Why Rome is Difficult

Well, first of all, any time people don't speak the same language I do, I get a little concerned.  What if I need something?  Thank goodness for Hubbard.  He spent several months in Rome as a student. Long ago he learned how to communicate in Italian, though he doesn't know a whole lot of the language.  Hubbard isn't bothered by the fact that he probably looks like a babbling lunatic to these people.  He just keeps after it until they understand.  He's very polite and gracious.  Everyone ends up trying to help him when he starts "talking".  The evening of my birthday I went out shopping by myself.  I was a tiny bit terrified the whole time.  But, I did end up feeling like a grown up lady.  And practically everyone I ran into spoke English.

Rome is all uphill.  You've heard of the "Seven Hills of Rome"?  Well, there aren't seven.  Rome is one big hill.  In fact, I believe that no matter which direction you go, it's a climb.  And since Hubbard tends to march everywhere he goes in Rome, the ascention gets a little tiring.  I have to admit it.  I'm a wimp.  But, next time, I'd like to take it a little slower and use public transit a little more.  The first trip there I was afraid I'd miss something.  So, I wanted to walk.

There are too many people.  Too many alive and too many dead.  It's a very high energy city.  And I feel like some of that energy comes from all the ruins and history that you're walking amongst.  The first time we went to the Forum I thought I was going to faint.  It was so full.  The air was thick.  It was like everyone that had ever been there was still there.  Rome is a little overwhelming.

Rome is magic.