Cara Roma,

It's been nearly a year since I walked your cobblestone streets, basked in the glorious scents of pasta and espresso wafting out of every trattoria, and soaked in everything that one of the greatest cities of the ancient and modern worlds has to offer.

Our train from Naples arrived late in the afternoon. After a few hours of unpacking, naps and a mini family reunion with zias and zios, my family and I hit the town ready to take on the night. I sipped on Moscato and cappuccinos just like I did every other day in Italy, and gorged myself on the staple that is cacio e pepe (how I came back from this trip skinnier is still beyond me). I saw your not-so-great side with divey alleyways and dragged my feet back to the hotel, not wanting to spend a second indoors when it could be spent roaming your streets.

We only had one full day to get to know you. And if the term "Rome wasn't built in a day" rings true, the same can be said of experiencing your full glory.

We hit the streets the next day at high noon, baking under you ninety-degree sun. While some complained, I loved every minute of it. The hustle and bustle of New York City tied in with your gorgeous architecture that transported me to another time took my breath away.

I won't go into the details of my second day, it would make this article thousands upon thousands of words, gushing with detail. Just know it was full of great cuisine, incredible Romans, and capped off with a much worth-it sunburn. My night and a day with you were unforgettable and I only wish our time wasn't cut so short.

But now, with study abroad right around the corner, I get to make up for lost time with a whopping five weeks experiencing your beauty and wonder. It's not the eternity the Eternal City might imply, but it's more than enough. I hope you welcome me back with open arms and with plenty of experience.

Rome, please be good to me, open my eyes and fill my belly. I refuse to skim your surface this time around, instead, I crave digging into your foundations and very core. Make me trudge back to my dorm on aching feet because there's simply too much to see or do. Make me feel like Audrey Hepburn being swept around the city by Gregory Peck. I won't let you down.

Ci vediamo ad settembre,

Breana

"Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live. " -Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann, Roman Holiday (1954)