I'M OFF!

Ciao Roma

Leaving the MTC Provo, Utah, USA

I left for Rome very early on Friday, June 8. The trip took me to Chicago, London and I arrived in Rome on Saturday, June 9 at around 4:00. I was tired, jet lagged, hungry and crazy hot (it was very muggy). President and Sister Waddoups picked us up at the airport. Before a quick drop off to our apartment, they drove us around the construction site of the Rome Temple. We barely had time to freshen up when we were taken to Stake Conference. Once there we were introduced as the latest missionaries to arrive. Of course everything was in Italian, but even though I didn't quite feel myself I could understand everything pretty well. 

Arrival in Roma, Italia

For the first week we were taken around getting to know the city and people. The Romans are crazy drivers. Everyone is in a hurry. You feel like your going to witness an accident but it never happens. It's like a dance everyone just moves to their own beat and some how it works.
I live in a roomy apartment shared with my companion Sister Kay Day from Ogden, Utah. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a galley kitchen and large dinning/living area.
We live close to just about everything we need. Most things are more expensive than home. However, we found a fabulous open air  market that sells fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese and some clothes and shoes. All small business close from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. I learned that the hard way. We take the bus anywhere we can't walk, which includes back and forth to the Mission Office. 
The weather lately has been very hot, 28 - 31c. They are trying to install air-conditioning, but it blew a fuse after the first time we turned it on. So we have fans that are just fine. Even though I brought a European adapter, both my expensive hair dryer and straightener blew a fuse and I think burned out my hair appliances. So I had to buy new ones. Dang!