It’s summer in Rome! And I’ve discovered my great love for a warm and breezy night in this gorgeous city. As the population plummets and temperatures rise, I’m understanding the idiosyncrasies of the city’s life cycle. The pros and cons to the summer transformation are many, but learning to navigate a city with a small town atmosphere is like synthesizing two parts of myself. Not easy, but the reward is great. Some particular joys have included time to plan ahead for the fall, increased time with God, deepening relationships, and some travel.
In Italy, most people use the month of August to travel, visit people, and take time off from work. The countless study abroad students go home, and even public transportation adopts a summer schedule. I’m adapting to the free evenings and afternoons drowsy with heat. My opportunities to meet with people have shifted, but there will always be others haunting these ruins. Even with plenty to do, I recognize that isolation can be overbearing and am reminded to pray for others remaining in the city. Although Rome is more calm and pleasant, it can be difficult for people to take joy in the beauty it offers while others share pictures and stories from cross-country trips and escapades abroad.
That being said, I’m settling into a lovely time of living and working at a small-town pace with the perks of the city. What a blessing to lesson plan in a park, pop into a cathedral to admire some art, and chat away the night with a friend. I hope and pray everyone is safe and happy in their travels, but cannot ignore the whispers only audible when a hush falls on these bustling streets. With fewer distractions and duties comes deeper appreciation and reflections. Praise God for this unique, growing time. In several ways, this is truly a Roman holiday.