Arrival to Rome

September 7th, 2009
As I awoke this morning, I had no idea it was only three A.M. and I had passed out last night at only five P.M. The last thing I could remember was reading Voyage of the Dawn Treader, assigned for my philosophy class. When the reality that I had slept for ten hours and was not about to fall back to sleep set in, I thought I was doomed. What could I do for five hours before the breakfast buffet opened that would simultaneously keep my mind off my growling stomach and keep me from going crazy? Naturally, I attempted to watch TV. It was broken. I then tried to sleep again. Not happening. I looked back on my journey yesterday – all of my bags made the connections, I watched about six movies on the plane, slept a bit – nothing exciting. All in all, about 30 minutes passed and just when I thought I’d lose it a brilliant idea crossed my mind. “Why don’t you try reading your book, dummy.” It was a revelation. I laid back for a solid five hours, reading without interruption. When I finished the last word I realized the breakfast buffet was open so I hopped into a pair of jeans, threw a shirt on, and spiraled down the four flights of stairs. I was just about to ask the front desk where the buffet was when the other man being helped said my name.
“Is there something wrong? I’m Spencer Townley,” I inquired.
“Ah, very nice to meet you,” the man offered his hand, “I’m Dr. Burke.”
It was the dean of the Florence program, thank God and not Interpol or some crazy assassin – I’ve been watching the Bourne series too much.
We spoke for a moment, he pointed me in the direction of the buffet, and as I stepped in the peach colored room, lined with fruits, cereals, hams, cheeses, breads, and juices, I nearly lost my breath. I was so happy to see real food for the first tim in what seemed to be ages! I calmed myself so as not to end up overeating and feeling like hell. As I sat down with my plate of fruit and ham, Dr. Burke walked in and introduced me to his wife and they joined me for breakfast. Conversation was at first light. Then I found after admitting my desire to work for the State Department, that at our orientation on the eighteenth, the consul general at the American Embassy will be present! And, Dr. Burke mentioned, it would be a great time to meet and talk with some of the employees.
Overall, life is good here in Rome. Friends are on their way, my belly is full, and we are about to embark on our grandest adventure yet!