Daniella’s Blog from Rome, Part 3: Making the Most of Every Second
In Rome, every train ride, every meal, and every conversation becomes part of the learning experience.
By Daniella Dickson
After a full week of classes, you would think I’d be ready for a break. Surprisingly, I wasn’t. I couldn’t understand why I would spend the weekend resting when there was still so much to explore. So instead of sleeping in, I headed off on my first day trip.
My destination? Pisa and Florence!
Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person was one of those moments where you stop and think, “I’m actually here.” Of course, I had to take the classic tourist photo pretending to push the tower back into place! But beyond the fun photos, I was amazed by the engineering behind it. I also visited Pisa Cathedral and baptistery; together, the buildings created a space that was both monumental and beautiful.
From Pisa, I continued to Florence, and I completely fell in love with the city.
Walking through Florence felt like stepping into a living museum. I finally got to see the Palazzo della Signoria, where Michelangelo’s David once stood before being moved. I also saw Brunelleschi’s famous dome towering over the city, admired the Baptistery, and visited Santa Maria Novella. Each site had its own character, and they reminded me why Florence is considered one of the birthplaces of the Renaissance.
What I loved most, though, wasn’t checking landmarks off a list; it was wandering. Every street seemed to lead to another beautiful piazza, another cafe, another hidden corner filled with life. The city was buzzing with people, music, conversation, and history. Before I knew it, I had completely lost track of time and almost forgot that I had to make my way back to Rome.
Even after getting home late, I still wasn’t ready to rest.
The next morning, I joined a cooking class just outside St. Peter’s Basilica, where a Roman chef taught us how to make pasta and tiramisu from scratch. We sampled authentic Italian snacks and delicacies along the way, and it was one of the most wholesome experiences of the trip. It wasn’t just about learning recipes, but it was about experiencing another part of Italian culture through food, conversation, and tradition.
That first weekend reminded me that studying abroad isn’t limited to the classroom. Every train ride, every meal, and every conversation became part of the learning experience. Looking back, I’m so glad I chose exploration over rest. Italy had so much to offer, and I wanted to make the most of every single moment.
Daniella Dickson is a third-year student in the History & Theory of Architecture program. Last summer, she traveled to Rome to take Prof. Morgan Currie’s course ARTH 3701/4701: The Eternal City.