schedule shows as a brief walk about the city as a way of introduction, and dinner as a group. My official school blogs will begin tomorrow. In these blogs I will be able to share events of the day, the history and the art that I am seeing. I will throw in as much of my personal day as room allows, but remember, I am not here for vacation! :)