Oh, the Intimidation Factor of Suitcases
Elizabeth will spend five weeks living in an apartment in Rome, working on an ancient site called Gabii 12 miles east of the city.
BY ELIZABETH BASTIAN, Managing Editor
Follow @LizzieBas
“Look forward to lots of blog posts, pictures, and videos documenting my five week sojourn in Roma!”
The imminent and fast approaching departure from my home country did not hit me until my suitcases were thrown down from the attic, and I began to pack.
Later that night, as I tossed and turned in my bed trying to go to sleep, I could not get the suitcases out of my mind. They haunted my conscious. They made my trip real.
And I was not (and still am not) sure if I was ready.
Growing up, I was always that kid at birthday parties who went to town on those “dinosaur dig” games where you had to chip away sand and find as many bones as you could. Historical fiction and ancient myths were my favorite things to read.
Now, in only a few short days, I am leaving Detroit to spend five weeks living in an apartment in Rome, working on an ancient site called Gabii 12 miles east of the city, excavating the remains and helping to map out the urban layout.
I could not have asked for a better combination of my collegiate interests of anthropology, urban studies, and Geographic Information Systems.
“Dream come true” is kind of an understatement.
As I teach myself more and more Italian, acquaint myself with Roman street fashion, and listen to “We No Speak Americano” on repeat, I am getting increasingly excited. I’ve never been outside of North America, and the opportunity to immerse myself in a foreign culture (and eat massive amounts of pasta) is not lost on me.
The anxiety had not subsisted, but it is definitely being dissipated as my plane ride approaches. I have been planning this trip more months, and I think that no matter how much I prepare I will never feel entirely ready.
Anyways, look forward to lots of blog posts, pictures, and videos documenting my five week sojourn in Roma, one of the oldest urban centers in the world!
As they say in my soon-to-be home, Arrivederci!
