Now that I feel as if I've finally settled into Rome, and that I am finally a "resident" here, I find myself noticing the littlest things that make me laugh, or just smile because it's a silly culture difference that I hadn't seen before or just some odd happening. I'm weird. Once you knock out all the big monuments, like the Vatican, Colusseum, Castel D'Sant Angelo, etc...suddenly you have time to actually enjoy the city you are in. Not that I wasn't enjoying those sights, but it's different immersing yourself into a culture, versus just visiting a place. Hmm, I guess that's why they call it study abroad? Lol.
I was on the bus in the later evening last night coming home from class and this older man gets on the bus with his son (he basically could've been a mini version of that man). They both had the bellies that men should have, well, at least if the lady in the family knows how to cook. Most Italian women seem to have a good idea of what a dinner should be: pasta, pasta, pasta. The boy must've been only eight years old, but he had the sass and hands of a grown Italian man. And I absolutely love that. He was telling his dad about something (it was in Italian, bear with me), and his hands were waving all over the place, and I could tell through these movements when he was really excited or just straight up as angry as an eight year old could be. I'm not sure why, but that moment really stuck with me. I love Italians and the way they speak to each other. Their hands and mouths tell you all you need to know about the conversation, no need to know the language.
The woman from my neighborhood bakery has finally memorized my order...due cornetti al cioccolato meaning two chocolate croissants :D...I went into the bakery craving one (just one!), and she was shocked and asked me if I meant two instead of one. Haha. I would learn Italian sweet nothing phrases for that woman, so I could tell her how much I love her chocolate croissants.
School is....school. I had my first macroeconomics exam today. I am less than thrilled about my performance. Our professor definitely led us in a different direction. I'll wait and see how I did.
I enjoyed my photography class this week, probably because it was at the Piazza Navona! We got to spend three hours just taking "artistic" shots of things, and getting the feel for digital photography. I had a photoshoot (hah) with Tara. We basically took turns, and used a tripod and a light reflector, how professional am i now? I haven't gotten a chance to even look at the photos on my computer yet, but definitely this weekend. I'm getting antsy for that class every week, hoping to learn more!
I'm off to Cinque Terre bright and early tomorrow morning with my baby girl, Catherine. We'll be gone just for the night and return home Saturday evening.
The grape festival, also known as the wine festival, is on Sunday. I would love to go, but I can't very well do everything! It's a train ride away, which means more euros to be spent that I could very well save for other things. I chose to go to the Perugia Chocolate festival instead, which seems way more up my alley anyways, but I won't be going until October 23rd I think. We'll see!
Ciao,
Kate
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Weekend in Rome
After back to back weekends of traveling, train rides, bus rides, getting lost, and eating lots of foreign food I spent a much needed relaxing few days in Rome.
Saturday, we woke up fairly early and grabbed breakfast at a local coffee shop in our neighborhood. I got a blueberry muffin because I've been cravinggg one! All the time I want muffins, unfortunately they are expensive here...so I try to stay away from them. I also found fruitella, which are comparable to starbursts...I was a happy camper.
I spent the day walking from the north side of Rome to the south, with lots of detours in between. We walked for probably a total of 6 hours, which is enough for me :P
We started out on our side of the Tiber River, and basically followed it down...sort of, not really. We found a little nonprofit children's museum, which had really cute pop art on the side of the buildings. From there we continued on to the Piazza del Popolo. Which is probably one of the bigger piazzas in Rome. AND Michael Jackson was there again, NOT performing of course. It was disappointing for me....
We got slightly distracted in the piazza and found ourselves in the Leonardo da Vinci inventions museum. I was aware that Leo (yes I just referred to him as Leo) invented a lot of silly contraptions and very useful ones, but I honestly wasn't aware that he basically invented every necessity we have today...I may be exaggerating, but I was overwhelmed by all his inventions.
From there we walked along the street parallel to Via del Corso (had we walked down corso I probably would've been shopping ALL day), and we ended up eating at a restaurant off that road. It wasn't my favorite, and the waiter decided to take some of our change without our permission saying it was a "tip"...except they don't tip in italy? hmmm. I had gnoochi, which I can't complain about :]
Then we walked over to the Pantheon, and wandered (where I got gelato and Catherine and Claudia got a frozen coffee drink)
After my much too big cone of gelato, I found myself laying outside the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church, pooped. Haha. We people watched and finally decided it was time to get up and go to our final destination.
We went to Bocca della Vetira, which is ... something no one particularly knows, but they think it may have been a fountain piece. Basically, you stick your hand in the mouth of it, and if you tell a lie it will bite it off. Hah. You can find Audrey Hephurn in Roman Holiday doing that...I believe.
After checking that out we hung out by Hercules' temple, which is in the old cattle market.
I feel extremely silly name dropping all of these places, but that's Rome for you.
I managed to make it to the grocery store, and somehow spent the remaining 16 euro I had on me on what I believe to be a decent amount of groceries.
Finally, to end the day Catherine, Carolyn, and I met up with Jonathan and his friend Maxie (who is a doll!) for dinner in the Spanish Steps area...It was wonderful company with some great food.
Catherine and I FINALLY got to show off our famous bakery to some travelers :] It was such an experience because the bakery was lined up with customers to outside the door when we got there at.....11:30 pm? How strange is that? Apparently Romans love their late night pastries. Hehe.
Today was more relaxing, we went to a flea market...which okay wasn't exactly relaxing. It was such an overwhelming huge flea market, which basically was a repeat of every 5th stall. As in one would be leather jackets, then 3 euro clothes, then jewelry, then knock off toiletries, and then repeat. It was kind of silly, and nothing really interested me. So when in doubt, go get food. Which is exactly what we did. And after food, what do I do best? Nap...I did that too. Then you blog, and then maybe you eat again, and then you'll get some homework done.
None of that made sense, but I'm exhausted.
I need to study for my exam on Thursday.
Ciao,
Kate
Saturday, we woke up fairly early and grabbed breakfast at a local coffee shop in our neighborhood. I got a blueberry muffin because I've been cravinggg one! All the time I want muffins, unfortunately they are expensive here...so I try to stay away from them. I also found fruitella, which are comparable to starbursts...I was a happy camper.
I spent the day walking from the north side of Rome to the south, with lots of detours in between. We walked for probably a total of 6 hours, which is enough for me :P
We started out on our side of the Tiber River, and basically followed it down...sort of, not really. We found a little nonprofit children's museum, which had really cute pop art on the side of the buildings. From there we continued on to the Piazza del Popolo. Which is probably one of the bigger piazzas in Rome. AND Michael Jackson was there again, NOT performing of course. It was disappointing for me....
We got slightly distracted in the piazza and found ourselves in the Leonardo da Vinci inventions museum. I was aware that Leo (yes I just referred to him as Leo) invented a lot of silly contraptions and very useful ones, but I honestly wasn't aware that he basically invented every necessity we have today...I may be exaggerating, but I was overwhelmed by all his inventions.
From there we walked along the street parallel to Via del Corso (had we walked down corso I probably would've been shopping ALL day), and we ended up eating at a restaurant off that road. It wasn't my favorite, and the waiter decided to take some of our change without our permission saying it was a "tip"...except they don't tip in italy? hmmm. I had gnoochi, which I can't complain about :]
Then we walked over to the Pantheon, and wandered (where I got gelato and Catherine and Claudia got a frozen coffee drink)
After my much too big cone of gelato, I found myself laying outside the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church, pooped. Haha. We people watched and finally decided it was time to get up and go to our final destination.
We went to Bocca della Vetira, which is ... something no one particularly knows, but they think it may have been a fountain piece. Basically, you stick your hand in the mouth of it, and if you tell a lie it will bite it off. Hah. You can find Audrey Hephurn in Roman Holiday doing that...I believe.
After checking that out we hung out by Hercules' temple, which is in the old cattle market.
I feel extremely silly name dropping all of these places, but that's Rome for you.
I managed to make it to the grocery store, and somehow spent the remaining 16 euro I had on me on what I believe to be a decent amount of groceries.
Finally, to end the day Catherine, Carolyn, and I met up with Jonathan and his friend Maxie (who is a doll!) for dinner in the Spanish Steps area...It was wonderful company with some great food.
Catherine and I FINALLY got to show off our famous bakery to some travelers :] It was such an experience because the bakery was lined up with customers to outside the door when we got there at.....11:30 pm? How strange is that? Apparently Romans love their late night pastries. Hehe.
Today was more relaxing, we went to a flea market...which okay wasn't exactly relaxing. It was such an overwhelming huge flea market, which basically was a repeat of every 5th stall. As in one would be leather jackets, then 3 euro clothes, then jewelry, then knock off toiletries, and then repeat. It was kind of silly, and nothing really interested me. So when in doubt, go get food. Which is exactly what we did. And after food, what do I do best? Nap...I did that too. Then you blog, and then maybe you eat again, and then you'll get some homework done.
None of that made sense, but I'm exhausted.
I need to study for my exam on Thursday.
Ciao,
Kate
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tarquinia, Italy
well, since Germany I've relaxed...a fairly decent amount hah. I always tell myself I'm going to stay in and just...sit for a few hours. It NEVER happens. My school week consisted of a trip to my first Italian cinema, complete with english movies! How wonderful? We saw Eat, Pray, Love...which seemed appropriate considering where I'm at. It was one of those poor quality movies that you can't help but cry in. Yes...I'm guilty of crying in that movie, multiple times of course.
For the first time since I've been here, I sat alone in a piazza (by Via del Corso, in case I got bored I could go to H&M hahah), and I just read a book. It was peaceful and much needed. Of course, some older man had to ruin it by telling me how beautiful I was...Not that I'm going to complain, a compliment is a compliment, but at that point I just wanted to enjoy the setting I was in with my Machiavelli. Hah. I also was waiting around for the Michael Jackson street perform to start his magic, which I unfortunately missed out on.
My week was fairly relaxing, for what you considering a relaxing week in Rome. I was constantly going somewhere, and just enjoying the sights and the city. As well as getting stuff done for class/school. I enjoyed gelato as usual on a daily basis. Yet this week I've been going big, getting the 3.50 euro cone, which is about equivalent to 3 scoops of ice cream...but it's gelato, and better for you.
I spoke with a representative from Snow or Sand (the program I'm using for my trip to Morocco), and he was giving me tips on hostels and going to Eastern Europe, hopefully Prague will be featured for my Halloween 4 day weekend. We will see.
Also, you can find a video on facebook of me (so go check it out) eating my favorite "snack" I've found in Italy. It's from this adorable hole in the wall bakery. It's actually more of a cave in a wall, you have to walk down a flight of stairs that run below the streets, and you can smell the goodies from around the block. It's an unforgettable smell. I've talked about this place many times, I have definitely created a relationship with my pastry shop. I'm working on getting the owners to recognize me and remember my order, which is slowly happening at the gelateria that Catherine and I attend on a fairly regular basis :] Enough about food. (for now)
I feel like I should note that I honestly cannot wrap my head around the thought that I'm living in Rome. I feel constantly in a daze here because every corner I turn it's just something new. I'm never tired of looking at something here. Plus, my bus route that I normally take goes by both the vatican and the castel d'sant angelo, which just...takes my breath away. I'm an emotional being as most of you know, and it makes me want to just tear up a lot. I love seeing what I see everyday. I'm looking forward to tomorrow because I'm spending a day with some great girls visiting the sites of Rome. Not entirely sure where we are going just yet, but all the museums are free entry, which means we will certainly be seeing something!
I'm happy.
Friday, I went on a day excursion with API to Tarquinia, Italy. I was hesitant and slightly, no very, annoying because I was so concerned over this silly bike tour we were taking. As most of you know, I'm an awful bike rider...but somehow I managed, as long as I had my own personal bubble of space. When 25 people are riding bikes through a curvy street city, it's difficult for a less than capable bike rider like me to maneuver around. Hah. Tarquinia was beautiful, it had a very rustic, countryside feel to it. I liked that it was a small town, it was a great change of pace from the busy streets of Rome, and Germany. After the bike ride, (which I only managed to run into something/fall down twice...that's good for me in a two hour ride), we arrived at a local family owned "farm house" which they referred to as something else that's on my little piece of information paper. It was not a farm like I was imaginging, it had a countryside resort feel to it, accompanied by a pool. Hah, and pigs! Okay, so they grow their own olives there and make olive oil, as well as wines and jams and just various little things. (I bought some olive oil and jam :]). We arrived and it IMMEDIATELY starting pouring rain...I hadn't seen rain like that in months. It was wonderful, and surprisingly set the mood for our wine tasting (which was outside underneath a covering, so we could hear the rain and see it haha. it was enjoyable...not bad like you would think). okay so we had a wine tasting, I preferred the young wine over the older. the older was much too bitter for me...I have no taste for wine, and we had pasta, chicken, salad, potatoes, dessert, and bruschetta. It was a wonderful 4 course meal. I was completely satisfied.
As soon as I arrived in Rome though, I got some gelato. eek.
I then went out to dinner with some of my girls, and had an amazing pizza :] and chocolate mousse to end my night. Now I'm here.
I'm considering dedicating a blog to my readers in which I can safely convince them I'm not gaining weight while I'm here, but I'm certainly never hungry because I feed myself so much. I can definitely justify my eating habits in that post as well...I just love food. I'm adapting to the Italian way of life. Pasta, pastries, gelato, and multiple courses. We'll save that for another time.
Ciao tutti,
Kate
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Oktoberfest!
Where do I even start? We boarded a train from Rome to Florence Thursday evening. It was my first train ride (at least that I can remember...parents did I ever ride a train in my youthful years? not sure). My ears popped, and I annoyed Carolyn with my silly questions, which were along the lines of "will my ears explode?"...You can only imagine.
We sat next to these AWFUL people from the Carolinas...they were rude, and very unfriendly. They even had the nerve to video tape Carolyn, Catherine, and mine's conversation...(did i use proper grammar there...i have awful grammar). They said they filmed us because they'd never heard such words before...I was less than pleased.
We arrived in Florence around 10:30 pm, and waited to leave for Germany around midnight on an overnight bus. The bus trip was ... pleasant. haha. I had a handy little blow up pillow my Dad convinced me to buy..THANK YOU Daddy. lol.
We arrived in Munich, Germany around 8:30 AM, and had just less than an hour to get ready and be back on the bus to head into the center of Munich so we could explore. When 3-4 girls are in one room that can prove to be difficult! But we managed.
Munich was absolutely beautiful, it was very gothic in some areas...the streets are CLEAN, unlike Rome's haha. And the people are unbelievably friendly and cordial! There was nothing I didn't like about Munich...I think the German's definitely have this life thing figured out with the way they live...I plan on living in Germany one day now haha. I mean Sigmund Freud was from Germany, and he is pretty prevalent in the Psychology field, even though the majority of his theories are no longer valid to us today...but that's irrelevant.
Bottom line...I LOVE GERMANY, and the food..surprisingly. I had gingerbread hahaha, and cheese spatzle. it was yummyyyyy.
We spent the day in Munich, and the majority of it was just sightseeing and OF COURSE, purchasing my drindl for Oktoberfest. I found the perfect drindl, which served as my only souvenir for the trip. What better than a drindl?
Oh we also went to the haufbrauhaus...however you spell it. Which was an experience. we managed to find italians in a german beer house. hah. It was fun, and the food was yummyyy.
After a long day in Munich, we came home...SLEPT, and then we were off to Oktoberfest bright and early around 9:30...which was actually way too late, since it was opening weekend.
We went from beer tent to beer tent, unsuccessful in finding a table. Missed the opening parade in all the time we spent finding a beer tent...settled for the haufbrauhaus (spelling? hahah), quickly left and went to a beer garden for a few hours. which was a blast. they played a lot of american music for some reason.
The germans are realy big on the white stripes, every beer tent played seven nation army as a lead up to getting their beer haha.
EIN PROSIT!!! that's another beer song haha.
I ate sausage, chocolate covered pineapple, and of course gingerbread all day hah. Drank a little beer...which is by the way on a completely different level than beer back in the states. As you can imagine.
I met some lovely germans my age, and we sat for hours talking with them about cultural differences and just silly things.
That day at oktoberfest was completely overwhelming on a side note...there were carnival rides, food everywhere, beer tents EVERYWHERE, and thousands of people. most of them dressed in drindls and the traditional german wear for men. which I can't spell and I'm too lazy to get up and find the information packet, but you get the point. You could easily tell the difference in vibes from the beginning of the day, to the middle, and to the end...everyone was a little more uptight, then after a few beers, everyone is friendly, outgoing, dancing on tables, singing, yelling. whatever, and then by the nighttime, everyone is exhausted and aimlessly roaming around haha.
I got asked if I even spoke english while wearing my drindl, I just shook my head no, because the girl was obnoxious and I didn't want to talk with her. lol.
and I was also asked to have pictures taken with, of course by probably the most drunk men in the beer garden at that point, but I was nice and gave them their picture...little did I know their thank you would be a kiss I did NOT want. haha. I was less than thrilled and I think that man knew that.
Sunday was another day spent at Oktoberfest, which we were actually successful in getting a table in a beer tent, and spent a few hours there. I really wanted some souvenirs, so a few of us left to go find some...where we saw a little parade, and the beer tents horses...yes each beer tent has about 8 clydsdale horses with a carriage that shows the beer tents names and symbols on them. I got pictures of course! I also had more chocolate covered pineapples that day haha. I was obsessed, couldn't help it. I found myself a shirt that says Oktoberfest, and then a gift for Alex, which I think will come to use for him. haha. Sunday was a little more relaxed but a lot of fun.
We had to head back to the bus by 3 pm, and we ran into a little whoopsie with two of my roommates, they missed the bus and had to take a train home later, you can imagine how stressed and worried Catherine and I were...there was some miscommunication, but in the end they made it home a few hours after us, so it was a relief haha.
Anyways, we watched movies on the bus, and made it back to Florence by around midnight. Spent overnight outside the florence train station with some other kids waiting to get back to Sienna. Hah, it was nearly as magical as it seems though...It was freezing cold and we were all exhausted after a weekend at Oktoberfest. But we made it through and our train left Florence around 5:50 AM haha. In the time we spent in Florence I met a boy worth mentioning. His name is Jonathan, and he reminded me so much of Wilson! It made me miss Wilson terribly :[, but Jonathan is coming to Rome soon, so I told him to grab lunch with us...it's funny how easily you meet and make friends abroad...no one is as uptight as they are in Texas. I love it.
Okay, we made it to Rome, took a taxi home because we were beyond exhausted, and then I was in bed by 10 am, and slept till about 2...it was wonderful.
As soon as Catherine and I were back in our neighborhood we IMMEDIATELY went and got two chocolate croissants EACH. hahaha. what a welcome home breakfast :]
I managed to make it to my later class...where I was having trouble paying attention, but on the way to class my professor actually almost ran into my bus on his bike haha. and He also made a reference to Lost (the tv show) in class which made me like him a little more...but I already enjoy his teaching skills as it is...maybe it's because he's Italian...whatever.
I also shamelessly got another two chocolate croissants after class, because well...I was craving them. I can't help it. they are 30 cents for one...how can you resist that? And I smell it everyday down the road!! So I caved. AND Catherine and I went and grabbed a lovely dinner at a local restaurant in a neighborhood. There we met an Australian couple that asked us to join them for dinner because they wanted to hear about America, and just other silly things. They were fabulous!
The husband, Vern, was more than bulky, but had the softest blue eyes, and was such a sweetheart. Yet he cussed like a sailor. It was hilarious when he was telling us stories about their trips around the UK, France, and Italy...we won't get into them because well..it involves a lot of cussing haha. and I have to keep this family rated. but it was unforgettable. The wife, Nikki (who is a chef!!), was adorable...very bubbly and full of personality..They were very fitting for each other. and talked like such australians, they described drinks as sherbets, and said it was "flogging rain" instead of pouring. It was interesting talking to Vern about Texas, because he had never been. And I got to amaze him with the fact that my mother's side of the family owns a farm, and has more than one gun (since guns are illegal in Australia after a mass murder incident)...the look on his face was priceless, and he could not stop laughing at the fact that people actually lived like that! haha.
I also had gelato on the way home, and slept like a baby.
This past weekend has been unforgettable, and full of adventure. I'm getting used to this lifestyle very quickly haha.
Ciao, Kate
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Another day in Rome
I'm posting a short blog today, but I really enjoyed my Tuesday in Rome :] (and of course I had to post a blog about it).
I had my digital photography class today, and my professor is extremely Italian, and dresses like a real Italian man should...yes he is dreamy...should I be posting this on here, I'm not entirely sure. But he wore a scarf today, and he talked about cameras. It doesn't take much more to impress me.
I spent my afternoon after my classes and lunch with Claudia, which was really relaxing and much needed. We decided we are going to try exploring the city of Rome once a week, with a specific monument or area to visit...we will see how that works out haha. BUT today was the first of those days...how ever many we have.
We just went a few blocks away from school in the Trastevere area. My art history professor briefly discussed a church called Basicilia Di Santa Maria....and it just happens Claudia surprised me with that church as our first place of exploration! It was beautiful inside, full of mosaic and just...a bright golden color everywhere. We even wrote down a wish (her's in Latin...haha of course), and left them by a statue which I have no clue who it is...but apparently everyone does that. I cannot tell you my wish, but I hope it comes true.
Then we went to Tiber Island, and briefly explored another church, before I forced Claudia to get gelato with me. It was a rather easy task. I didn't finish my gelato for the first time though :[
----on a side note, my lower lip is swollen to a point that it looks like someone punched me in the face...this is a problem. I woke up this morning with a very swollen lip. My assumption is bug bite.
OH I also leave for Munich, Germany on thursday!!! *get excited
I think that was my day, but it was wonderful...and relaxing. Which is exactly what I needed.
Ciao for now
Kate
I had my digital photography class today, and my professor is extremely Italian, and dresses like a real Italian man should...yes he is dreamy...should I be posting this on here, I'm not entirely sure. But he wore a scarf today, and he talked about cameras. It doesn't take much more to impress me.
I spent my afternoon after my classes and lunch with Claudia, which was really relaxing and much needed. We decided we are going to try exploring the city of Rome once a week, with a specific monument or area to visit...we will see how that works out haha. BUT today was the first of those days...how ever many we have.
We just went a few blocks away from school in the Trastevere area. My art history professor briefly discussed a church called Basicilia Di Santa Maria....and it just happens Claudia surprised me with that church as our first place of exploration! It was beautiful inside, full of mosaic and just...a bright golden color everywhere. We even wrote down a wish (her's in Latin...haha of course), and left them by a statue which I have no clue who it is...but apparently everyone does that. I cannot tell you my wish, but I hope it comes true.
Then we went to Tiber Island, and briefly explored another church, before I forced Claudia to get gelato with me. It was a rather easy task. I didn't finish my gelato for the first time though :[
----on a side note, my lower lip is swollen to a point that it looks like someone punched me in the face...this is a problem. I woke up this morning with a very swollen lip. My assumption is bug bite.
OH I also leave for Munich, Germany on thursday!!! *get excited
I think that was my day, but it was wonderful...and relaxing. Which is exactly what I needed.
Ciao for now
Kate
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sorrento, Capri, and Pompeii Weekend Excursion.
FRIENDS and family!!
Too much has happened since my last update, but it included the usual of fantastic food, too much gelato, so much history/art, and lots of "ciao bellas'" that italian boys shouted my way (as well as my roomies.)
Against my better judgment my roommates and friends dragged me out on Thursday night (I say this only because we were leaving early friday morning, and I had yet to pack or shower...and packing is a stressful thing for a girl like me)...but I went anyways. We went down to Campo di Fiori and had a nice night of wine and bruschetta, hehe. I noticed Campo di Fiori seems to be a popular American hang out, as well as a younger italian crowd...too young! Its fun to go there every now and then, but personally I find it too pricey and very touristy. I'll have to do some exploring for better places to drink some wine at. I had a blast getting to know my roommates a little bit better! They are already pretty familiar with my neurotic habits, and anxiety haha...but we won't get into that. OH! One thing I found interesting was that in Italy... they have these shops called Tabacchi shops, which are basically tobacco shops/general store and some of these stores at night time turn into like..."to go bars"...you basically go in there and get a 2 euro shot, and then you are on your way...it's not social hang out joint, you just get our alcohol and then you are on your way! haha. how convenient?
Okay, so we left for Mount Vesuvius at around 9 am...I was slightly concerned considering there were no buses on the 4 hour ride, and you know me... I'm like my mother, neurotic and always needing to know where the bathroom is...but anyways. (I lived off of dramamine this past weekend haha). Mount Vesuvius was absolutely breathtaking...literally (hah i'm so funny). It must've been between 55-65 degrees, with very fast winds on the climb up...needless to say, I wasn't exactly a trooper the whole way up...Luckily Claudia was there to provide me with a banana, which was much needed. From Mount Vesuvius you can see all of Naples, and just a gorgeous view of the water/skyline/city...I was in love...I was snapping pictures left and right. I also stole a rock from Mount Vesuvius...how sneaky am I?! hehe. hmm, there is so much to tell about Mount Vesuvius...first time I'd ever climbed up a volcano, that's for sure haha.
anyways, next we drove to Sorrento, where we had a free evening...and I got to share a bunk bed with Claudia, yuh yuh. Sorrento is an adorable town full of shops that are family owned with real ITALIAN LEATHER, (I'm guilty of buying some)...couldn't help myself, and shops where they make your own shoes right in front of you! As well as lemoncillo, which is something the Almalfi coast area is known for apparently...I had no idea. I tried a bit of it, and I can not handle a 70 proof alcoholic drink...I had the best fettuccine of my life at a wonderful restaurant in Sorrento, and I also had gelato twice everyday that we were there..oops? haha I cannot help myself! I'm addicted to gelato...truly am. At least I can admit it...
We went out on the town both nights we were in Sorrento, and I enjoyed myself...I'm usually in it for the dancing though :P. so I danced with my girls both nights, and had a blast! Although one night, I was victim to a very creepy italian boy...but we won't get into that...but to give you a taste...what boy honestly uses the "you are my secretary and I am your boss" line to try and get a girl? Hmm...must be a language barrier thing. And of all teh things he could've said...he says I look like a secretary because of my glasses. Anyways!
Okay so Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, then the next day...CAPRI!
CAPRI was completely mind blowing! we took an unforgettable ferry ride with a view of mount vesuvius and surrounding islands to get there, then I took a little tram up to Capri town...with my french map! unfortunatley they could've provide us with an english one? hmm, how odd? guess it's a minority up there. Anyways...capri town was beautiful...you could see the coast from the top of the town, and it was full of shopping, and hustle and bustle from all the tourists...I had one of the best chocolate croissants yet, as well as some pineapple I will NEVER forget. I spent the day roaming capritown, unfortunately we had no time to visit anacapri, but I did get to dip my feet in the water at the shore of Capri! it had stones instead of sand, which results in a very wet bottom hahaha. but I also stole a rock from the capri shore...I think i'm going to collect those things from everywhere I go...and maps. I have a map of everywhere I've been so far.
I bought my mother her gift! she already knkows so i guess i can tel you...they are beautiful red coral rose earrings...so pretty, and I bought myself a red coral necklace with some silver branches on it...it's definitely one of a kind...(and good price I promise daddy!)
saturday night was another night spent in sorrento, with more shopping...
(if you haven't noticed...i tend to remember my experiences by food...i'm a big food junkie)
I bought some lemon flavored pasta...yummy (haven't had any yet though)...and I think that was it..besides my leather...I had gnoochi sorrento style for dinner which was once again unforgettable...I cannot get over this gnoochi dish...I'm really going to miss it when I come back to Austin...I'll have to learn how to make it! The dessert at the restuarant was awful though hahaha. so I made up for it with my second gelato of the day. yup...so I believe i had 5 gelatos in the course of one weekend...not ashamed.
Sunday we went to the ruins of Pompeii, which was surreal. I can't believe that they still had preserved bodies from when the ashes of Vesuvius covered the town. Learned about an ancient roman city was completely eye opening for me, and once again I probably only remember half the information. It's so hard to process what you are seeing/hearing/feeling, and then try to take pictures at the same time haha. My tour guide was awesome too, he called us his mafia and never referred to us as tourists...and of course ahd a silly accent and sense of humor. Which is necessary for every tour guide!
We then came home...where I slepttt and sleptt, and now i'm here.
I have school in the morning, which means back to reality, but I certainly enjoy this weekend vacation routine I have going...too bad it won't last forever! but I'm living it up while I can :] Oh and fresh fruit market in the AM, as well as school supply shopping! such a busy busy day...but I love riding the subway and bus so I'm not complaining
I cannot wait to wake up to the sounds of Rome (even if it's at 4 AM)
Ciao,
Kate
Too much has happened since my last update, but it included the usual of fantastic food, too much gelato, so much history/art, and lots of "ciao bellas'" that italian boys shouted my way (as well as my roomies.)
Against my better judgment my roommates and friends dragged me out on Thursday night (I say this only because we were leaving early friday morning, and I had yet to pack or shower...and packing is a stressful thing for a girl like me)...but I went anyways. We went down to Campo di Fiori and had a nice night of wine and bruschetta, hehe. I noticed Campo di Fiori seems to be a popular American hang out, as well as a younger italian crowd...too young! Its fun to go there every now and then, but personally I find it too pricey and very touristy. I'll have to do some exploring for better places to drink some wine at. I had a blast getting to know my roommates a little bit better! They are already pretty familiar with my neurotic habits, and anxiety haha...but we won't get into that. OH! One thing I found interesting was that in Italy... they have these shops called Tabacchi shops, which are basically tobacco shops/general store and some of these stores at night time turn into like..."to go bars"...you basically go in there and get a 2 euro shot, and then you are on your way...it's not social hang out joint, you just get our alcohol and then you are on your way! haha. how convenient?
Okay, so we left for Mount Vesuvius at around 9 am...I was slightly concerned considering there were no buses on the 4 hour ride, and you know me... I'm like my mother, neurotic and always needing to know where the bathroom is...but anyways. (I lived off of dramamine this past weekend haha). Mount Vesuvius was absolutely breathtaking...literally (hah i'm so funny). It must've been between 55-65 degrees, with very fast winds on the climb up...needless to say, I wasn't exactly a trooper the whole way up...Luckily Claudia was there to provide me with a banana, which was much needed. From Mount Vesuvius you can see all of Naples, and just a gorgeous view of the water/skyline/city...I was in love...I was snapping pictures left and right. I also stole a rock from Mount Vesuvius...how sneaky am I?! hehe. hmm, there is so much to tell about Mount Vesuvius...first time I'd ever climbed up a volcano, that's for sure haha.
anyways, next we drove to Sorrento, where we had a free evening...and I got to share a bunk bed with Claudia, yuh yuh. Sorrento is an adorable town full of shops that are family owned with real ITALIAN LEATHER, (I'm guilty of buying some)...couldn't help myself, and shops where they make your own shoes right in front of you! As well as lemoncillo, which is something the Almalfi coast area is known for apparently...I had no idea. I tried a bit of it, and I can not handle a 70 proof alcoholic drink...I had the best fettuccine of my life at a wonderful restaurant in Sorrento, and I also had gelato twice everyday that we were there..oops? haha I cannot help myself! I'm addicted to gelato...truly am. At least I can admit it...
We went out on the town both nights we were in Sorrento, and I enjoyed myself...I'm usually in it for the dancing though :P. so I danced with my girls both nights, and had a blast! Although one night, I was victim to a very creepy italian boy...but we won't get into that...but to give you a taste...what boy honestly uses the "you are my secretary and I am your boss" line to try and get a girl? Hmm...must be a language barrier thing. And of all teh things he could've said...he says I look like a secretary because of my glasses. Anyways!
Okay so Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, then the next day...CAPRI!
CAPRI was completely mind blowing! we took an unforgettable ferry ride with a view of mount vesuvius and surrounding islands to get there, then I took a little tram up to Capri town...with my french map! unfortunatley they could've provide us with an english one? hmm, how odd? guess it's a minority up there. Anyways...capri town was beautiful...you could see the coast from the top of the town, and it was full of shopping, and hustle and bustle from all the tourists...I had one of the best chocolate croissants yet, as well as some pineapple I will NEVER forget. I spent the day roaming capritown, unfortunately we had no time to visit anacapri, but I did get to dip my feet in the water at the shore of Capri! it had stones instead of sand, which results in a very wet bottom hahaha. but I also stole a rock from the capri shore...I think i'm going to collect those things from everywhere I go...and maps. I have a map of everywhere I've been so far.
I bought my mother her gift! she already knkows so i guess i can tel you...they are beautiful red coral rose earrings...so pretty, and I bought myself a red coral necklace with some silver branches on it...it's definitely one of a kind...(and good price I promise daddy!)
saturday night was another night spent in sorrento, with more shopping...
(if you haven't noticed...i tend to remember my experiences by food...i'm a big food junkie)
I bought some lemon flavored pasta...yummy (haven't had any yet though)...and I think that was it..besides my leather...I had gnoochi sorrento style for dinner which was once again unforgettable...I cannot get over this gnoochi dish...I'm really going to miss it when I come back to Austin...I'll have to learn how to make it! The dessert at the restuarant was awful though hahaha. so I made up for it with my second gelato of the day. yup...so I believe i had 5 gelatos in the course of one weekend...not ashamed.
Sunday we went to the ruins of Pompeii, which was surreal. I can't believe that they still had preserved bodies from when the ashes of Vesuvius covered the town. Learned about an ancient roman city was completely eye opening for me, and once again I probably only remember half the information. It's so hard to process what you are seeing/hearing/feeling, and then try to take pictures at the same time haha. My tour guide was awesome too, he called us his mafia and never referred to us as tourists...and of course ahd a silly accent and sense of humor. Which is necessary for every tour guide!
We then came home...where I slepttt and sleptt, and now i'm here.
I have school in the morning, which means back to reality, but I certainly enjoy this weekend vacation routine I have going...too bad it won't last forever! but I'm living it up while I can :] Oh and fresh fruit market in the AM, as well as school supply shopping! such a busy busy day...but I love riding the subway and bus so I'm not complaining
I cannot wait to wake up to the sounds of Rome (even if it's at 4 AM)
Ciao,
Kate
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
No more a tourist, but now a resident!
Okay, it's about time I update my blog again and tell you all the interesting things I've been doing!
The first week in Rome was a blur, full of history! Unfortunately I probably only soaked in about half of the information the tour guides provided us with, maybe less...probably less. Luckily, I had Claudia (one of my lovely roommates) there to provide me with interesting little bits of information.
I've already purchased some of the BEST groceries of my life, including salami and mozzarella (it is incredible!...funny story about mozzarella by the way, which I will get to soon enough.)
Saturday was a fairly relaxing day for the girls, since we had a fun filled Sunday ahead of us (Sperlonga Beach.) We woke up, and went to the market, which had everything from linen pants, which I'm dying to own, towels, and fruits and veggies of course. I bought strawberries, peaches and oranges....I must say..the peaches definitely won. I've never had a peach like that in my life. Apparently here in Rome at the markets though you aren't allowed to touch any of the fruits, you need to have the person that owns the stand pick the fruit for you with a glove...hmm wish I had remembered that little bit of information. I of course grabbed my own..which didn't seem like much of an issue, although in Sperlonga I received dirty looks. I should really remember these cultural differences lol. Italians are much more cleanly here...which I'm not complaining about. Although by the end of the day my feet are covered in dirt, and I neeeed to shower. Which we all know is not common for a girl like me (I probably shower on average 3-4 times a week...hehe.)
I've already found some of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood! One includes a dish that the waiter brings out to you in a block of parmesan cheese!!! I seriously cannot get over that meal. They scrap the warm pasta right out of the cheese, which gives you lots of parmesan, which I LOVE.
Dad and I also went to a wonderful restaurant around the block, which I forced my roommates to come eat again with me...which was adorable because the waitress didn't speak any english, so she had some friends from off the street read out the whole menu to us in english!
On a side note, the neighborhood I live in is VERY italian, with very few people speaking any english. So communicating is less than simple...which is fun. It ends up in smiles and laughter, most of the time. Catherine has already found herself a cute boy that gives her her daily expresso (nothing more than just some smiles and a very difficult language barrier they try to cross HAHA)
Hmmm, I also experienced the trevi fountain at night, getting lost OF COURSE, and then treating myself to gelato everytime I get lost...which I think is pretty fair...I mean if I'm going to get lost in a foreign city that doesn't speak much english, and has a delicious dessert that I can never get sick of, I might as well grab some for a 1.50 euro whenever I feel down for getting lost, right? Ok, at least that's my logical excuse for why I've had gelato everyday since I've been here. Usually I crave chocolate gelato with caramel gelato, or strawberry. The pistachio is pretty good, which surprises me...I'm not one for pistachio flavors...the fruit flavors are VERY strong, which is pretty refreshing after walking the cobblestone streets of Rome for endless hours. hehe
Sunday was an unforgettable day! My roommates and I all seem to play different roles in our household. We have the adventurous ones, Tori and Liat, who live very much like the Italians. They have such a carefree attitude of whatever happens, happens. While Catherine and I tend to be the worry worts, and are always second guessing any situation we are in that could be considered less than safe (well mainly just getting lost...but when is getting lost in a foreign country ever safe? Don't worry mother...we always make it home!). The two of us are also very motherly to the other roommates. Liat asked me if it was a southern thing. haha. who knows? While Claudia is very headstrong, and full of goofy information that always makes me laugh, and Savannah is another little history nut, that I'm pretty sure lives in a different world...which is awesome. She also is very sneaky, I'm constantly wondering where Savannah is whenever we are out roaming the city, and she's usually taking pictures lol.
Okay I definitely went off track with my sunday story...We woke up early, and made our way to the bus stop to meet our group for the Sperlonga beach day! We had to be at the Piazza at 7:30, and of COURSE our bus wasn't running that early...so I'm freaking out. We call a cab, and luckily we made it just on time. With time to spare so Catherine could get her daily coffee fix hehe. The drive was beautiful, but I had a hard time staying awake, that is until I saw the italian mountainside! I stayed awake just so I could stay off into the early morning with the mountains in the distance...it was magical. We get to sperlonga, and it slightly reminds me of Greece (not that I've been to Greece, but the pictures..kinda like in the sisterhood of the traveling pants...yes i just said that). It was such a tiny town, with little curvy back alley ways, with buildings full of color and personality that blocked out the sun from the alley ways. I had salami and mozzarella for lunch from a little deli in the town (I've been living off that and pasta lol).
The beach was beautiful, with only the occasional topless woman! haha. It was a family beach definitely, full of kids and grandparents and parents...the water was the perfect temperature to jump in after you tanned for an hour or so :] , I took a nap on the beach, which I desperately needed haha. and then I walked around, saw some Nigerian venders, which reminded me of when I lived in Nigeria of course. They are always putting their artwork in our faces trying to get us to buy them...it's rather distracting when you are trying to enjoy the beautiful sperlonga beach!
I of course had gelato while I was there, and it was definitely one of my favorites...(strawberry, yum)
School started monday, which is a whole other story haha.
My professors are all very italian, and I love that about them. I love it when they are struggling to find the appropriate english translation of an italian word during a lecture. It just reminds me of where I am for some reason. Classes are great. I love all of them so far, and I'm honestly having a hard time deciding which class I need to drop! I'm signed up for 18 hours, and that's just too much! I need to find time to enjoy the roman life, and surrounding cities :] I'm taking health psychology, evil philosophers, renaissance rome, macroeconomics, and digital photography...each one is full of personality and so much to tell.
My roommates and I have also been trying to plan cheap trips to Greece, Morocco, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, and I think that's it lol. I can never remember...goodness.
Okay it's nap time...I have class at 5:15!
-Ciao,
Kate
The first week in Rome was a blur, full of history! Unfortunately I probably only soaked in about half of the information the tour guides provided us with, maybe less...probably less. Luckily, I had Claudia (one of my lovely roommates) there to provide me with interesting little bits of information.
I've already purchased some of the BEST groceries of my life, including salami and mozzarella (it is incredible!...funny story about mozzarella by the way, which I will get to soon enough.)
Saturday was a fairly relaxing day for the girls, since we had a fun filled Sunday ahead of us (Sperlonga Beach.) We woke up, and went to the market, which had everything from linen pants, which I'm dying to own, towels, and fruits and veggies of course. I bought strawberries, peaches and oranges....I must say..the peaches definitely won. I've never had a peach like that in my life. Apparently here in Rome at the markets though you aren't allowed to touch any of the fruits, you need to have the person that owns the stand pick the fruit for you with a glove...hmm wish I had remembered that little bit of information. I of course grabbed my own..which didn't seem like much of an issue, although in Sperlonga I received dirty looks. I should really remember these cultural differences lol. Italians are much more cleanly here...which I'm not complaining about. Although by the end of the day my feet are covered in dirt, and I neeeed to shower. Which we all know is not common for a girl like me (I probably shower on average 3-4 times a week...hehe.)
I've already found some of my favorite restaurants in my neighborhood! One includes a dish that the waiter brings out to you in a block of parmesan cheese!!! I seriously cannot get over that meal. They scrap the warm pasta right out of the cheese, which gives you lots of parmesan, which I LOVE.
Dad and I also went to a wonderful restaurant around the block, which I forced my roommates to come eat again with me...which was adorable because the waitress didn't speak any english, so she had some friends from off the street read out the whole menu to us in english!
On a side note, the neighborhood I live in is VERY italian, with very few people speaking any english. So communicating is less than simple...which is fun. It ends up in smiles and laughter, most of the time. Catherine has already found herself a cute boy that gives her her daily expresso (nothing more than just some smiles and a very difficult language barrier they try to cross HAHA)
Hmmm, I also experienced the trevi fountain at night, getting lost OF COURSE, and then treating myself to gelato everytime I get lost...which I think is pretty fair...I mean if I'm going to get lost in a foreign city that doesn't speak much english, and has a delicious dessert that I can never get sick of, I might as well grab some for a 1.50 euro whenever I feel down for getting lost, right? Ok, at least that's my logical excuse for why I've had gelato everyday since I've been here. Usually I crave chocolate gelato with caramel gelato, or strawberry. The pistachio is pretty good, which surprises me...I'm not one for pistachio flavors...the fruit flavors are VERY strong, which is pretty refreshing after walking the cobblestone streets of Rome for endless hours. hehe
Sunday was an unforgettable day! My roommates and I all seem to play different roles in our household. We have the adventurous ones, Tori and Liat, who live very much like the Italians. They have such a carefree attitude of whatever happens, happens. While Catherine and I tend to be the worry worts, and are always second guessing any situation we are in that could be considered less than safe (well mainly just getting lost...but when is getting lost in a foreign country ever safe? Don't worry mother...we always make it home!). The two of us are also very motherly to the other roommates. Liat asked me if it was a southern thing. haha. who knows? While Claudia is very headstrong, and full of goofy information that always makes me laugh, and Savannah is another little history nut, that I'm pretty sure lives in a different world...which is awesome. She also is very sneaky, I'm constantly wondering where Savannah is whenever we are out roaming the city, and she's usually taking pictures lol.
Okay I definitely went off track with my sunday story...We woke up early, and made our way to the bus stop to meet our group for the Sperlonga beach day! We had to be at the Piazza at 7:30, and of COURSE our bus wasn't running that early...so I'm freaking out. We call a cab, and luckily we made it just on time. With time to spare so Catherine could get her daily coffee fix hehe. The drive was beautiful, but I had a hard time staying awake, that is until I saw the italian mountainside! I stayed awake just so I could stay off into the early morning with the mountains in the distance...it was magical. We get to sperlonga, and it slightly reminds me of Greece (not that I've been to Greece, but the pictures..kinda like in the sisterhood of the traveling pants...yes i just said that). It was such a tiny town, with little curvy back alley ways, with buildings full of color and personality that blocked out the sun from the alley ways. I had salami and mozzarella for lunch from a little deli in the town (I've been living off that and pasta lol).
The beach was beautiful, with only the occasional topless woman! haha. It was a family beach definitely, full of kids and grandparents and parents...the water was the perfect temperature to jump in after you tanned for an hour or so :] , I took a nap on the beach, which I desperately needed haha. and then I walked around, saw some Nigerian venders, which reminded me of when I lived in Nigeria of course. They are always putting their artwork in our faces trying to get us to buy them...it's rather distracting when you are trying to enjoy the beautiful sperlonga beach!
I of course had gelato while I was there, and it was definitely one of my favorites...(strawberry, yum)
School started monday, which is a whole other story haha.
My professors are all very italian, and I love that about them. I love it when they are struggling to find the appropriate english translation of an italian word during a lecture. It just reminds me of where I am for some reason. Classes are great. I love all of them so far, and I'm honestly having a hard time deciding which class I need to drop! I'm signed up for 18 hours, and that's just too much! I need to find time to enjoy the roman life, and surrounding cities :] I'm taking health psychology, evil philosophers, renaissance rome, macroeconomics, and digital photography...each one is full of personality and so much to tell.
My roommates and I have also been trying to plan cheap trips to Greece, Morocco, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, and I think that's it lol. I can never remember...goodness.
Okay it's nap time...I have class at 5:15!
-Ciao,
Kate
Friday, September 3, 2010
just a little note
okay, so I thought I'd write a little note and apologize for the previous post being so unpersonable...Catherine's blog definitely has the upperhand on mine. I'm going to work on that.
Expect more informational blogs in the near future, not just one's naming off what I've done :]
Expect more informational blogs in the near future, not just one's naming off what I've done :]
First Week in Rome!
hello blog followers!!
my first week in italy has been such a blur, but i'll give you a basic idea of what all i've done from monday to friday.
MONDAY:
I met all my roommates
Tori, Liat, Savannah, Claudi, and Catherine!
Then, we had a big Academics Program International meeting, and then a free dinner at a great italian restaurant by the pantheon :]
all my new friends and i went out to the piazza navona...got some wine and just chatted for the night :]
TUESDAY:
was a fun filled day of sooo much stuff!
We had a guided tour of every major monument in rome, which included:
piazza novona (it had 3 statues, and one was the four rivers one...which i absolutely loved),
Piazza della Rotonda (where the Pantheon is), I had some GREAT gelato in this area. yummyyy
Colusseum,
Campo deFiori,
Arc of Constantine (by the Pantheon),
Column of Marcus Aurelius, Piazza di Saint Ignazio (also the Church of Saint Ignazio...it was beautiful!),
the Trevi Fountain
Palatine Hill,
Roman Forum,
Ruins of Ceasars Palace,
Circus Maximus,
and the Theater of Marcellus
we then spent the night out on the town...we went and got a lovely dinner at a local restaurant, then got some wine in campo di fiori, and thenn off to scholars (which is a bar!)...it was a pretty social and fun night :]
WEDNESDAY:
I have five roommates, all of which are the sweetest girls i've met! mostly from up north, the girl i'm sharing a room with is from south carolina :]
we moved into our fabulous apartment! it has 3 rooms, two bathrooms, two balconies, a tv room, a great view of the neighborhood, and we're on the fifth floor!
We ate lunch at a local restaurant in our new neighbhorhood :] i had a really good vegetable soup with chick peas in it! and a fabulous fruit cup. one of the best meals i've had so far i think.
my roommates and i just stayed in and made ourselves dinner, and got to know each other a little bit better!
THURSDAY:
we had orientation at the JCU campus...i signed up for a day trip to Assisi, and i plan on doing yoga, belly dancing, and a few cooking classes :P hehe.
then Dad and I went to an amazingggg restaurant (also in my neighborhood), i had gnoochi pasta for lunch. (i will be going back again)
thursday night was pretty interesting, some of my roommates and i decided to go visit carolyn's apartment, which is in the vatican area...it ended up being a 40 minute walk, with a flight of stairs that never ended, and a few streets that google map forgot to mention didn't have a sidewalk...oops? at the top of the flight of the stairs was a magical view of the city though, which was worth it.
FRIDAY:
we finally slept in for once...until 11 am! it felt so nice, and then we toured the Castle d'Sant Angelo, which took my breath away...and then a long tour of Saint Peter's Basilica...which almost brought me to tears. I was completely overwhelmed by all the religious history within it...i took plenty of pictures!
I also had a nice lunch with some new girls and the roommates....it was expensive though. 12 euro on a plate of spaghetti!! it was worth it though...i finished my plate :]
that was a little more than a basic idea of what all i did, but oh well.. i need to remember this somehow :]
pictures sometime soon! keep following my adventures in rome!
my first week in italy has been such a blur, but i'll give you a basic idea of what all i've done from monday to friday.
MONDAY:
I met all my roommates
Tori, Liat, Savannah, Claudi, and Catherine!
Then, we had a big Academics Program International meeting, and then a free dinner at a great italian restaurant by the pantheon :]
all my new friends and i went out to the piazza navona...got some wine and just chatted for the night :]
TUESDAY:
was a fun filled day of sooo much stuff!
We had a guided tour of every major monument in rome, which included:
piazza novona (it had 3 statues, and one was the four rivers one...which i absolutely loved),
Piazza della Rotonda (where the Pantheon is), I had some GREAT gelato in this area. yummyyy
Colusseum,
Campo deFiori,
Arc of Constantine (by the Pantheon),
Column of Marcus Aurelius, Piazza di Saint Ignazio (also the Church of Saint Ignazio...it was beautiful!),
the Trevi Fountain
Palatine Hill,
Roman Forum,
Ruins of Ceasars Palace,
Circus Maximus,
and the Theater of Marcellus
we then spent the night out on the town...we went and got a lovely dinner at a local restaurant, then got some wine in campo di fiori, and thenn off to scholars (which is a bar!)...it was a pretty social and fun night :]
WEDNESDAY:
I have five roommates, all of which are the sweetest girls i've met! mostly from up north, the girl i'm sharing a room with is from south carolina :]
we moved into our fabulous apartment! it has 3 rooms, two bathrooms, two balconies, a tv room, a great view of the neighborhood, and we're on the fifth floor!
We ate lunch at a local restaurant in our new neighbhorhood :] i had a really good vegetable soup with chick peas in it! and a fabulous fruit cup. one of the best meals i've had so far i think.
my roommates and i just stayed in and made ourselves dinner, and got to know each other a little bit better!
THURSDAY:
we had orientation at the JCU campus...i signed up for a day trip to Assisi, and i plan on doing yoga, belly dancing, and a few cooking classes :P hehe.
then Dad and I went to an amazingggg restaurant (also in my neighborhood), i had gnoochi pasta for lunch. (i will be going back again)
thursday night was pretty interesting, some of my roommates and i decided to go visit carolyn's apartment, which is in the vatican area...it ended up being a 40 minute walk, with a flight of stairs that never ended, and a few streets that google map forgot to mention didn't have a sidewalk...oops? at the top of the flight of the stairs was a magical view of the city though, which was worth it.
FRIDAY:
we finally slept in for once...until 11 am! it felt so nice, and then we toured the Castle d'Sant Angelo, which took my breath away...and then a long tour of Saint Peter's Basilica...which almost brought me to tears. I was completely overwhelmed by all the religious history within it...i took plenty of pictures!
I also had a nice lunch with some new girls and the roommates....it was expensive though. 12 euro on a plate of spaghetti!! it was worth it though...i finished my plate :]
that was a little more than a basic idea of what all i did, but oh well.. i need to remember this somehow :]
pictures sometime soon! keep following my adventures in rome!
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