Getting Lost

By: Caroline Renk

I had spent my morning and afternoon in class and was starting to become restless. I was in Rome! Having only been here for a week, all I wanted to do was explore every corner of the city.  When class got out, I quickly rushed back to my apartment, threw down my backpack, and stepped out into the Roman sun. My feet began hitting the pavement with no direction, just a yearning to see this beautiful city. I wandered only a few steps before choosing a direction- The Spanish Steps. They had become my favorite part of the city when I had last visited due to their vibrance, beautiful stores, and garden that surrounded them. Once I reached this area and reveled in their beauty for a few minutes I told myself I was going to get lost. I knew exactly where I was on the map, I would wander until I didn’t and when that moment hit, I would wander further until I either had to ask for help or I became familiar with my surroundings again. Although I had my phone on me, and it was fully charged and ready to guide me home, I refused to touch it. I walked about thirty minutes, passed some monuments I recognized before I had to stop and ask a police officer for directions. He was very helpful in helping me find the main street by which I could return home. 

The satisfaction I was washed with when I found my way back to my apartment was unmatched. I had successfully revisited my favorite parts and seen new areas of the city, asked for directions in Italian, and navigated without my phone. As I walked, I made mental notes of back streets with restaurants that I have since tried and never been disappointed. As I settled into my apartment that night, I felt accomplished because Rome became a city I was beginning to know.

EXPLORE ROME