What I'll Miss

For all the Italians' peculiar ways there are a few things I'm going to miss when I return home to California.

• public transport: the metro is so convenient makes getting around the city a cinch. Rome is also a great city for walking. All the sites are within walking distance from the center and are usually closer than you think. It is very easy to gain a sense of independence in Rome when everything you need is just a block or two away.
• gelato: umm, I love it! And it's everywhere. There's a gelato place (or two) around every corner and usually you can get a pretty good value for you money. There's also a fun variety of flavors!
• sandwiches: I actually like eating sandwiches, when in Rome... good bread, tomatoes, basil and prosciutto is all you need.
• churches: The amount of detailed decoration and depth and height and presence I have gotten used to in Rome will surely be missed when I return home to the much more modest churches at home.
• our apt: our apt was in a really convenient location, right next to the Vatican, and made me feel at home in the city.
• all the sites. duh. There is so much of everything in Rome: ancient ruins, Renaissance art, Baroque churches, Italian culture and monuments, modern art, the parks, the piazzas and great food :)