Gotta Have Faith(that song has been sung at least 100 times in this apartment)

Hey. The week is going well. Finally got groceries, so I'm not living off of carrots and pasta anymore...
Class today was really awesome. In Masterpieces, we went to an exhibit on Roman Paintings that just started by the President's house. It was really incredible...it had all of these perfectly preserved wall paintings and frescoes from as late as the 3rd century BC. Rome still blows my mind.
In Mythology, we started reading The Iliad. So basically, it was a perfect day for me. Roman paintings and one of my favorite books :-)
Tonight, as with every Wednesday night, I volunteered with a local group handing out food at the local train station. I really like volunteering. It's a great way to meet new people and practice my italian. Every week, the group gets donations of pasta, pizza, bread, and drinks. The majority of people that we hand food out to are Afghani and Iraqi refugees. I've already been asked by several people to be their English tutor...don't know how good I will be at that, but I might as well give it a try.
So I know this post is extremely boring, but I was happy about volunteering tonight, so thought I'd write about it. Talk to you all soon hopefully :-)

Sienna

Last saturday I went for a day trip to Sienna: It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday.
It was a trip with my roommates and we woke up really early to get there. Unfortunately, we took a regional train, so it took 3.5 hours to get there....lots of napping time at least. For the last part of the trip we met a professor that teaches at the University of Sienna. He is a Psychology professor, but does a lot of stuff with art history as well. He began talking to us about his life(as professor's will often do) and we learned that he is a close friend of Dan Brown, author of 'The Davinci Code'. He helps Mr.Brown with his research projects for the books. He was also talking to us about the political system and corruption and all sorts of interesting things. I love how excited professors can get when they share information with someone who's willing to listen.
When we arrived at Sienna, the professor gave us a quick rundown of the city and bought us some famous cookies from Sienna called Cavallucci. These cookies are delicious; they're filled with nuts and fruit and spices and all that is good. We spent the morning wandering the streets and checking out some churches. In the Church of Santa Dominigo, we found the head and finger of St.Catherine. Yep, her head, you could see it, in all its shriveled and disgusting glory.
We went out to lunch at a place the prof recommended, and spent our time chatting and laughing. After lunch, my roommate Christine and I, climbed the highest tower in Italy. It had over 400 steps and it was this really tiny passageway that wound it's way up. Very very cool. The view from the top was incredible. You could see all of Sienna and off into the Tuscan country side. You know how most towers stop at a platform for people to get out and take pictures...this one had that, but you could also go alllllll the way up to the tippy top with the bell. It was definitely one of the best views I've ever seen. I'll put up pictures, I promise...still don't have my computer.....
The rest of the day was spent wandering the streets some more and buying more presents. Again, mom and dad, your x-mas presents are going to be awesome.
If ever in Italy, I would definitely suggest a trip to Sienna. It's a beautiful little town surrounded by beautiful countryside. If anyone ever goes, I'll be happy to give a tour :-)
Ciao bella!

Roman Forum+Friends=Great Week

This week has been a lot of fun. Wednesday night I went to a concert. It was a group based out of Rome that played music from all over the world. The group was made up of refugees that have ended up in Rome. This concert was their version of The Magic Flute. The music was extremely interesting, with a whole new twist.
On Thursday night, I was able to see my best friend Dan. He's studying abroad in Spain and came to Rome to visit. We went out to this incredibly delicious dinner over by Piazza Navonna. I love being able to pick a random restaurant and guaranteeing that you'll have a great meal.
Then, on Friday, we went to the Colosseum(my 2nd time), the Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. I still love and will always love the Colosseum. However, the Roman Forum is just badass. It is crazy to think of the Forum as the downtown of the roman world. This is where politicians came to make speeches; where romans bought food at market; where the vestal virgins lived and prayed; and where Julius Caesar was burned after his assassination. It is just so cool to imagine, regardless of whether or not you are a classics nerd.
I could spend days upon days examining the curia(senate house) or the arch of Titus. And I fully plan on doing so as soon as the opportunity arises. If anyone ever needs a tour guide and wants to pay the 11 euros to get me in, I'm so there. In fact, next summer, you might just find me amongst the ruins giving tours to huge groups of people. Best job ever?
Hope life is well. Ciao

Mi Dispiace

I apologize to those of you who actually read this....I've fallen wayyyyyy behind. Life's been a little crazy on this side of the ocean, including my laptop crashing on me. Oh well, it's still "la dolce vita".
Last week was another good one. Classes went really well; got to visit several museums and talk about all the best classical stuff. I've completely fallen in love with Bernini and all of his fountains and sculptures in Rome. I particularly love his statue of Apollo and Daphne in the Borghese Gallery(look it up online, it's incredible) My professors are all very interesting. I think it'll be a fun semester.
My exciting news for the week is that I spent the past weekend in the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is a set of five towns(hence the name) that are built into the cliffs on the northwest coast of Italy. The landscape combined with these old colorful towns makes this a destination I want to visit a thousand times over. The tiny little cobble-stone streets were just begging to be explored! Every town has it's own unique character; it was fascinating getting a chance to explore each one.
Even better, an incredible hiking trail connects all 5 towns! The first day, Friday, we got there and hiked the entire thing from Riomaggiore to Monterosso. The whole trail winds it's way along the cliff top, going through vineyards and orchards. We briefly stopped in each town for a gelato or drink. The hiking trail was in great shape and had spectacular views. I promise to put pictures up as soon as I get my computer back. That night, we stayed in Riomaggiore. Since we booked so late, we had to pay a little extra, but it was definitely worth it! We got this beautiful room on top of the hill overlooking the entire town. In the morning, there was a huge thunderstorm out at sea, and we sat for an hour out on our balcony just watching it wreak havoc. I would go back there in a heartbeat.
The second day, we took the train to each individual town and really spent our time exploring. I don't think I've ever climbed as many stairs as I did this past weekend. Every little alley way or steep staircase just had to be explored. (as did the food alla pesto, foccacia, and granita) Each town is so different. Riomaggiore is a small, local town that comes alive at night. Manerola is small, but makes up for it in the number of boats. Corniglia is picturesque perched above the sea on a clifftop. Vernazza is tourist-filled, but definitely has the best view. And Monterosso is the biggest, most modern town with the best beach. I really love them all, haha.
Our final day was spent in Monterosso again, exploring a last little bit and acquiring presents(mom and dad-be excited)
This week is lazy...doing work and wandering Rome. I hope you all are enjoying the beginnings of fall. I promise I'll get better at posting. Arrivederci!

HOT!

It's ridiculously hot out right now. The weather is supposed to break within the next few days, but that can't happen soon enough. No wonder everyone takes a siesta in the afternoon.

Yesterday was a lot of fun. I had 4 hours in between classes, so I went over to the Colosseum. I don't think I'll ever stop being amazed by that monument. It is so impressive it takes your breath away. Since I'm such a classics fanatic, I ended up staying there for 2.5 hours. The people I went with all got bored and left, but I just sat looking and staring. I'll put pictures up as soon as I get the chance, I took about 100, haha. The thing that really proves my nerdiness was discovered yesterday. I'm in Italy surrounded by all of this beautiful leather and clothing, and the thing that I want to buy most is an original denari. It's a coin from the Roman Empire with a picture of the emperor. There are a few in the bookstore at the Colosseum and they are so cool. Laugh at me if you want, I kind of laughed at myself for it.
On my way back to school, I stopped at the Pantheon and hung out there for awhile. I love living here; there's just so much to see!

Today is pretty lazy: had to get my resident's pass(which took forever!) and do some other errands. Going to the Vatican tonight for the first time :-)

Buona sera!

First Day of School

HA! I have no idea what I was worried about! Classes were great! Granted, I only had 2, but still.....
Italian is starting from the very beginning, thank god. My teacher, Isabella, is very helpful and will teach us a lot. Either tomorrow or monday, she's taking us to the market to learn how to get things there.
I really enjoyed Masterpieces in the Vatican today. Simona, my prof, is so smart and interesting. She does a lot of restoration work. She believes that in order to understand the Vatican, we first have to learn about the Romans. Therefore, we spent all of class today at the Palatine Hill amongst the ruins. It was really interesting to learn about the different eras and the architecture in each one. I think this course will correspond nicely with my archaeology course.
My mythology class was canceled because Luccia is in the US, but everyone I talked to says she is a huge classics buff and is fluent in Latin and Ancient Greek. I can't wait to take class with her.
It's been awhile since I've been this excited for classes, cross your fingers that it stays that way :-)
Ciao

Umbria

I just want to start by saying that Arcadia runs the best program ever! They definitely know how to keep us happy. Today was our last day of orientation and we certainly ended it right.
Yesterday morning we drove north into Umbria, almost to the border with Tuscany. We were in a town called Vetralla, near the city of Viterba. We immediately went to a Roman Spa and spent the day lounging. I got a heavenly foot massage that quickly repared the week's worth of walking damage. Then, for about 3 hours, everyone swam in the natural mineral bath/hot springs and fell asleep in the sun. It was so relaxing and a great opportunity to get to know one another. After everyone got an appropriate shade of pink, we went to the city of zViterbo. Viterbo is a medieval walled-in city with the narrow cobble stone streets and hopping little squares. After walking around there, we returned to the hotel.
Ok, so this hotel isn't a normal hotel. It is what's called an agriturismo. A family farm is converted into a hotel of sorts where tourists can come and stay. This farm was ridiculously beautiful. There were olive groves and a vineyard and a horse and dogs and cats and everything that makes me happy. The rooms were very beautiful and comfortable. And the best part....they cooked a traditional italian meal. I'm sorry if this bores you, but I have to go into detail:
First course: several different types of meats including prosciutto and salami, fresh olives, bread, bruschetta, cheese pastries, grilled vegetables, chickpeas, spinach rolls, fresh beans
Second Course: Pasta with a meat and tomato sauce
Third Course: Steak(really really good steak)
Fourth Course: Salad with olive oil and viniagrette
Fifth Course: Berry and Cream tart
And all the wine we wanted.....
The incredible thing about this place is that everything they serve is grown on the farm. It's really incredible(and delicious).
After dinner, we were just sitting around the table, when one of the waitresses(the daughter in the family) turned down the lights and started up some music. Even though seconds earlier we were all ready to go into a food coma, we got up and danced for hours. It was so unexpected, but so much fun to dance with everyone and let loose. Unfortunately, haha, I danced a little too hard during 'What Is Love?' and pulled a muscle in my neck. Oops.
Today, we woke up to another incredible meal....all homemade pastries(if I lived at that house, I'd be about 3,000 pounds) Then, we went to 2 olive oil co-operatives, getting tours and tasting their products at each. I definitely want to go back in November when the olive oil is being made. We went back to the hotel for a grill out(as you can tell, these past 2 days have been about eating), then started our trip back to Roma.
Tomorrow, classes start up. I'm very excited and a little nervous. We'll see how it goes :-) Arrivederci!

I forgot something....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE BAILEY AND MATT JORDAN!!!!!!!! I love you both soooooo much. Take the legality serious.....and so will I when I come back ;-)

Sunday love

Finally, relief from the heat! I went to Ostia today, the port of Rome. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to see all of the ruins, but I did get to see the beautiful Meditteranean Sea :) It felt so good after sweating like mad the past few days. The beach was extremely busy, and we didnt get there until later, but it was a really good trip.
This morning I went to the market with one of my roommates. We went to find fruit, but it was nowhere to be found. Instead, we looked at all of the cheap, pretty clothes. It was good to leave the hot streets and go to the beach. It was just a bunch of the girls and we had a good time taking photos and getting to know eachother.
Having a wine party in the room tonight. Keeping it simple. Off to the spa tomorrow......life is soooo rough :)
Ciao!

Orientation and Tivoli

Hi again.....just thought you should know I'm going to live here some day.....
Orientation continued yesterday with the basics about school. I'm actually really excited to start classes, they all sound amazing. Maria, the woman who is our main contact and who reminds me constantly of Marion, told us every little tip we might need to survive here. She even showed us a great pizzeria down the road from school where you can get a huge 3-topping pizza for 3 euro. Speaking of pizza, the food here is incredible. We've mostly been eating on the school budget and they provide well. Last night, my roommates all cooked dinner. I made pesto pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. The food here is so fresh and so good for you. I could talk about it for hours......
Anyway, we went to the Campo de Fiori, which is full of restaurants and a fruit market. It's more expensive than the market near our house, but it still looks delicious. The peaches are so juicy and the grapes are all perfect...crap, I'm talking about food again....I really do love it :-)

We also went on a brief tour of the historic section of Rome, not that any of it isn't historic. I can't wait to spend more time in the Forum and Pantheon and Colosseum, to name a few. They're just so incredible. Last night was pretty relaxed......gelatto included of course(blackberry and nutella)

Today: TIVOLI IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
Tivoli is this town about 40 minutes outside of Rome that will take your breath away. We started by walking the narrow cobblestone streets dating back to the 2nd century. We saw a few temples and a few waterfalls coming down through the hills. Most of the day, however, was spent in a Roman Villa. If I lived there, I would never want to leave. The inside is covered in frescoes and mosaics, all wonderfully preserved. And the outside.....well, to start, the villa is on top of a hill overlooking the valley that Rome occipes. It has a view stretching miles. Even more impressive are the gardens. 154 fountains. 154!! The water is all cold, fresh, mountain water that has been poured into the most beautiful and elaborate fountains I've ever seen. Fortunately for me, my group kind of disappeared as soon as we got there(trying to go through it all really fast), so I started walking with my professors. They were these really cute 60-year old men overflowing with information. And they were definitely willing to walk with a young lady and tell her everything they could. I learned so many interesting facts and cool stories. My archaeology professor, for instance, used to use the ruins as his personal castle when he was little and draw pictures all over them. He admits now that it wasn't his best idea. So we strolled through the gardens and fountains....I hope I can take everyone there some day...trust me, its well worth it.

Now we're back in Rome. Did a few errands, the usual living in a city type stuff. Tomorrow is free, we're planning on going to the market and then the beach in Ostia.

Ciao for now!

First Days in Roma

I arrived in Rome about 36 hours ago and I'm already in love. It's so beautiful here. My apartment is really nice with a big living room(so if anyone wants to visit, I'd love it!) It's situated on a very popular shopping street with a gelateria and pizzeria right below us....uhoh...... I've already done so much!!!!!
Yesterday, everyone moved in and set up our apartments. Afterwards, we got a little tour of the neighborhood and set up the essential stuff. Then we went to a beautiful park on the Aventine Hill(for those who don't know, Rome is made up of 7 hills) overlooking all of Roma. It was absolutely gorgeous. Then we did a quick bus tour of the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum and Forum...I'll be able to really explore that stuff later. Then we went out to dinner at a very nice restaurant where I had the best Fettucine ever. Seriously people, you should come visit me, just so you can eat the food :-)
Today was all about getting to know the area. Paolo took us all over Trastevere and the southern part of Roma. We walked a lot and it was unmercilessly hot, but it was really interesting. I've got a lot of great places to go now.
We have tonight off, so we're just hanging in the apartment before we get ready to go out. That's my trip so far...I'm sure I'll have more interesting things to say later <3