For the First Two Days

my eyes burned.
The air was heavy
with the smell
of cigarettes. It
made my mouth
dry and my throat
itch.
But then I got over it.

For the first two days
my feet ached.
We walked everywhere,
and stairs were never
in short supply. The
uneven streets tore
at my shoes and my
frozen feet.

But then I got over it.

For the first two days
I was hungry.
Food was available on every corner
but I didn't know their
language or customs.
My stomach roared
and groaned, as did
my wallet.

But then I got over it.

For the first two days
I was cold.
Rain soaked streets
and skies called for
long sleeves and umbrellas.
Cold marble floors and monuments
added to the chill on my
fingers.

But then I got over it.