Day 4

Happy Fourth of July! Today was a busy day over here in Rome. We had our 3 hour long Italian class in the morning, which was really fun. Our lesson today was about ordering food so right after we finished the exercises, we went to a local cafe and ordered coffee in Italian... I absolutely love all the hands on learning that we have been doing! I ordered a crema di caffe, which is basically a coffee milkshake. SO good! 

During our lunch break, the American University of Rome hosted a BBQ so all the Americans could celebrate the Fourth of July! As much as I love Italian food, hamburgers and chips were a great change!! Here is part of our group (photocred to AUR) 

After lunch we had 3 hours of Italian Politics, which went a lot better than I was expecting! The professor is very nice but is sometimes hesitant with her English. Following class, we all cooked Italian food-- bruschetta and pasta (and a fruit salad but that doesn't really count!) 

On our way back to the apartment, we had quiiiiite the adventure. The tram in front of us broke down so our tram couldn't move forward! Luckily we weren't too far away, but we had to get off and walk the rest of the way (Thankfully the rain had stopped!) 

Ciao for now!

Day 3

This morning was one of the most hectic days of my entire life. All 22 of us crammed onto an Italian bus that was already standing room only.. I don't even know how we did it!! I'm sure you're thinking "how bad can it be?" Well, imagine a super crowded bus then multiply that by at least 20. 

ANYWAYS, today was the first day of our Art History class and it was so great! The class is set up so that we meet at the university and then go out into the city for hands on learning! Today we went to the Aqua Paola, an aqueduct that revitalized the city of Rome. It also served as a boundary between Rome and the Estruscan city-states. From there we went to Church of San Pietro where we learned about how geometrical and numerical terms are used to analyze architecture. We also went to the Mausoleo Ossario Garibaldino where we explored in groups and were given an assignment. Our assignment was to list classical elements and their significance to the Italian culture. For example, my group noticed that Romulus, Remus and the she-wolf that nursed them was carved into spoglia, marble that is reused.

After class, we had over 4 hours of free time and walked waaaaay over 7 miles! My friends and I went to the Campo de'Fuori, the Tiber River, and from there, we walked all the way to the Vatican. At the Vatican, we walked around for awhile before heading off for gelato to cool us down.

We then walked way back to the tram stop (and we didn't get lost like many other kids who go out by themselves do!) And as the saying goes... When in Rome, do as the Romans do! So when I saw a fountain of water from the aqueduct, I had to fill up my water the Italian way! 

For dinner we went to a small local Italian place. The food was fantastic but the meal itself took over 4 hours. So far, that is the only thing I don't like about the Italian culture! It is now 12:20am and I have to be ready for class by 8:30am so...

Ciao for now!

Day 2

Today was our first day of class at the American University of Rome! Today we studied Italain, which was very easy considering I have taken it for the past three years. Our professor is super nice and I'm having a lot of fun practicing my Italian with her. The university is super small but absolutely adorable. There are a few different buildings and there are many local coffeeshops nearby. After our orientation my friend and I went up to the terrace of the university, which overlooks the entire city. I have not seen a more beautiful site! 

After class, we walked back to our apartments which is about a 30 minute walk. In our little groups we stopped for, you guessed it, pizza!! (I am never going to want pizza again). When we arrived back at the apartments, we had quiet time-- a concept that is totally foreign to us. Apparently, Italians love a little siesta about midday and Italian law states specific hours in which one MUST be quiet. We could use that back at home! 

In the evening, we ventured out in our groups yet again. We took a bus to the university, where we met our AUR guides and from there we went downtown. We drove by the Circus Maximus on the way, and walked to the Collosseum. Some of us even made a pyramid! 

Regardless to say, I can definitely relate to Juvenal's phrase "most sick men here die from insomnia" because Rome is full of energy and life, even at late hours. Don't worry though, we still have PLENTY of studying to do (and homework!) 

Ciao for now! 

Day 1

After a 2+ hour flight delay, you can imagine how relieved our group was to FINALLY leave the airport. While the flight mainly consisted of us reading our textbook for Art History, the flight went by fast and we made up for lost time. I particularly enjoyed flying over the Alps, which were covered in snow.

When we arrived at the apartments, I was pleasantly surprised. My apartment has a kitchen, a sitting area, two balconies, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry room. We are housed in a very residential/Italian area, so I have already been putting my Italian to use in the pizzerias and coffee shops (not many people speak a word of English!) by ordering food and asking questions. 

It's truly unbelievable to me that after all the countdowns I am finally in Rome! I've been getting my bearings straight within our neighborhood and have already been to the Italian market to buy cooking ingredients with the four girls I will be living with. I am so thankful for this opportunity and I absolutely LOVE our group! I'm ready for the best summer yet!!!! 

Ciao for now <3

Departure

Today is the day! Today is the day I gain more independence, today is the day I study abroad, today is the day I leave for ROME! My group and I will be departing from Dulles International in Washington DC later this evening and we will arrive in Rome in the early morning, if we are not delayed. The first day seems relaxing as we have no classes, but it isn't all fun and games... I still have to read two chapters in my textbook! 

...And the Journey Begins!

Today was the last day of orientation for Rome! The lectures, videos, and all the friends I have made are making me very excited and I cannot wait for this adventure to begin! It's not ALL fun and games, however. We already received information about our 3 exams and 2 papers! 

One More Week!

There's only one more week until I am off to Rome and I am COMPLETELY packed.. I'm that excited. Clearly someone is jealous and wants to go to Rome with me!