Preparing for Departure

Hey All!

I am one of the most non-technological individuals ever, so making this blog is a big step! But, I am going to try really hard to keep a record of all of my adventures, travels, and experiences in Rome!

I am going on the IES Abroad program to Rome, Italy for the Summer of 2009. The program runs from June 9th to July 24th. This will probably be the longest time I have spent away from the Chicagoland area so I am getting really nervous. I am also really excited. I am hopeful that this experience will allow me to become more independent and broaden my horizons to become more cultured.

In Italy, I am planning to take Introduction to Italian and an art history class called Rome as a Living Museum. I have tried to pick up on some Italian before my departure and I think I'm getting pretty good at it! I guess we'll have to see how it goes when I get there!

I finally got my housing and my room mates in Rome. I am living at Piazza Ottavilla 10 on the Fourth Floor. Grant and I Google mapped it and took some snap shots of the building, so that's pretty awesome. I showed it to my dad as well and we tried to look at how close I am to some historical landmarks like the Vatican, St. Peter's Square, and the Colosseum. Oh, how the advances in technology amaze me! But, really, it looks cute and it's fairly close to a lot of spectacular places. Check it out:

View Larger Map

Amanda, Brooke and I just went to go see Angels and Demons and, seriously, it was like a Roman Crash Course! The movie featured many of the significant buildings and places I hope to see first hand while in Rome: Piazza Navona and The Fountain of Four Rivers, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, etc. Very interesting stuff and you should see it if you haven't. ;)

How to Stay in Touch:
I will keep you all updated on my classes and travels throughout the summer. Feel free to leave posts or e-mail me at any time (nianick2@gmail.com).
Cell: I'll have my Blackberry so I will be accessible easily by e-mail, phone, and BlackBerry Messenger (pin:2489cca1).
Skype: Skype is probably the best way to have "real" conversations. If you download Skype (it's Free), you can talk to be through voice or video chat for no charge. Click here to download Skype: Skype. My Skype name is coreyhope.
Also, I will most definitely be getting an Italian Cell Phone once I get there. I will be posting the phone number once I get it.

Get ready for a great summer! :)