welcome.

You have stumbled upon my blog documenting my progress studying abroad in Rome. Many students create blogs to keep their friends and family up to date on every vague description and mundane list of “what I did today.” But I’m hoping this will be more than that.

the facts.

• My name is Cheyenne. It’s nice to meet you.
• I am a rising junior at the University of Denver. Double major in Strategic Communications & Theatre. Minor in Marketing.
• I leave for Rome, Italy on August 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM.
• I return to Denver on December 14, 2012 at 1:00 PM.
• I will be attending the American University of Rome through the International Studies Abroad program.

I have three goals while in Rome:

1. Eat.
2. Photograph.
3. Relax.

O N   E A T I N G
A fair warning: I can’t cook. Or rather, I am currently somewhat inept at cooking. Hopefully we will change that. What I can do is eat. That will require no practice. I will start my appreciation for Italian food by learning how to do some basic cooking this summer. Being the first time I am living completely on my own with no college cafeteria to ease the pain, this summer I will periodically (attempt to) cook various foodstuffs.

The trials and tribulations will be documented here, a la “Julie and Julia.” Your tips on how to improve and your sense of humor are appreciated. To help me eat in a somewhat methodical manner, I will be reading John F. Mariani’s book, “How Italian Food Conquered the World.”

This was an impulse buy while at the Boulder Bookstore with my friend Lisa this summer. It comes equipped with a history of how Italian food made its way across the world and recipes so simple a Cheyenne can do it, all written by an Esquire food and travel correspondent.

O N   P H O T O G R A P H I N G
Since we’re getting into this relationship of blogger and reader, you should know something upfront: I have a thing for photography. I’m by no means amazing or probably even good at it, but I adore it nonetheless. I will document my adventures in cooking and eating through photos. If you would like to see some of my other photography, check out my (somewhat neglected) photo blog.

O N   R E L A X I N G
If you know me in the real world, you know that I am a workaholic. A strong-willed, wannabe independent, ball of sarcasm and agendas. Because of this, the thing I am most excited for and simultaneously scared out of my mind about is getting into the “dolce far niente” way of life in Italy. The sweetness of doing nothing. This sounds like trying to fit a bowling ball into a wine glass to me, but the challenge has been accepted. No backing out now.

I am thrilled for this journey and thank you for wanting to come along for the ride.

– Cheyenne Michaels, DUSA Blogger

For your listening enjoyment: