Ciao Via del Corso!

Today, I took what could be my last walk down the Corso. With only two more days left in Rome, I knew my chances of returning to the Corso ever again would be slim. Since the day I arrived in Rome I have walked down Via del Corso almost every single day. We had class in the Piazza del Colegio Romano (which is right off the Corso) every day during the week. It was not only for class though that I would walk along my favorite street.

The girls and I would always go souvenir or clothes shopping in stores such as Zara, Le Group, and H&M. Often we would grab gelato at a local gelateria on the Corso in between classes. I have visited its' several museums, such as the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj. One night I even ventured to the movie theater along the Corso. It is easily accessable to go to Villa Borghese, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps from the Corso as well. Throughout my stay Via del Corso has acted as the beginning point of many adventures I have taken throughout Rome. I will miss it dearly, but my time here is up and I must say my goodbyes.

Barcelona v. Rome

This weekend we traveled all the way across the Mediterranean to Barcelona, Spain! I had the time of my life and I am super-excited to travel around Europe starting on Friday!! There were several things I liked about Barcelona that just aren't around in Rome.

1. Dunkin' Donuts AND Starbucks
2. 50mL Coca-Cola ... $.80
3. Cheetos
4. TAPAS (mmMMmm)
5. great seafood collection ( I tried octopus, sea bass, mussels, and squid)

These are just a few things in Barcelona that made me smile. I know a lot of the items are from back home, but it was nice being able to eat something besides pasta, paninis, and gelato for once.

American Shopping on the Corso

What do tourists love more than taking pictures and saying cliche things like "when in rome"?

Americans love little reminders of home and seeing that things have been American-ized in other countries. At least I can speak for the kids who study abroad in Rome that I have met when I say this. Where do we all hang out at? American and Irish pubs. Where do we find ourselves eating out at? Pizza places, such a cliche college food. And where do we look to shop? American stores along the Corso.

Yeah, shopping in another country seems thrilling and fun, but it can be expensive and unaffordable for someone here long-term. Many of the shops along the Corso charge upwards of $60Euro for just a shirt, which at the current rate does not translate well into the American dollar. It is almost comforting to see American shops such as H&M, Diesel, Sephora, Guess, Levi's, etc. along the Corso--even if they are a little bit more expensive than at home. Living in a foreign country it is nice to see in the least a sign from home, and in a way it seems like an appreciation of American fashion sense (especially in a country where fashion and self-presentation is so important on a daily basis). Now more than ever companies have expanded world-wide and I can say I almost feel relieved by it. I love shopping and there is nothing better than spending my shoppinf money supporting the American economy.