Trip to Rome

 Last December, I had a one-week vacation.

I wanted to travel to a place I had never been to, but because of the terrorist attack in Paris, our company prohibited us from visiting France and any countries in the Middle East. In time, England started an airstrike against ISIS in Syria, and Germany supported that action. I thought I should also avoid airlines from those countries. I thought Italy would be relatively safe, so I traveled to Rome (taking a direct flight with Alitalia), even though it was my third time to visit this city.

Everything was the same as last time. An escalator of the central station, which was out of service in 2008 and 2012, was still out of service. I saw the same buildings as I had seen in the past, however, there was one difference. There were soldiers throughout the city, such as at the entrance of metros and cathedrals.

I visited many tourist spots. I saw each place more carefully than before, walking slowly, sometimes reading explanation boards. I took many pictures, with my two cameras, and they were better than last time.

Some places, such as the Spanish Steps, were unfortunately under renovation and I was not able to go see them.

The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica happened to be open and I was able to enter, which was a special experience.

It was the Christmas season and there were Christmas trees here and there, but there was not any gorgeous illumination.

I ate some Italian dishes, but I always chose cheap ones, so the Italian dishes I often eat in Japan were much better.

Before this trip, I had confidence to speak Italian better than I had last time. However, I forgot everything after a long flight, even simple greetings. I managed to respond after thinking for a long time, but a second later, I noticed that I had responded not in Italian, but in Spanish. I lost my confidence completely.

Anyway, I was able to forget my work for a moment and relax during this vacation.

※この文章はアメリカ人の先生の添削を受けて修正済みです。

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