A New Role

All this time I have been relaxing and enjoying myself, happily being led along by those more knowledgeable than I am in all things Rome; my home stay mother, my program director, my program director’s assistant, and my professors. However, when my parents arrived fully prepared to enjoy the activities planned for Family Week, my role switched drastically in two ways. Suddenly I was the omnipotent professor and dependable parent leading around my awe-struck parents. It made me laugh at first, cringe when our travels became stressful because of time constraints, and frustrated when buses were late or any more walking was impossible. Despite it all, we roved all around parts of Rome that were both new and old to me, experiencing every piece of the city except for one.

Since I am somewhat experienced with the important parts of Rome, I naturally made sure that my parents spent time at the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican. Yet there were a few other activities that I view as special that we did because not many people that I know have taken the time to experience them.

First, we went to the Quirinal Palace which throughout time has been used as a home by the popes, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Presidents of Italy. It was simultaneously beautiful and intimidating. Situated on a hill, my mother and I walked a steep staircase behind a flock of Italian tourists. Once we reached the top we were greeted by the sight of a monumental obelisk and fountain. After taking in its size and significance, we took our places in line and realized that everyone around us could only speak Italian. “Va be’, posso farlo,” or “Whatever, I can do it,” I thought. After the man at the front desk gave me a bit of hard time, asking if I was truly a student, I managed to get in for free and my mother only had to pay five Euro! Then we followed the long line of people, weaving in and out of gilded rooms decorated with sculptures, oil paintings, tapestries, antique furniture, and gold. To witness the glory of this old Italian Palace, we were blown away.

Another day, my mother, my father, and I ventured into the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy who fought to unite the country during the Risorgimento. After climbing several flights of steps and admiring a gigantic equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, we made it to the entrance. Within was the Museum of the Risorgimento, filled with swords, guns, oil paintings, bronze busts, and photographs all dedicated to the efforts of the Risorgimento. It was all something that my father particularly enjoyed because as a history buff, he naturally has a passion for it. Yet what surprised us all was the glass elevator –very reminiscent of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—that took us to the very peek of the monument.From there we had a 360 degree view of the city. None of us had ever been so high above Rome before! The photos do not do it justice, but it was beyond gorgeous and breath-taking.

During the rest of the week we enjoyed Italain cappuccino, croissants, pasta, meats, and wines. With satisfied stomachs we would continue to trapse around museums, fountains, churches, and piazzas, completely content to be in Rome together, even when it rained or we did not feel well.

Overall, Family Week helped me to see Rome from the eyes of the touristic industry for the first time. Before, I had viewed myself as separate from the tourists; I was living in Rome, not visiting it! So by being simultaneously a guide or a tourist, Rome appeared new to me. I rediscovered its beauty and history with the people that are as precious to me as all of my experiences in this city have been.