Whispers of Rome: A Summer Love (joe jonas)

I

My eyes wander through the airport at the unique take on the modern contemporary architecture. With each step that I take my heart rate accelerates just a little bit more. I am in the country of my dreams, a place that I have wanted to visit since I was a little girl.

"Ciao." I recite the informal Italian greeting to another stranger for what seems like the one hundredth time since landing a half hour ago. Everyone seems exceptionally friendly, which was something I wasn't quite expecting. Don't ask me why. . .I was expecting people to mind more of their business here. I must be used to the negative attitudes from the city back in New York.

My family has history here though. All my heritage has spawned from this small boot-shaped country but yet we haven't visited a single time during my life. My parents had always said it was the money, but when I was older I picked up that there were different factors at play.

My being here now is only by chance but it was certainly an opportunity that I could not refuse. I have my degree art history and currently work at The Met as an art historian and curator. Occasionally, I dabble in some art restoration as well. They offered me an internship studying the Renaissance art at the Vatican. Who can pass that up?

I think I got some bonus points, and extra consideration, because I can speak Italian. Bless my Nonna for insisting that I learn our native language, may she rest in peace. There was a slight delay with my passport being processed, which is rather odd but I've heard plenty of instances where this happens. On the bright side, I lucked out. With waiting an extra few months, I now get to experience an Italian summer alongside the historic arts.

With my suitcase rolling beside me, I finally walk outside to breathe the fresh Italian air. Once outside, my Uber driver opens the trunk and puts my belongings in for me.

"Meliá, vero?" I nod and he smiles at me through the review window. Our drive isn't too long for the afternoon but I enjoy the foreign sights along our route.

We arrive at the hotel in no time. Check in was a breeze and now I get to relax and fight this jet lag until my presence is requested at the Vatican later tonight. Within seconds of my head hitting the pillow, my eyes close making my rest nice and peaceful.

The loud blaring alarm from my cell phone lets me know that it's time to start getting ready for my debut at the Vatican. I walk into the attached bathroom to my hotel suite and audibly gasp as I see my reflection in the mirror. It appears that I'll be taking a power shower. Moments later I plug in my hair dryer and get to work defusing my dark curls. Light makeup completes my look and I place a sweater in my bag to put on once I enter the city center.

My walk is pleasant. The warm Italian summer air blows my curls and the fabric of my dress around like they're dancing over my skin. My eyes scan all of the architecture yet again; I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to it throughout my time here. The majority of the buildings were expertly taken care of throughout the years, some of them even being restored to their original beauty. Locals are kind to me as I pass by. It feels like I have never felt more at home, my heart is full and happy in such a short amount of time. Barbara greets me outside of one of the doors to the Vatican and escorts me in to a private meeting room.

We discuss a variety of roles that I will take on at my time here learning about the curation, art period, and even the religious side to many of the pieces present here.

"Do you have any questions Miss Rossi?" I smile at the woman across from me. I'm not one to complain at all but I do have some questions for clarification.

"Just a few Mrs. Jatta. What would my hours look like on a day to day basis?" She nods and folds her hands.

"Oh I apologize. We probably should have started there. We usually would start by seven in the morning and end by three at the latest. Some days will be different depending on your assignment; if you were working with a mason then your hours could be longer."