This a picture inside the colosseum in Rome. Kelly, the girl in the red came to Rome just to take the class to get certified to teach English but actually lives and teaches in Korea. It was her last day and she still hadn't been so we all went and made a day of it...(after we saw the colosseum we had a picnic in the grass and drank some delicious vino! :) )

I am slowly but surely starting to feel more comfortable with my situation in Rome. It has been an overwhelming six weeks, stressful and wonderful at the same time, but I would not trade it for anything. I am finally beginning to get more of a grasp on the language. I still have soooo far to go, but it is coming along. I can pick up phrases and words and understand a lot more now than I could a few weeks ago! Teaching has also gotten easier and I think I am improving in that area as well. I have some great students who are so wonderful people and who I have become friends with!

My impression of Italy is worlds away than it was when I was studying here. I have met so many more Italians this time around and have learned a lot more about their culture, politics (a very touchy subject here), and way of life. Many of them can't understand why I have come here to teach English when all the opportunity in the world is in front of me in the United States. It is unfortunate but there is not much opportunity for people to advance in the world force here. I find their lifestyle and approach to relationships with others very appealing though. Dinners last for hours, they can be so helpful and kind, and truly enjoy the company of others, they spend hours walking in parks...la dolce vita.