Ciao!

Well, I've done it! I've FINALLY made it to Italy! After a 9 hour delay/layover in Charlotte, I was relived to finally land in Rome! I've spent the last week in Rome, Italy with Operafestival di Roma working on my roles (La Badessa and Cercatricci 2) in Puccini's Suor Angelica and as a Chorus member in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro. So far my days have consisted of many reharsals, staging of both operas, practicing, daily Italian lessons, daily voice lessons and coachings with faculty members, AMAZING food, as well as seeing the beautiful sights of Rome!!! Almost all of my meals have included pizza and/or pasta, gelato, and wine- does it get any better?? 

Last Sunday, May 31st, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the entire day in Rome sightseeing and enjoying pizza, pasta, gelato, cappuccino, wine, and limoncello with my new friends. We saw the Colosseum, the Pantheon, as well as many ruins, piazzas, and other historical sights. We also have planned for this Friday, June 5th, a private tour of the Vatican as well as St. Peter's Basilica which I can't wait for!

We perform Suor Angelica next Monday, June 8th so any happy thoughts and/or prayers would be greatly appreciated as we have had to completely put this opera up in a little over a week and a half!!!

This is has been the absolute experience of a lifetime!!! And to those of you who still have the chance, STUDY ABROAD! It's not easy. It's a lot of work, and a little scary, but after only a week, it's been MORE than worth it!!!