Kimberly and Chris finally arrived today!!
We ended up going on another walking tour of the city after they got settled in the hotel. We got Kim and Chris some paninis at the corner bar, and then walked down Via Nazionale toward the Victor Emmanuel Monument. We stopped by Trajan’s Forum and the AIRC and then went in Piazza Venezia to look down Via dei Fori Imperiali toward the Colosseum. Then, we walked past Trevi Fountain toward Via Rasella, where I used to live. We stopped to get some gelato at Valetino’s on the way. (Strawberry and Limone, yum!) Then, we walked back toward our hotel near Termini.
We relaxed for a bit, then went to dinner on the corner ristorante. Our waiter was so friendly and the food was delicious! Haha, but they were playing really loud American music videos on a TV in the room where we ate. Kind of distracting.
Kim and Chris started to get really tired during dinner – I’m surprised they lasted so long today. They’ve been trying to get here for three days, so I expected them to be a lot more tired.
We’re planning on seeing the Colosseum, Forums, Pantheon, and some churches tomorrow. Should be a really busy, but fun, day!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - We have AC in our hotel. I really missed AC for a month, but now it's just making my toes cold. :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
This past weekend...
On Friday evening after exams, Alex, David, Harvey, and I headed back to the apartments on Via Rasella. We relaxed and showered and got ready for our farewell dinner that the AIRC had organized for us. Around 7, we headed toward Piazza Navona, where the ristorante was. The dinner was absolutely amazing – it had six courses. We had bread on the table the entire meal; prosciutto; a cold pasta; a warm pasta; salad; dessert (kind of a light mousse with sweet crackers). I might be forgetting a course, but it was all delicious!
The dinner was also great because KG and Dr. Aria and Linda were all there to say goodbye to us. It was really great to get to talk to them all one more time before we parted ways. (So sad.)
After dinner, we all rushed back to say goodbye to Alex and Stephen and Kristen (a friend that had was going to Greece with them). Their train left at midnight from Termini, and Alex hadn’t packed yet (silly Alex). Also, Meagan had already left before the goodbye dinner – it was really sad, but she gets to go on a cruise now! So yay!
After Alex, Stephen, and Kristen took off, the group headed to the boys’ apartment to hang out for a bit. Then, we buzzed the apartments of some people in the other AIRC group, and we all met up to go to The Abbey, our favorite pub. It’s an Irish pub, so it’s kind of strange for us to be in Italia and like that pub so much, but it was always a fun time. Anyway, we had a few drinks at The Abbey (near Piazza Navona), and then some of us headed to our favorite club nearby. We all had a GREAT time dancing, and, before we knew it, it was three in the morning. We slowly made our way back to Via Rasella and quickly went to bed.
By the way, I will not miss going to Italian clubs and getting too much attention from Italian men. American boys have a much bigger sphere of personal space. Which I love.
I was REALLY excited to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in the early morning!
I randomly got a call in the middle of the night, about fifteen minutes after I had headed to bed. My dad was calling, telling me that my sister’s plane had been cancelled. So, I called Kimberly, thinking that I was dreaming. But, in fact, I was not dreaming, and their plane had been delayed about 24 hours. Sad story!
I woke up in the morning to go get Mom from the airport. Her flight was supposed to arrive at 8 in the morning, so I left Via Rasella around 720 just to make sure that I was there to meet her on time. Oh, and Vicki met me downstairs before I took off for the airport to say goodbye. She had written a very sweet postcard to say goodbye – I adore you, Vicki Chang!
On the way to the metro, I called Kim just to check up. She was doing fine and told me she would call later that day with her new flight information.
I took the metro to Termini, where I caught a train to the airport. On the train to the airport, I met the sweetest girl from the Midwest who was also on her way to pick up her parents. She had been studying abroad in Madrid for the semester, so she was really excited to see her family. We stuck together on the train and on the way to the arrival gate. (She didn’t speak any Italian, and she was pretty overwhelmed. Not that I know much Italian at all. But it was good to be able to speak American to each other.) We got cappuccinos and croissants together while we were waiting on our parents to arrive.
Mom’s flight had been delayed about two hours, so I bought a British Cosmo magazine to read after my friend had met her parents. Turns out, they use quite different lingo than we do in the US. So, I had no idea what they were talking about in the articles. It was actually pretty funny.
Oh, one woman and her daughter had a ten hour layover in Rome and wanted my advice on what they could do in the city. I gave them a few options of fun things they could do, and they were really appreciative. I’m not sure what they ended up doing – they kind of disappeared while I was buying my Cosmo.
Also, there were some American high school boys who sat down next to me while I was waiting for Mom. They kept talking about hockey to see if I was impressed. I wasn’t. They were probably from Alaska and big fans of Sarah Palin.
After a few hours of waiting in the airport, I went to the place from where arrivals uscita (exit) to wait for Mom. She looked absolutely stunning when she walked out, despite the fact that she had been traveling on airplanes for about a day. I was so excited to see her!
I explained the Kim and Chris plane fiasco to her, and then we went to go buy tickets for the train to Termini. We called Kim to check up on her and let her know that we had met up in Rome.
When we arrived at Termini, we went straight to our hotel to check in. The room is beautiful! Except, we reserved a room with a king-sized bed and a fold-out couch. Turns out, the fold-out couch is more of a fold-out armchair that can only comfortably sleep one person. Haha, it’ll be an adventure. (We actually ended up getting two different rooms. Now, we fit much more comfortably.)
After checking in, Mom and I headed down Via Nazionale toward the AIRC and the forums. I explained a little bit about Trajan’s Forum, the AIRC, and the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Then, we walked to Via Rasella (past Glass Ristorante) to pick up my stuff. We walked past the Trevi Fountain – so beautiful!
Mom helped me pack up my stuff in the apartment. I had done most of my packing, but we had to figure out how to get everything in bags to carry to the hotel. After packing up, we got all my stuff to the hotel room.
After relaxing for a bit, we got a Panini from down the street and ate it in Piazza del Repubblica, near the Baths of Diocletian. We went into the Santa Maria church in that piazza – so beautiful! Then, we headed to Santa Suzanna for Mass in English.
After Mass, we headed back to the hotel, where we crashed. I had gotten like two hours of sleep the night before, and Mom was pretty jetlagged. So, it was nice to get to bed early.
So, I got a call on my cell phone in the middle of the night again. It was Kim, telling me that their flight had, once again, been canceled. I’m pretty mad at Delta right now. Anyway, they were going to get on a flight to Chicago the next day and fly directly into Rome. (Currently, Mom and I are in the lobby waiting. They should be here any minute.)
Also, because their trip has been delayed two days, they are staying the last two days with me in Rome! So, we will all be on the same flight coming back to Atlanta. Yay!
Yesterday, Mom and I slept in quite a bit. After getting ready, we headed toward the Spanish Steps. On the way, I showed her Piazza Barberini, where I had been catching the metro and buses in Rome.
Oh, on the way, Mom and I stopped for her first cappuccino. So delicious!
In Piazza Barberini, we met up with a South African mom and daughter who asked us how to get to the Spanish Steps. So, we just walked with them. Rome’s streets are so complicated – it was easier to just walk there instead of trying to explain how to go.
After seeing the Spanish Steps, Mom and I walked along the streets, looking at the upscale, designer shops that are nearby. Then, we took Corso north to Piazza del Popolo (Piazza of the People). We sat there for a bit (so beautiful!), and then headed down a different street toward the Ara Pacis Museum and the Tiber River. We walked past the Ara Pacis Museum and looked at the river, and then we headed back toward Corso.
We walked to the Pantheon and went inside to admire the oculus in the dome. Then, we got gelato at the place with 100 flavors. Mom and I each got two flavors – so we both got to try banana, mint chocolate, strawberry, and Bounty bar. It was a lot better than the first time I went to that place. Haha, now Mom really likes gelato.
After getting gelato, Mom and I headed to Piazza Navona, my favorite piazza. We walked around the different artist booths there for a bit. Then, we headed back east, toward our hotel.
We stopped at Piazza Venezia, in front of the Victor Emmanuel Monument for a bit to sit down. We could see all the way down Via dei Fori Imperiali (thanks, Mussolini) to the Colosseum. It’s impressive, even from that far away.
Then, we walked all the way up Via Nazionale to our hotel. We got paninis and then relaxed in the room for a bit. Around 8, we went to Despar (supermercato) to get some snack food for when Kim and Chris arrive.
Then, we, once again, headed to bed really early.
It was the first time in three nights that I didn’t get a sad phone call in the middle of the night. So yay!
Mom and I woke up around 9 this morning to head to breakfast in our hotel. It was delicious – they had both European and American foods.
Now, we are in the lobby of our hotel waiting for Kim and Chris to walk in the door. I had a lot of blog writing to catch up on – sorry this entry is so long.
I’m excited for us to all finally be here together. I would have been so sad if all three of them had been on the messed-up flight, and I had been in Roma all by myself for two days.
Today, we’re probably going to walk around for a bit to show Kim and Chris some Roman sites. Then, we’ll probably head back to the hotel early to plan what we want to do the next five days that we’re all here together before Mom goes back to Texas.
We’re going to be seeing the Vatican, the Campo de Fiori Markets, a lot of piazzas, the Colosseum, the forums, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Lots to do, but it will be so much fun!
We all send our love to y’all in the States!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS – I have less than two weeks left in Italia. It’s passing by way too quickly! Oh, except I’m really excited to get back to Mexican food!!
The dinner was also great because KG and Dr. Aria and Linda were all there to say goodbye to us. It was really great to get to talk to them all one more time before we parted ways. (So sad.)
After dinner, we all rushed back to say goodbye to Alex and Stephen and Kristen (a friend that had was going to Greece with them). Their train left at midnight from Termini, and Alex hadn’t packed yet (silly Alex). Also, Meagan had already left before the goodbye dinner – it was really sad, but she gets to go on a cruise now! So yay!
After Alex, Stephen, and Kristen took off, the group headed to the boys’ apartment to hang out for a bit. Then, we buzzed the apartments of some people in the other AIRC group, and we all met up to go to The Abbey, our favorite pub. It’s an Irish pub, so it’s kind of strange for us to be in Italia and like that pub so much, but it was always a fun time. Anyway, we had a few drinks at The Abbey (near Piazza Navona), and then some of us headed to our favorite club nearby. We all had a GREAT time dancing, and, before we knew it, it was three in the morning. We slowly made our way back to Via Rasella and quickly went to bed.
By the way, I will not miss going to Italian clubs and getting too much attention from Italian men. American boys have a much bigger sphere of personal space. Which I love.
I was REALLY excited to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in the early morning!
I randomly got a call in the middle of the night, about fifteen minutes after I had headed to bed. My dad was calling, telling me that my sister’s plane had been cancelled. So, I called Kimberly, thinking that I was dreaming. But, in fact, I was not dreaming, and their plane had been delayed about 24 hours. Sad story!
I woke up in the morning to go get Mom from the airport. Her flight was supposed to arrive at 8 in the morning, so I left Via Rasella around 720 just to make sure that I was there to meet her on time. Oh, and Vicki met me downstairs before I took off for the airport to say goodbye. She had written a very sweet postcard to say goodbye – I adore you, Vicki Chang!
On the way to the metro, I called Kim just to check up. She was doing fine and told me she would call later that day with her new flight information.
I took the metro to Termini, where I caught a train to the airport. On the train to the airport, I met the sweetest girl from the Midwest who was also on her way to pick up her parents. She had been studying abroad in Madrid for the semester, so she was really excited to see her family. We stuck together on the train and on the way to the arrival gate. (She didn’t speak any Italian, and she was pretty overwhelmed. Not that I know much Italian at all. But it was good to be able to speak American to each other.) We got cappuccinos and croissants together while we were waiting on our parents to arrive.
Mom’s flight had been delayed about two hours, so I bought a British Cosmo magazine to read after my friend had met her parents. Turns out, they use quite different lingo than we do in the US. So, I had no idea what they were talking about in the articles. It was actually pretty funny.
Oh, one woman and her daughter had a ten hour layover in Rome and wanted my advice on what they could do in the city. I gave them a few options of fun things they could do, and they were really appreciative. I’m not sure what they ended up doing – they kind of disappeared while I was buying my Cosmo.
Also, there were some American high school boys who sat down next to me while I was waiting for Mom. They kept talking about hockey to see if I was impressed. I wasn’t. They were probably from Alaska and big fans of Sarah Palin.
After a few hours of waiting in the airport, I went to the place from where arrivals uscita (exit) to wait for Mom. She looked absolutely stunning when she walked out, despite the fact that she had been traveling on airplanes for about a day. I was so excited to see her!
I explained the Kim and Chris plane fiasco to her, and then we went to go buy tickets for the train to Termini. We called Kim to check up on her and let her know that we had met up in Rome.
When we arrived at Termini, we went straight to our hotel to check in. The room is beautiful! Except, we reserved a room with a king-sized bed and a fold-out couch. Turns out, the fold-out couch is more of a fold-out armchair that can only comfortably sleep one person. Haha, it’ll be an adventure. (We actually ended up getting two different rooms. Now, we fit much more comfortably.)
After checking in, Mom and I headed down Via Nazionale toward the AIRC and the forums. I explained a little bit about Trajan’s Forum, the AIRC, and the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Then, we walked to Via Rasella (past Glass Ristorante) to pick up my stuff. We walked past the Trevi Fountain – so beautiful!
Mom helped me pack up my stuff in the apartment. I had done most of my packing, but we had to figure out how to get everything in bags to carry to the hotel. After packing up, we got all my stuff to the hotel room.
After relaxing for a bit, we got a Panini from down the street and ate it in Piazza del Repubblica, near the Baths of Diocletian. We went into the Santa Maria church in that piazza – so beautiful! Then, we headed to Santa Suzanna for Mass in English.
After Mass, we headed back to the hotel, where we crashed. I had gotten like two hours of sleep the night before, and Mom was pretty jetlagged. So, it was nice to get to bed early.
So, I got a call on my cell phone in the middle of the night again. It was Kim, telling me that their flight had, once again, been canceled. I’m pretty mad at Delta right now. Anyway, they were going to get on a flight to Chicago the next day and fly directly into Rome. (Currently, Mom and I are in the lobby waiting. They should be here any minute.)
Also, because their trip has been delayed two days, they are staying the last two days with me in Rome! So, we will all be on the same flight coming back to Atlanta. Yay!
Yesterday, Mom and I slept in quite a bit. After getting ready, we headed toward the Spanish Steps. On the way, I showed her Piazza Barberini, where I had been catching the metro and buses in Rome.
Oh, on the way, Mom and I stopped for her first cappuccino. So delicious!
In Piazza Barberini, we met up with a South African mom and daughter who asked us how to get to the Spanish Steps. So, we just walked with them. Rome’s streets are so complicated – it was easier to just walk there instead of trying to explain how to go.
After seeing the Spanish Steps, Mom and I walked along the streets, looking at the upscale, designer shops that are nearby. Then, we took Corso north to Piazza del Popolo (Piazza of the People). We sat there for a bit (so beautiful!), and then headed down a different street toward the Ara Pacis Museum and the Tiber River. We walked past the Ara Pacis Museum and looked at the river, and then we headed back toward Corso.
We walked to the Pantheon and went inside to admire the oculus in the dome. Then, we got gelato at the place with 100 flavors. Mom and I each got two flavors – so we both got to try banana, mint chocolate, strawberry, and Bounty bar. It was a lot better than the first time I went to that place. Haha, now Mom really likes gelato.
After getting gelato, Mom and I headed to Piazza Navona, my favorite piazza. We walked around the different artist booths there for a bit. Then, we headed back east, toward our hotel.
We stopped at Piazza Venezia, in front of the Victor Emmanuel Monument for a bit to sit down. We could see all the way down Via dei Fori Imperiali (thanks, Mussolini) to the Colosseum. It’s impressive, even from that far away.
Then, we walked all the way up Via Nazionale to our hotel. We got paninis and then relaxed in the room for a bit. Around 8, we went to Despar (supermercato) to get some snack food for when Kim and Chris arrive.
Then, we, once again, headed to bed really early.
It was the first time in three nights that I didn’t get a sad phone call in the middle of the night. So yay!
Mom and I woke up around 9 this morning to head to breakfast in our hotel. It was delicious – they had both European and American foods.
Now, we are in the lobby of our hotel waiting for Kim and Chris to walk in the door. I had a lot of blog writing to catch up on – sorry this entry is so long.
I’m excited for us to all finally be here together. I would have been so sad if all three of them had been on the messed-up flight, and I had been in Roma all by myself for two days.
Today, we’re probably going to walk around for a bit to show Kim and Chris some Roman sites. Then, we’ll probably head back to the hotel early to plan what we want to do the next five days that we’re all here together before Mom goes back to Texas.
We’re going to be seeing the Vatican, the Campo de Fiori Markets, a lot of piazzas, the Colosseum, the forums, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Lots to do, but it will be so much fun!
We all send our love to y’all in the States!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS – I have less than two weeks left in Italia. It’s passing by way too quickly! Oh, except I’m really excited to get back to Mexican food!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
School's out for the summer! Again....
Hey y'all -
FINALS ARE OVERRRR!! Yay! No more classes. Which is kind of sad because I really liked them. And I'm going to miss learning about Rome in Rome. And I"m going to miss the people and professors. Aw... now I'm sad.
Last night, we went to dinner at the place with over 100 different pasta sauces - it was sooo good (again)! It wasn't the entire group - just Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, Alex, Kristen, Stephen, and Meagan. Such a fun dinner!
After dinner, we went to our apartments to work on our final outlines. We worked really hard for a while, and then took a break by going DANCING! :) Oh, before we went out, we talked with the people from across the hall for a bit, getting to know them. They are so sweet - I wish our groups had overlapped for longer.
We went to the Abbey Pub for some Strongbow and Long Island Iced Teas - so delicious. The pub is pretty Americanized/Britishized, but it was a lot of fun.
Then, after a few drinks, Meagan, Ishanee, Alex and I went DANCING! Oh, it was so much fun! The club we go to has no cover and the dance floor is really fun. (There are lights in the floor... so cool!) Anyway, we danced for a few hours, and then headed home to bed.
Oh, while we were at the club, a girl from Ohio told us that MJ died. It was so sad. Like, really, really sad. They played Billie Jean, and we danced our hearts out for MJ.
Anyway, this morning, Meagan and I woke up around 9 to go to laundry. It was absolutely necessary. Anyway, my clothes are REALLY clean and soft now. Which I'm excited about.
We worked some more on our outlines and then walked to the AIRC. We just took our finals - my hand is all cramped.
We have a farewell dinner tonight, and then we're going back to the club for dancing tonight one last time! :)
It'll be fun to see everyone one last time before most people take off. I'm going to miss these people!
I'm excited to see family in a few hours! I can't wait to see them all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Only two weeks left before America? What? I'm so not ready for this.
FINALS ARE OVERRRR!! Yay! No more classes. Which is kind of sad because I really liked them. And I'm going to miss learning about Rome in Rome. And I"m going to miss the people and professors. Aw... now I'm sad.
Last night, we went to dinner at the place with over 100 different pasta sauces - it was sooo good (again)! It wasn't the entire group - just Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, Alex, Kristen, Stephen, and Meagan. Such a fun dinner!
After dinner, we went to our apartments to work on our final outlines. We worked really hard for a while, and then took a break by going DANCING! :) Oh, before we went out, we talked with the people from across the hall for a bit, getting to know them. They are so sweet - I wish our groups had overlapped for longer.
We went to the Abbey Pub for some Strongbow and Long Island Iced Teas - so delicious. The pub is pretty Americanized/Britishized, but it was a lot of fun.
Then, after a few drinks, Meagan, Ishanee, Alex and I went DANCING! Oh, it was so much fun! The club we go to has no cover and the dance floor is really fun. (There are lights in the floor... so cool!) Anyway, we danced for a few hours, and then headed home to bed.
Oh, while we were at the club, a girl from Ohio told us that MJ died. It was so sad. Like, really, really sad. They played Billie Jean, and we danced our hearts out for MJ.
Anyway, this morning, Meagan and I woke up around 9 to go to laundry. It was absolutely necessary. Anyway, my clothes are REALLY clean and soft now. Which I'm excited about.
We worked some more on our outlines and then walked to the AIRC. We just took our finals - my hand is all cramped.
We have a farewell dinner tonight, and then we're going back to the club for dancing tonight one last time! :)
It'll be fun to see everyone one last time before most people take off. I'm going to miss these people!
I'm excited to see family in a few hours! I can't wait to see them all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Only two weeks left before America? What? I'm so not ready for this.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
So sad!
Hey y'all -
My presentation went really well! It was more like Isis story-time than anything else. :) Haha, Isis was pretty legit, and she got mixed up in a lot of crazy stories. (Seriously, if you get bored this summer, look her up. She makes me laugh.)
Anyway, all we have left for school are two finals tomorrow afternoon. And then class is over. I'm so sad - I can't believe that my peers are leaving Roma as early as tomorrow.
BUT, on the other hand, I'm so excited to see Mom, Kim, and Chris!
Oh, I finally got stamps for the postcards that I wrote my first weekend here! So, I'll mail those off either tomorrow or Sunday. :)
Ciao bellas,
Ashley
My presentation went really well! It was more like Isis story-time than anything else. :) Haha, Isis was pretty legit, and she got mixed up in a lot of crazy stories. (Seriously, if you get bored this summer, look her up. She makes me laugh.)
Anyway, all we have left for school are two finals tomorrow afternoon. And then class is over. I'm so sad - I can't believe that my peers are leaving Roma as early as tomorrow.
BUT, on the other hand, I'm so excited to see Mom, Kim, and Chris!
Oh, I finally got stamps for the postcards that I wrote my first weekend here! So, I'll mail those off either tomorrow or Sunday. :)
Ciao bellas,
Ashley
I saw dead people.
Hey y'all -
Last night was great! I went with some people (Alex, Kristin, Vicki, Stephen, David, Chris, Meagan) to Da Baffeto Pizzaria, and then we went to Frigidarium for gelato. It was delicious - and we had a great waiter. Well, he started out really funny. Then, he got borderline a little too friendly with Alex. Poor girl. Haha, it was really fun, though! And so yummy.
After gelato, we hung out at Piazza Navona for a bit. It's still pretty cool that I can randomly go hang out at Piazza Navona in Roma, Italia. :)
We walked back past the Pantheon to the boys' apartment, where we just hung out for a while. We played games, chatted, and I got the most amazing back massage of my life. Which was awesome because my back is tired from all the walking of the past month. :) Yay for cobbled streets!
Today, we met up at Barberini metro stop with KG. It was our last class day today. So sad. Anyway, we went to go see Jewish Catacombs first. KG got us special permission to visit them - they were on private property in the middle of the beautiful Italian country. Anyway, they were really, really creepy. I mean, they were fun. But they were creepy, too. There were so many spaces where the dead used to be placed - I was terrified a dead body was going to pop out every time I rounded a corner. After like ten minutes of initial freaking out, I calmed down and started to enjoy the experience a lot. There was still some wall decor up, and that was really cool to see. Oh, and it was freezing down in the catacombs. Also, lots and lots of menorahs.
After the Jewish Catacombs, we went to go see the Christian Catacombs. These were public - the San Callisto Catacombs. It was a completely different experience - much less creepy. There were so many people in our tour that we were just kind of herded like cattle. Not as cool of an experience since it wasn't as creepy and scary. :)
Class was done around 1, so I went back to my apartment to shower and finish preparing for my presentation on Isis and the Virgin Mary - about to happen in a few minutes. I did some reading for class, and we're at the AIRC right now about to have a discussion.
We have finals tomorrow - then the program is over. We have a goodbye dinner tomorrow night, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to everyone!
I'm glad I'll be staying in Roma for an extra week! Thank goodness!
I get to see family in two days! So exciting!
Gotta go - class is about to start!
Ciao,
Ashley
Last night was great! I went with some people (Alex, Kristin, Vicki, Stephen, David, Chris, Meagan) to Da Baffeto Pizzaria, and then we went to Frigidarium for gelato. It was delicious - and we had a great waiter. Well, he started out really funny. Then, he got borderline a little too friendly with Alex. Poor girl. Haha, it was really fun, though! And so yummy.
After gelato, we hung out at Piazza Navona for a bit. It's still pretty cool that I can randomly go hang out at Piazza Navona in Roma, Italia. :)
We walked back past the Pantheon to the boys' apartment, where we just hung out for a while. We played games, chatted, and I got the most amazing back massage of my life. Which was awesome because my back is tired from all the walking of the past month. :) Yay for cobbled streets!
Today, we met up at Barberini metro stop with KG. It was our last class day today. So sad. Anyway, we went to go see Jewish Catacombs first. KG got us special permission to visit them - they were on private property in the middle of the beautiful Italian country. Anyway, they were really, really creepy. I mean, they were fun. But they were creepy, too. There were so many spaces where the dead used to be placed - I was terrified a dead body was going to pop out every time I rounded a corner. After like ten minutes of initial freaking out, I calmed down and started to enjoy the experience a lot. There was still some wall decor up, and that was really cool to see. Oh, and it was freezing down in the catacombs. Also, lots and lots of menorahs.
After the Jewish Catacombs, we went to go see the Christian Catacombs. These were public - the San Callisto Catacombs. It was a completely different experience - much less creepy. There were so many people in our tour that we were just kind of herded like cattle. Not as cool of an experience since it wasn't as creepy and scary. :)
Class was done around 1, so I went back to my apartment to shower and finish preparing for my presentation on Isis and the Virgin Mary - about to happen in a few minutes. I did some reading for class, and we're at the AIRC right now about to have a discussion.
We have finals tomorrow - then the program is over. We have a goodbye dinner tomorrow night, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to everyone!
I'm glad I'll be staying in Roma for an extra week! Thank goodness!
I get to see family in two days! So exciting!
Gotta go - class is about to start!
Ciao,
Ashley
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
So, clubbing in Roma is fun.
Hey beautiful people!
Before I forget, I just want to say that I'm SO excited to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in less than THREE DAYS!! :) I can't wait to hang out with them in Roma and Venice for the next few weeks.
That being said, I'm really sad that I have only one day of class left. This program has been amazing - I've learned so much and had a lot of fun doing it.
I've missed blogging the past few days... Here's what I've been up to!
On Monday evening, I went to dinner at That's Amore near Via Rasella (our apartments). Meagan, Chris, Ishanee, Apu, and Shyam and I ate some really really delicious food! I had a calzone with broccoli in it. Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of broccoli, but I was feeling bold and decided to try something new. It was so delicious. Now, I like broccoli, so congratulations for making the impossible possible Italia! :)
After dinner, we all went to write (in my case, edit) our papers that were due Tuesday. Then, Shyam and I went to a little bar/cafe near the Barberini metro station for a congratulatory drink for finishing our papers. I had my first cosmopolitan, and it was absolutely amazing. We ran into Chris who was working on his papers at a table in the bar/cafe, and then Shyam and I went up to the second floor where there were tables with a great lookout of the piazza. Shyam and I chatted for a while, swapping stories about life, and then decided we should go to bed. These early mornings are starting to make me sleepy. :)
Oh, we had the most amazing waitress! She was hilarious, and she kept teasing Shyam and I for leaving "our other friend" (Chris) downstairs reading and writing while we had fun upstairs. Haha, she was hilarious. Oh, and there was a REALLY drunk guy sitting upstairs who was talking to himself for about twenty minutes. Then, when he left, he came up to us and said "I really like Americans! Americans are good!" Gooood times in Roma.
So, Shyam and I went back to our apartments to go to bed. I chatted with Apu and Ishanee for a bit, and then climbed into bed, exhausted.
Tuesday, I woke up and got ready. We caught a bus near Barberini going toward a park near the Mouth of Truth. After getting cappuccinos, we went to the park to wait for KG to meet us. It was a beautiful day, and it felt really good to just lay down in the grass before the day started.
We met up with KG and went to go see an ancient meeting place for members of the Cult of Mithras. Apparently, not very many people get permission to visit because there was an intricate system of alarms in place. The alarm system was so good that it went off twice even when the guy who was authorized to open the gates was opening them. The meeting place of the Cult of Mithras was actually really interesting - not like any church that I'd want to attend, but it was cool for an hour or so. :)
After that, we went to Tiber Island to look at the ancient hospital. Our visit there was very brief. (But, Alex kicked butt at her presentation!!)
Then, we went to go visit another meeting place of the cult of Mithras. The Church of San Clemente was really cool - it had a Catholic Church and a bunch of other ancient cult meeting places underneath. Very cool.
After that, we rode a bus back to the AIRC and had a discussion about some of our reading. Most of our discussion was about religion so it was really interesting for me.
Then, Alex, Royce, Adam, and I headed back to our apartments and ate some lunch at a pizza place next door on Via Rasella. Alex and I went to her apartment where I watch HSM 3 (so good!) and some HIMYM. Then, I went to my apartment to take a shower and get ready for the night.
We went to dinner at an Italian place near Termini. The Venice group had eaten there the night they got back to Roma. It was really good - and a lot of people went, so it was a lot of fun. So, I had tortellini last night, and I had forgotten how much I LOVE tortellini. So delicious.
After dinner, we went back to the boys' apartment and hung out for a bit. Then, some of us went out to a bar/club near Piazza Navona. It ended up being Alex, Vicki, Apu, Ishanee, Meagan, Shyam, Chris, and Royce. It was a lot of fun - I miss dancing SO much. We stayed for about an hour and a half, then we had to go home. (Early mornings!) :)
We got to sleep in a bit this morning. Some of us met on our way to the Pantheon and had cappuccinos at a new place - Tazo D'Oro (The Golden Cup). It was really good! Anyway, it was right next to the Pantheon, so we stayed there for a bit and then walked to the Pantheon when it was time to meet KG.
We walked from the Pantheon to the Sant'Ivo courtyard. It was beautiful - a mixture between Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Today, we walked around seeing beautiful Renaissance architecture. We had a guest teacher (Dr. Irene Baldriga), and she was so much fun. Very knowledgeable and passionate about what she was teaching.
We went into a Baroque church (San Andrew), and it was the most beautiful church I've ever seen. Seriously, I was blown away.
We ended class today in Piazza Navona with some gelato (it had been like six days since I'd had gelato, and it was really good). Some of us hung out there for a bit, just relaxing. Then, Alex and I walked back to our apartments with the Three Stooges (Adam, Royce, and Daniel). I promise that's an endearing name. :)
Alex and I worked on some class stuff for a bit, and then I left to go do some shopping. It was a perfect day for shopping. I bought a new scarf, a keychain, an Italia jacket (so cute), and a Roma bag.
Then, Meagan and I went to go hang out with Alex in her apartment for a bit. Because Meagan and I both happened to forget our keys. Oops. Anyway, we all watched an episode of HIMYM. It was the one with the best burger in NYC. So, Meagan and I started really craving a burger. It's embarrassing, but we went with David to go eat at Burger King. So embarrassing. But it was delicious.
After that, I came to the AIRC to work on my presentation (it's tomorrow afternoon) a bit. We had a review session for our HUM class, and now I'm just catching up on my blog!
I'm about to go take a shower and then go out to dinner with some people from the group. We're going to Da Baffetto! :) Yummy pizza.
We're probably going out dancing again tonight - can't forget how to dance while I'm in Europe! :)
I'm sad that I can't watch the CWS tonight - Hook 'em horns! Cheer hard for me, please!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - FAMILY IN < THREE DAYS!!!
Before I forget, I just want to say that I'm SO excited to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in less than THREE DAYS!! :) I can't wait to hang out with them in Roma and Venice for the next few weeks.
That being said, I'm really sad that I have only one day of class left. This program has been amazing - I've learned so much and had a lot of fun doing it.
I've missed blogging the past few days... Here's what I've been up to!
On Monday evening, I went to dinner at That's Amore near Via Rasella (our apartments). Meagan, Chris, Ishanee, Apu, and Shyam and I ate some really really delicious food! I had a calzone with broccoli in it. Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of broccoli, but I was feeling bold and decided to try something new. It was so delicious. Now, I like broccoli, so congratulations for making the impossible possible Italia! :)
After dinner, we all went to write (in my case, edit) our papers that were due Tuesday. Then, Shyam and I went to a little bar/cafe near the Barberini metro station for a congratulatory drink for finishing our papers. I had my first cosmopolitan, and it was absolutely amazing. We ran into Chris who was working on his papers at a table in the bar/cafe, and then Shyam and I went up to the second floor where there were tables with a great lookout of the piazza. Shyam and I chatted for a while, swapping stories about life, and then decided we should go to bed. These early mornings are starting to make me sleepy. :)
Oh, we had the most amazing waitress! She was hilarious, and she kept teasing Shyam and I for leaving "our other friend" (Chris) downstairs reading and writing while we had fun upstairs. Haha, she was hilarious. Oh, and there was a REALLY drunk guy sitting upstairs who was talking to himself for about twenty minutes. Then, when he left, he came up to us and said "I really like Americans! Americans are good!" Gooood times in Roma.
So, Shyam and I went back to our apartments to go to bed. I chatted with Apu and Ishanee for a bit, and then climbed into bed, exhausted.
Tuesday, I woke up and got ready. We caught a bus near Barberini going toward a park near the Mouth of Truth. After getting cappuccinos, we went to the park to wait for KG to meet us. It was a beautiful day, and it felt really good to just lay down in the grass before the day started.
We met up with KG and went to go see an ancient meeting place for members of the Cult of Mithras. Apparently, not very many people get permission to visit because there was an intricate system of alarms in place. The alarm system was so good that it went off twice even when the guy who was authorized to open the gates was opening them. The meeting place of the Cult of Mithras was actually really interesting - not like any church that I'd want to attend, but it was cool for an hour or so. :)
After that, we went to Tiber Island to look at the ancient hospital. Our visit there was very brief. (But, Alex kicked butt at her presentation!!)
Then, we went to go visit another meeting place of the cult of Mithras. The Church of San Clemente was really cool - it had a Catholic Church and a bunch of other ancient cult meeting places underneath. Very cool.
After that, we rode a bus back to the AIRC and had a discussion about some of our reading. Most of our discussion was about religion so it was really interesting for me.
Then, Alex, Royce, Adam, and I headed back to our apartments and ate some lunch at a pizza place next door on Via Rasella. Alex and I went to her apartment where I watch HSM 3 (so good!) and some HIMYM. Then, I went to my apartment to take a shower and get ready for the night.
We went to dinner at an Italian place near Termini. The Venice group had eaten there the night they got back to Roma. It was really good - and a lot of people went, so it was a lot of fun. So, I had tortellini last night, and I had forgotten how much I LOVE tortellini. So delicious.
After dinner, we went back to the boys' apartment and hung out for a bit. Then, some of us went out to a bar/club near Piazza Navona. It ended up being Alex, Vicki, Apu, Ishanee, Meagan, Shyam, Chris, and Royce. It was a lot of fun - I miss dancing SO much. We stayed for about an hour and a half, then we had to go home. (Early mornings!) :)
We got to sleep in a bit this morning. Some of us met on our way to the Pantheon and had cappuccinos at a new place - Tazo D'Oro (The Golden Cup). It was really good! Anyway, it was right next to the Pantheon, so we stayed there for a bit and then walked to the Pantheon when it was time to meet KG.
We walked from the Pantheon to the Sant'Ivo courtyard. It was beautiful - a mixture between Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Today, we walked around seeing beautiful Renaissance architecture. We had a guest teacher (Dr. Irene Baldriga), and she was so much fun. Very knowledgeable and passionate about what she was teaching.
We went into a Baroque church (San Andrew), and it was the most beautiful church I've ever seen. Seriously, I was blown away.
We ended class today in Piazza Navona with some gelato (it had been like six days since I'd had gelato, and it was really good). Some of us hung out there for a bit, just relaxing. Then, Alex and I walked back to our apartments with the Three Stooges (Adam, Royce, and Daniel). I promise that's an endearing name. :)
Alex and I worked on some class stuff for a bit, and then I left to go do some shopping. It was a perfect day for shopping. I bought a new scarf, a keychain, an Italia jacket (so cute), and a Roma bag.
Then, Meagan and I went to go hang out with Alex in her apartment for a bit. Because Meagan and I both happened to forget our keys. Oops. Anyway, we all watched an episode of HIMYM. It was the one with the best burger in NYC. So, Meagan and I started really craving a burger. It's embarrassing, but we went with David to go eat at Burger King. So embarrassing. But it was delicious.
After that, I came to the AIRC to work on my presentation (it's tomorrow afternoon) a bit. We had a review session for our HUM class, and now I'm just catching up on my blog!
I'm about to go take a shower and then go out to dinner with some people from the group. We're going to Da Baffetto! :) Yummy pizza.
We're probably going out dancing again tonight - can't forget how to dance while I'm in Europe! :)
I'm sad that I can't watch the CWS tonight - Hook 'em horns! Cheer hard for me, please!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - FAMILY IN < THREE DAYS!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Aqueduct Adventures
Hey y'all -
So, last night after leaving the AIRC, Alex and I cooked dinner for ourselves and Royce. We finished Season 2 of HIMYM and then watched the Season 4 finale (which neither Alex nor I had seen). It was so good!
Then, I went back to my apartment and talked to Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, and Meagan for a bit. I was really tired (which makes no sense because I slept in and took a nap), so I went to bed early.
I woke up this morning and got cappuccinos with Alex, Apu, and Ishanee and then we went to the Barberini Metro Stop. We caught the 8.20 metro to go meet Albert out in Roman suburbia.
We went to a dig site to watch them work, but they hadn't actually started digging yet. We heard about their project - and it was actually pretty cool. Then, we started helping them pull weeds to prepare the site for digging.
After that, we went on another "Death March" with Albert. It was a beautiful day because the rain this weekend brought in a cold front. Thank goodness. So, the walk along the aqueducts was really cool. We actually got to stand on top of an Aqueduct Claudia, and it was a crazy cool experience!
Gosh, the Roman countryside is so beautiful. Today, I just kept looking around and thinking "I love Europe so much." I didn't think I was a country girl - but apparently in Europe I am. :)
Then, we took the metro to look at some more aqueducts that have become part of the city gates.
After all the aqueduct fun, we headed back to our apartments to get our computers, and now we're at the AIRC to work on our last papers - which are due tomorrow.
I'm almost done... I'm gonna write about one more page for a paper and then edit both of them. Almost done with the semester - it feels really strange.
Tonight, I'm going to eat at a ristorante near our apartments with some friends from the program. It should be a fun night - I'm really glad I've done most of my papers already! :)
Ciao bellas,
Ashley
So, last night after leaving the AIRC, Alex and I cooked dinner for ourselves and Royce. We finished Season 2 of HIMYM and then watched the Season 4 finale (which neither Alex nor I had seen). It was so good!
Then, I went back to my apartment and talked to Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, and Meagan for a bit. I was really tired (which makes no sense because I slept in and took a nap), so I went to bed early.
I woke up this morning and got cappuccinos with Alex, Apu, and Ishanee and then we went to the Barberini Metro Stop. We caught the 8.20 metro to go meet Albert out in Roman suburbia.
We went to a dig site to watch them work, but they hadn't actually started digging yet. We heard about their project - and it was actually pretty cool. Then, we started helping them pull weeds to prepare the site for digging.
After that, we went on another "Death March" with Albert. It was a beautiful day because the rain this weekend brought in a cold front. Thank goodness. So, the walk along the aqueducts was really cool. We actually got to stand on top of an Aqueduct Claudia, and it was a crazy cool experience!
Gosh, the Roman countryside is so beautiful. Today, I just kept looking around and thinking "I love Europe so much." I didn't think I was a country girl - but apparently in Europe I am. :)
Then, we took the metro to look at some more aqueducts that have become part of the city gates.
After all the aqueduct fun, we headed back to our apartments to get our computers, and now we're at the AIRC to work on our last papers - which are due tomorrow.
I'm almost done... I'm gonna write about one more page for a paper and then edit both of them. Almost done with the semester - it feels really strange.
Tonight, I'm going to eat at a ristorante near our apartments with some friends from the program. It should be a fun night - I'm really glad I've done most of my papers already! :)
Ciao bellas,
Ashley
Sunday, June 21, 2009
When it rains...
Hey y'all -
It's been a very rainy day in Roma, but I absolutely LOVE the rain, so it's been fabulous.
Here is the youtube.com link to my most favorite song ever. I sang it a lot today. :) (Notice the very clever blog title today.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztHNs_b_sy0
Last night, Alex and I cooked pasta again for dinner. We had baby bow ties and big bow ties, and it was really cute. And delicious. Then, we watched some more "How I Met Your Mother" and borrowed internet from the generous donor in our apartment complex. :)
Later last night, the group of us who went to Venice for the weekend returned, and it got REALLY loud. (The weekend was very peacefully quiet.) So, we caught up with them for a bit and heard about their amazing weekend. I'm really excited to go to Venice with Kim and Chris in a week and a half!
I went to bed early, and woke up for American Mass at St. Susanna (the Paulist Father Church) at 10.30. Back to St. Peter's for High Mass in a week! :)
Then, I went back to my apartment to work on my papers. I got through one and a half papers, and then I took a really long nap. The rain (complete with thunder and lightening) made the apartment really dark, and it was really quiet all day. Perfect conditions for napping. :)
Oh, I had some really interesting dreams - in one, I was dating Batman, and he saved me from Darth Vader... Not really sure how those two stories got mixed up in my head.
Then, I woke up and talked with Apu and Ishanee for a bit - they had gone shopping, so we had a mini-fashion show.
Alex and I went to go get cappuccinos on our way to the AIRC, and now we are working on papers and catching up on internet.
We all wrote in a card for KG for Father's Day - he's been a father figure to all of us in Roma - and we just gave it to him. He's such a sweet man. :)
Tonight, we're going to work on papers some more and just keep relaxing, enjoying our last few days together in Roma.
It's been a relaxing weekend with lots of sleeping - which is good because I was definitely missing sleep.
I really wish time would go by slower. I'm going to miss living in Europe.
Can't wait to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in five days!
Ciao,
Ashley
It's been a very rainy day in Roma, but I absolutely LOVE the rain, so it's been fabulous.
Here is the youtube.com link to my most favorite song ever. I sang it a lot today. :) (Notice the very clever blog title today.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztHNs_b_sy0
Last night, Alex and I cooked pasta again for dinner. We had baby bow ties and big bow ties, and it was really cute. And delicious. Then, we watched some more "How I Met Your Mother" and borrowed internet from the generous donor in our apartment complex. :)
Later last night, the group of us who went to Venice for the weekend returned, and it got REALLY loud. (The weekend was very peacefully quiet.) So, we caught up with them for a bit and heard about their amazing weekend. I'm really excited to go to Venice with Kim and Chris in a week and a half!
I went to bed early, and woke up for American Mass at St. Susanna (the Paulist Father Church) at 10.30. Back to St. Peter's for High Mass in a week! :)
Then, I went back to my apartment to work on my papers. I got through one and a half papers, and then I took a really long nap. The rain (complete with thunder and lightening) made the apartment really dark, and it was really quiet all day. Perfect conditions for napping. :)
Oh, I had some really interesting dreams - in one, I was dating Batman, and he saved me from Darth Vader... Not really sure how those two stories got mixed up in my head.
Then, I woke up and talked with Apu and Ishanee for a bit - they had gone shopping, so we had a mini-fashion show.
Alex and I went to go get cappuccinos on our way to the AIRC, and now we are working on papers and catching up on internet.
We all wrote in a card for KG for Father's Day - he's been a father figure to all of us in Roma - and we just gave it to him. He's such a sweet man. :)
Tonight, we're going to work on papers some more and just keep relaxing, enjoying our last few days together in Roma.
It's been a relaxing weekend with lots of sleeping - which is good because I was definitely missing sleep.
I really wish time would go by slower. I'm going to miss living in Europe.
Can't wait to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in five days!
Ciao,
Ashley
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Shopping!
Hey beautiful people -
Just wanted to say that shopping was perfectissimo! Alex and I wandered down Corso for a bit, window shopping and getting "Ciao bella"-ed a bunch. :) I've gotta say that I was beginning to think that attractive Italian men were non-existent, but today I was proven wrong. (There were some boys in uniform...)
Alex and I got croissants and cappuccinos at a new place today right by the Trevi Fountain - it was awesome, and the guys who served us were really nice. But not too nice. And not creepy nice.
I bought some new sunglasses because the Cinqueterra ocean ate mine (silly waves), and they're pretty sweet. They aren't Gucci like I was hoping, but they'll do. :)
Then, Alex and I went into Sephora where I picked up my first perfume ever. It smells delicious. It's Lancome Miracle.
The two of us went to H&M (best store EVER) and shopped on the four floor store for a loooong time. I ended up buying a headband (my black one broke in Florence), four new shirts (three blue, one purple of course), and a new dress (yellow). The clothes are very cute - I'm excited to start wearing them. Haha, I'm such a girl.
Anyway, now we're going to work on our papers for a bit, and then we are going to cook dinner with Vicki and watch some more HIMYM (so addicting!). We bought this Strawberry-chello stuff the other day, and we're excited to try it tonight! :)
Ciao bella(s) ciao!
Ashley
Just wanted to say that shopping was perfectissimo! Alex and I wandered down Corso for a bit, window shopping and getting "Ciao bella"-ed a bunch. :) I've gotta say that I was beginning to think that attractive Italian men were non-existent, but today I was proven wrong. (There were some boys in uniform...)
Alex and I got croissants and cappuccinos at a new place today right by the Trevi Fountain - it was awesome, and the guys who served us were really nice. But not too nice. And not creepy nice.
I bought some new sunglasses because the Cinqueterra ocean ate mine (silly waves), and they're pretty sweet. They aren't Gucci like I was hoping, but they'll do. :)
Then, Alex and I went into Sephora where I picked up my first perfume ever. It smells delicious. It's Lancome Miracle.
The two of us went to H&M (best store EVER) and shopped on the four floor store for a loooong time. I ended up buying a headband (my black one broke in Florence), four new shirts (three blue, one purple of course), and a new dress (yellow). The clothes are very cute - I'm excited to start wearing them. Haha, I'm such a girl.
Anyway, now we're going to work on our papers for a bit, and then we are going to cook dinner with Vicki and watch some more HIMYM (so addicting!). We bought this Strawberry-chello stuff the other day, and we're excited to try it tonight! :)
Ciao bella(s) ciao!
Ashley
Weekend of Relaxation
Hey y'all -
So, yesterday, I called Mom when I left the AIRC. It was so great to talk to her - and hear a familiar voice. I'm really excited to see her, Kim, and Chris in 6 days!!
Then, Alex and I walked to get cappuccinos at Glass Ristorante. (It's really bad - they know who we are when we walk in now...) We walked home to our apartments and cooked dinner. I had a note from our neighbors across the hall (another AIRC group) saying that Adam and Paolo had dropped off my phone and charger. So, Alex and I went over and met them and saw their apartment for a bit. They are some really sweet girls. It's too bad we only overlap for a week.
We ate some delicious pasta with pesto, and we watched a LOT of "How I Met Your Mother," the greatest TV show in the world.
Then, she and I slept in until really, really, really late. We got ready, and now we are borrowing some internet before shopping all day! :) Best weekend ever.
I've started the outlines for both of my papers - should probably get some more work done tonight.
I hope everyone has a great Saturday!
Ciao,
Ashley
So, yesterday, I called Mom when I left the AIRC. It was so great to talk to her - and hear a familiar voice. I'm really excited to see her, Kim, and Chris in 6 days!!
Then, Alex and I walked to get cappuccinos at Glass Ristorante. (It's really bad - they know who we are when we walk in now...) We walked home to our apartments and cooked dinner. I had a note from our neighbors across the hall (another AIRC group) saying that Adam and Paolo had dropped off my phone and charger. So, Alex and I went over and met them and saw their apartment for a bit. They are some really sweet girls. It's too bad we only overlap for a week.
We ate some delicious pasta with pesto, and we watched a LOT of "How I Met Your Mother," the greatest TV show in the world.
Then, she and I slept in until really, really, really late. We got ready, and now we are borrowing some internet before shopping all day! :) Best weekend ever.
I've started the outlines for both of my papers - should probably get some more work done tonight.
I hope everyone has a great Saturday!
Ciao,
Ashley
Friday, June 19, 2009
Pictures
Hey y'all -
So I finally posted pictures of my trip on Facebook. Hopefully I didn't overflow your NewsFeeds.
If you don't have Facebook, you will see pictures soon.
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Happy Friday!!
So I finally posted pictures of my trip on Facebook. Hopefully I didn't overflow your NewsFeeds.
If you don't have Facebook, you will see pictures soon.
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Happy Friday!!
Rome-ing Around
Hey y'all -
Wednesday evening, I went out to dinner with Adam, Paolo, and Meagan. We tried a new pasta place closer to the Pantheon, and it was delicious!! (And relatively inexpensive.)
After dinner, we took a walk around Roma, visiting some sites that Rick Steves recommends. Paolo absolutely adores RS and carries the 2004 edition of his Roma book around like it's the Bible. It's hilarious.
Anyway, we visited the Spanish Steps and watched the most beautiful sunset from the top of the steps. It was incredible. After the Spanish Steps, we all headed toward Piazza de Popolo, which I had never seen before. It was really pretty - in fact, Alex and I might be heading there tonight for some fireworks! After sitting around there for a bit taking in the beauty, we walked past the Pantheon to get gelato at Frigidarium, the best ice cream place in Roma. While eating our ice cream, we noticed a UT baseball game playing in a bar across the street. So, we decided to go watch the game (which ended up being a game from a few days ago) and have a few pitchers of Italian beer. We met some seminarians next to us, and they were so nice. They were watching soccer, but one guy was from Tennessee (he thought we were from the less cool UT) and he was really nice to talk to. After seeing the game (we won! big surprise...), we headed back to the apartments. Adam and Paolo dropped off Meagan and I, and then I went to go see Alex, who was really, really bored. (Poor baby, Alex.)
She and I talked for a bit before heading to bed. Everyone is starting to get really tired since we have such busy, exciting days. We can't believe our program is almost OVER! It's so crazy.
Anyway, on Friday, we woke up for a full day. We met at the AIRC after morning cappuccinos and walked to the Forum of Augustus, where we actually got to go down into the excavation pit. So cool! (Thanks for getting us special permission, KG! It was awesome.)
After the Forum of Augustus, we walked to the museum where the Ara Pacis is located. It was really beautiful, and I'm going to write one of my last papers on the famous altar. After seeing the museum, some of us went to KG's apartment to each our lunches. His apartment was so beautiful!
After lunch, we met up with Albert and went to go see the Palace of Saint Angelo. It was really beautiful, and at the top, we had a GREAT view of all of Roma and St. Peter's Square.
It took us a long time to figure out the buses to get back to our apartments, but we finally managed to find home. I took a shower, and went to daily Mass at the Paulist church a few blocks away.
Then, I went home and worked on my papers and talked to my roommates for a bit. Then, Adam and Paolo came over and came to dinner with a big group of students from my program. Dinner was so delicious - the place we went to had over 100 sauces!! Mine was yummy.
After dinner, a few of us walked to get gelato from Frigidarium and then sat and ate it in Piazza Venezia. It was a really fun night.
Then, we walked back to our apartments and said goodbye to Adam and Paolo.
This morning, Alex, Adam, Paolo, and I went to St. Peter's. We walked around the basilica for a while, and then Alex and I left to go home while the boys climbed up the dome. (I just realized that they have my American cell phone because I gave it to them to use as an alarm... I need to get that before they leave.) Alex and I caught a bus back to our apartments. Then, I worked on my papers for a bit and cleaned up my room a bit.
Now, I'm at the AIRC uploading pictures and catching up on my blog.
I really can't wait to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in a week - we're going to have such a great time in Roma and Venezia!
It's been super hot the past few days, but it should rain this weekend and get a little cooler (thank goodness). On Monday, we're going digging in an excavation pit somewhere around Roma. It should be a blast - I'm hoping to find something really important and get famous. We'll see what happens. :) Look for me on the new, though.
I hope to see you all soon!
Ciao,
Ashley
Wednesday evening, I went out to dinner with Adam, Paolo, and Meagan. We tried a new pasta place closer to the Pantheon, and it was delicious!! (And relatively inexpensive.)
After dinner, we took a walk around Roma, visiting some sites that Rick Steves recommends. Paolo absolutely adores RS and carries the 2004 edition of his Roma book around like it's the Bible. It's hilarious.
Anyway, we visited the Spanish Steps and watched the most beautiful sunset from the top of the steps. It was incredible. After the Spanish Steps, we all headed toward Piazza de Popolo, which I had never seen before. It was really pretty - in fact, Alex and I might be heading there tonight for some fireworks! After sitting around there for a bit taking in the beauty, we walked past the Pantheon to get gelato at Frigidarium, the best ice cream place in Roma. While eating our ice cream, we noticed a UT baseball game playing in a bar across the street. So, we decided to go watch the game (which ended up being a game from a few days ago) and have a few pitchers of Italian beer. We met some seminarians next to us, and they were so nice. They were watching soccer, but one guy was from Tennessee (he thought we were from the less cool UT) and he was really nice to talk to. After seeing the game (we won! big surprise...), we headed back to the apartments. Adam and Paolo dropped off Meagan and I, and then I went to go see Alex, who was really, really bored. (Poor baby, Alex.)
She and I talked for a bit before heading to bed. Everyone is starting to get really tired since we have such busy, exciting days. We can't believe our program is almost OVER! It's so crazy.
Anyway, on Friday, we woke up for a full day. We met at the AIRC after morning cappuccinos and walked to the Forum of Augustus, where we actually got to go down into the excavation pit. So cool! (Thanks for getting us special permission, KG! It was awesome.)
After the Forum of Augustus, we walked to the museum where the Ara Pacis is located. It was really beautiful, and I'm going to write one of my last papers on the famous altar. After seeing the museum, some of us went to KG's apartment to each our lunches. His apartment was so beautiful!
After lunch, we met up with Albert and went to go see the Palace of Saint Angelo. It was really beautiful, and at the top, we had a GREAT view of all of Roma and St. Peter's Square.
It took us a long time to figure out the buses to get back to our apartments, but we finally managed to find home. I took a shower, and went to daily Mass at the Paulist church a few blocks away.
Then, I went home and worked on my papers and talked to my roommates for a bit. Then, Adam and Paolo came over and came to dinner with a big group of students from my program. Dinner was so delicious - the place we went to had over 100 sauces!! Mine was yummy.
After dinner, a few of us walked to get gelato from Frigidarium and then sat and ate it in Piazza Venezia. It was a really fun night.
Then, we walked back to our apartments and said goodbye to Adam and Paolo.
This morning, Alex, Adam, Paolo, and I went to St. Peter's. We walked around the basilica for a while, and then Alex and I left to go home while the boys climbed up the dome. (I just realized that they have my American cell phone because I gave it to them to use as an alarm... I need to get that before they leave.) Alex and I caught a bus back to our apartments. Then, I worked on my papers for a bit and cleaned up my room a bit.
Now, I'm at the AIRC uploading pictures and catching up on my blog.
I really can't wait to see Mom, Kim, and Chris in a week - we're going to have such a great time in Roma and Venezia!
It's been super hot the past few days, but it should rain this weekend and get a little cooler (thank goodness). On Monday, we're going digging in an excavation pit somewhere around Roma. It should be a blast - I'm hoping to find something really important and get famous. We'll see what happens. :) Look for me on the new, though.
I hope to see you all soon!
Ciao,
Ashley
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Today's Activities
Hey y'all -
Forgot to write about today!
Today, we woke up really early to get ready. We all met KG at the metro stop near our apartment (Barberini) at 8.15. Crazy early. But it was a fun day!
We went to Ostia Antica, where we saw some ruins from a civilization that used to live there. It was really interesting. Dr. White from UT also met up with us and showed us his excavation site, where he is trying to discover information about a synagogue in Ostia Antica.
We were really tired by the end of the day. But now, we're back at the AIRC, and our papers are printed and turned in.
It's so strange to be almost done with these two classes - they are too much fun.
Tonight, we're going to RELAX, watch movies, go to dinner, play games, etc. (Gelato from the Frigidarium will probably be in there somewhere...)
Have a great day!
Ashley
Forgot to write about today!
Today, we woke up really early to get ready. We all met KG at the metro stop near our apartment (Barberini) at 8.15. Crazy early. But it was a fun day!
We went to Ostia Antica, where we saw some ruins from a civilization that used to live there. It was really interesting. Dr. White from UT also met up with us and showed us his excavation site, where he is trying to discover information about a synagogue in Ostia Antica.
We were really tired by the end of the day. But now, we're back at the AIRC, and our papers are printed and turned in.
It's so strange to be almost done with these two classes - they are too much fun.
Tonight, we're going to RELAX, watch movies, go to dinner, play games, etc. (Gelato from the Frigidarium will probably be in there somewhere...)
Have a great day!
Ashley
Adam and Paolo!
Hey y'all -
So, I had a GREAT time with Adam and Paolo yesterday. I walked to their hotel around 2 to meet up with them, and I was so glad to see familiar faces! I adore those boys.
They were hungry, so we got some pizza and had a picnic by the Colosseum. :) It was very touristy and cute. After that, we walked around the Forums and the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Then, we headed toward the Pantheon. After visiting the Pantheon, we headed back toward where my apartment is, stopping for gelato along the way. We went to an electric store around the corner from my apartment to pick up an adapter for Paolo's camera, and then we went to the Santa Maria church with "The Ecstasy of St. Theresa." We sat in that church for a bit, and then we went across the street to see the Paulist Fathers' Church in Rome. It was beautiful! And they spoke in English! Haha, yay. Anyway, we saw a poster with Father Dave and Jimmy and that other really nice priest from St. Austin's, so Paolo took a picture of Adam and I pointing to it like fools.
Then, I headed back to my apartment to change for daily Mass. I met up with Adam and Paolo at the Paulist church at 6, and then after Mass, we ran into a guy who had just graduated from UT. He was really cool, so we all went out to dinner near my apartment. It was absolutely delicious, and I had a great time with those boys. Then, we parted ways and decided to meet at 7 tonight for dinner again.
After leaving the boys, I talked with my three roommates for a while. We had some quality girl story time, and it was a lot of fun. (I adore you girls.) Then, I edited my papers and went to the grocery store with Apu for some fruit. After that, I tried to steal internet from the boys' hallway. It was semi-successful, and I got to send a few emails.
Then, Alex and I went back to her apartment and talked for a while about our lives. We can't believe this program is almost over! So sad!
I am getting REALLY excited for Mom, Kim, and Chris to get here! We're going to have such a great time!
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Italy is the best. You should all come here.
So, I had a GREAT time with Adam and Paolo yesterday. I walked to their hotel around 2 to meet up with them, and I was so glad to see familiar faces! I adore those boys.
They were hungry, so we got some pizza and had a picnic by the Colosseum. :) It was very touristy and cute. After that, we walked around the Forums and the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Then, we headed toward the Pantheon. After visiting the Pantheon, we headed back toward where my apartment is, stopping for gelato along the way. We went to an electric store around the corner from my apartment to pick up an adapter for Paolo's camera, and then we went to the Santa Maria church with "The Ecstasy of St. Theresa." We sat in that church for a bit, and then we went across the street to see the Paulist Fathers' Church in Rome. It was beautiful! And they spoke in English! Haha, yay. Anyway, we saw a poster with Father Dave and Jimmy and that other really nice priest from St. Austin's, so Paolo took a picture of Adam and I pointing to it like fools.
Then, I headed back to my apartment to change for daily Mass. I met up with Adam and Paolo at the Paulist church at 6, and then after Mass, we ran into a guy who had just graduated from UT. He was really cool, so we all went out to dinner near my apartment. It was absolutely delicious, and I had a great time with those boys. Then, we parted ways and decided to meet at 7 tonight for dinner again.
After leaving the boys, I talked with my three roommates for a while. We had some quality girl story time, and it was a lot of fun. (I adore you girls.) Then, I edited my papers and went to the grocery store with Apu for some fruit. After that, I tried to steal internet from the boys' hallway. It was semi-successful, and I got to send a few emails.
Then, Alex and I went back to her apartment and talked for a while about our lives. We can't believe this program is almost over! So sad!
I am getting REALLY excited for Mom, Kim, and Chris to get here! We're going to have such a great time!
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Italy is the best. You should all come here.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
American Academy, Paolo and Adam
Hey beautiful people -
After midterms, we all headed back to the boys' apartment where we watched part of the Dark Night. I had forgotten almost all of the movie, and it was really good to see it again. Such a great movie! I miss Heath Ledger.
Oh, Alex and I ate strawberries and Nutella. It was so delicious.
Then, we all parted ways to get ready for dinner at the American Academy. We got all dressed up, and then we walked over to the Victor Emmanuel Monument near the AIRC to catch the bus to Trastevere. We met up with KG and a friend of his, and, after a bus ride, we walked a few blocks to the American Academy. The AA had such a fabulous view of Rome from the roof - we all got really cute pictures. :) (To be posted soon...)
Dinner was pretty good - the company was the best part, for sure. After dinner, we all went with KG to get some good gelato from a place that last year's group recommended. It was yummy. Then, we walked all the way home. I played a card game with Alex, Vicki, Harvey, Stephen, and Apu, and then we all headed to bed.
I woke up pretty early to take a shower. Then, Meagan and I headed out for cappuccinos and internet before meeting for class. The class thought we'd be able to go into the Forum of Augustus, but it turns out that we're doing that (maybe) on Thursday. We went to the AIRC to have a brief lecture, and then we headed to the Pantheon. I absolutely love the Pantheon. It's a fabulous, beautiful place. After the Pantheon, we rode a bus to Circus Maximus. KG taught us about that for a little, and then we took the metro home.
It was really, really hot today. The metro did not smell very pleasant. But, oh well. It's in Rome, after all.
After getting back to our apartments, some of us went to go get pizza from next door. Then, I worked on editing my papers, and then I went to go see Paolo and Adam!
I really need to get to bed, so I'm going to tell y'all about the rest of my wonderful day when I get some time tomorrow.
I hope everyone is having a great week!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Papers for the week done! Only one more paper and one more exam for my two classes left! :)
After midterms, we all headed back to the boys' apartment where we watched part of the Dark Night. I had forgotten almost all of the movie, and it was really good to see it again. Such a great movie! I miss Heath Ledger.
Oh, Alex and I ate strawberries and Nutella. It was so delicious.
Then, we all parted ways to get ready for dinner at the American Academy. We got all dressed up, and then we walked over to the Victor Emmanuel Monument near the AIRC to catch the bus to Trastevere. We met up with KG and a friend of his, and, after a bus ride, we walked a few blocks to the American Academy. The AA had such a fabulous view of Rome from the roof - we all got really cute pictures. :) (To be posted soon...)
Dinner was pretty good - the company was the best part, for sure. After dinner, we all went with KG to get some good gelato from a place that last year's group recommended. It was yummy. Then, we walked all the way home. I played a card game with Alex, Vicki, Harvey, Stephen, and Apu, and then we all headed to bed.
I woke up pretty early to take a shower. Then, Meagan and I headed out for cappuccinos and internet before meeting for class. The class thought we'd be able to go into the Forum of Augustus, but it turns out that we're doing that (maybe) on Thursday. We went to the AIRC to have a brief lecture, and then we headed to the Pantheon. I absolutely love the Pantheon. It's a fabulous, beautiful place. After the Pantheon, we rode a bus to Circus Maximus. KG taught us about that for a little, and then we took the metro home.
It was really, really hot today. The metro did not smell very pleasant. But, oh well. It's in Rome, after all.
After getting back to our apartments, some of us went to go get pizza from next door. Then, I worked on editing my papers, and then I went to go see Paolo and Adam!
I really need to get to bed, so I'm going to tell y'all about the rest of my wonderful day when I get some time tomorrow.
I hope everyone is having a great week!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Papers for the week done! Only one more paper and one more exam for my two classes left! :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Midterms DONE!!!
Hey beautiful people -
We just finished our two midterms! YAY! We have papers due Wednesday, but one of mine is almost done, and the other is coming along pretty well, too.
Last night, we got a lot of studying done, and I got a chance to "borrow" wireless internet in the boys' apartment hallway. It was fun to talk to some Austin friends - y'all are the best!
I slept in really late (almost 11) and then took and shower and got ready. Alex and I went to go get cappuccinos at our favorite place by the AIRC (The Glass Ristorante), and went over our outlines together. Then, we came to the AIRC to use internet where I got to talk to my dear friend, Preston (finally!).
Then, we took exams. They are done, so YAY.
Now, Alex and I are going to buy sunglasses (the ocean ate mine in Cinqueterra). Then, we'll head back to the apartments and get ready for dinner at the American Academy tonight. :)
I love you all! Bices!
Ciao,
Ashley
We just finished our two midterms! YAY! We have papers due Wednesday, but one of mine is almost done, and the other is coming along pretty well, too.
Last night, we got a lot of studying done, and I got a chance to "borrow" wireless internet in the boys' apartment hallway. It was fun to talk to some Austin friends - y'all are the best!
I slept in really late (almost 11) and then took and shower and got ready. Alex and I went to go get cappuccinos at our favorite place by the AIRC (The Glass Ristorante), and went over our outlines together. Then, we came to the AIRC to use internet where I got to talk to my dear friend, Preston (finally!).
Then, we took exams. They are done, so YAY.
Now, Alex and I are going to buy sunglasses (the ocean ate mine in Cinqueterra). Then, we'll head back to the apartments and get ready for dinner at the American Academy tonight. :)
I love you all! Bices!
Ciao,
Ashley
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I MET THE POPE TODAY!!!
OH MY GOSH! The Vatican was SO incredible. I MET THE POPE!
I woke up really early this morning to get ready for High Mass. I met Alex, Royce, Adam, and Daniel outside out apartments to walk to the bus stop (where we met up with Vicki and Stephen). We all got on the bus which took us straight to the Vatican. I was really tired until the bus passed right in front of St. Peter's Square. And then I started getting REALLY excited! It was so beautiful - I can't even find the words to describe how awesome it was to see St. Peter's in person!
Anyway, we got off the bus and walked to get cappuccinos since we were really early for High Mass. I'm getting addicted to the amazing Italian coffee, by the way. After cappuccinos and croissants, we headed back to St. Peter's and walked around a bit, taking pictures! It was so exciting. I can't even write about it without smiling.
We met up with KG (Dr. Karl Galinsky) and got through security really quickly. We all walked around taking pictures and admiring St. Peter's Basilica for about an hour before we lined up to get in for High Mass. Michaelangelo's Pieta is in St. Peter's Basilica - it was so awesome to see in person because it's one of my favorite pieces of sculpture. Oh, we also met up with Harvey and Barghav in the basilica. They had a bit of a bus mis-hap, but it got sorted out.
Mass (even though I couldn't understand all the words) was absolutely incredible. I loved watching the priests, bishops, and cardinals process in through the long nave of St. Peter's. It was such an amazing experience - and I plan on going to St. Peter's every Sunday until I leave Italia now. :)
After High Mass, we all went into St. Peter's Square where we waited for Pope Benedict to come out and say, "Hey, Ashley." Which he did, of course. Yeah, I got a personal shout-out from Benny himself. OK, not really. But pretty much, he waved to me. And blessed me. So, I think that's practically the same.
After getting blessed from the POPE!, KG took us all out to lunch at a nearby ristorante. It was absolutely delicious - and free lunch is always good lunch. :) It was really sweet of KG to take us all out (Thanks again, KG!).
After lunch, Alex and I went back to St. Peter's to mail our postcards. Unfortunately, we needed stamps, and we couldn't figure out how to use the machines to buy stamps. We tried all the buttons and levers - we even prayed that it would work - but we had no luck. She and I are going back on Friday (no class, YAY), so we're going to get postcards mailed then.
Then, Alex and I walked around the area for a bit, got some gelato, and took a bus back to our apartments. We ran into Linda (a woman from the AIRC) who told us that we could come to the AIRC to study for our exams tomorrow. Which was really sweet.
Now, Alex and I are going to be productive... soon. :)
This is what happened before I met the POPE since my last post...
On Saturday evening, Alex and I went to go get some pizza by a place near the AIRC. We took it to the Trevi Fountain and ate while people-watching. It was really relaxing and hilarious to see how touristy some people were being.
Then, we headed to the grocery store to get some lunch supplies for the week. The lady in front of me in the check-out line spilled her bleach over EVERYTHING (including her fruit) and it was really sad. But the guy scanning items didn't make her pay for it, so that's good. Anyway, when we got back to the apartments, I climbed up the insanely steep three flights of stairs to get to my apartment.
There, I worked on papers with Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, and Meagan in our apartment for a bit. The apartment started getting REALLY hot (yay for Rome summers), so Shyam, Meagan, and I went to go get some gelato around 11. We got a little lost on the way to find this new place, but it was worth it because a guidebook told us that that gelateria was JP2's favorite in all of Rome. It was really, really crowded, but the gelato was really good!
When we got back, I headed to bed so I could wake up early (720 AM!) to go to the Vatican! Which was amazing!
My life is officially complete, having met Pope Benny. :)
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - I'm in love with Italia today.
I woke up really early this morning to get ready for High Mass. I met Alex, Royce, Adam, and Daniel outside out apartments to walk to the bus stop (where we met up with Vicki and Stephen). We all got on the bus which took us straight to the Vatican. I was really tired until the bus passed right in front of St. Peter's Square. And then I started getting REALLY excited! It was so beautiful - I can't even find the words to describe how awesome it was to see St. Peter's in person!
Anyway, we got off the bus and walked to get cappuccinos since we were really early for High Mass. I'm getting addicted to the amazing Italian coffee, by the way. After cappuccinos and croissants, we headed back to St. Peter's and walked around a bit, taking pictures! It was so exciting. I can't even write about it without smiling.
We met up with KG (Dr. Karl Galinsky) and got through security really quickly. We all walked around taking pictures and admiring St. Peter's Basilica for about an hour before we lined up to get in for High Mass. Michaelangelo's Pieta is in St. Peter's Basilica - it was so awesome to see in person because it's one of my favorite pieces of sculpture. Oh, we also met up with Harvey and Barghav in the basilica. They had a bit of a bus mis-hap, but it got sorted out.
Mass (even though I couldn't understand all the words) was absolutely incredible. I loved watching the priests, bishops, and cardinals process in through the long nave of St. Peter's. It was such an amazing experience - and I plan on going to St. Peter's every Sunday until I leave Italia now. :)
After High Mass, we all went into St. Peter's Square where we waited for Pope Benedict to come out and say, "Hey, Ashley." Which he did, of course. Yeah, I got a personal shout-out from Benny himself. OK, not really. But pretty much, he waved to me. And blessed me. So, I think that's practically the same.
After getting blessed from the POPE!, KG took us all out to lunch at a nearby ristorante. It was absolutely delicious - and free lunch is always good lunch. :) It was really sweet of KG to take us all out (Thanks again, KG!).
After lunch, Alex and I went back to St. Peter's to mail our postcards. Unfortunately, we needed stamps, and we couldn't figure out how to use the machines to buy stamps. We tried all the buttons and levers - we even prayed that it would work - but we had no luck. She and I are going back on Friday (no class, YAY), so we're going to get postcards mailed then.
Then, Alex and I walked around the area for a bit, got some gelato, and took a bus back to our apartments. We ran into Linda (a woman from the AIRC) who told us that we could come to the AIRC to study for our exams tomorrow. Which was really sweet.
Now, Alex and I are going to be productive... soon. :)
This is what happened before I met the POPE since my last post...
On Saturday evening, Alex and I went to go get some pizza by a place near the AIRC. We took it to the Trevi Fountain and ate while people-watching. It was really relaxing and hilarious to see how touristy some people were being.
Then, we headed to the grocery store to get some lunch supplies for the week. The lady in front of me in the check-out line spilled her bleach over EVERYTHING (including her fruit) and it was really sad. But the guy scanning items didn't make her pay for it, so that's good. Anyway, when we got back to the apartments, I climbed up the insanely steep three flights of stairs to get to my apartment.
There, I worked on papers with Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, and Meagan in our apartment for a bit. The apartment started getting REALLY hot (yay for Rome summers), so Shyam, Meagan, and I went to go get some gelato around 11. We got a little lost on the way to find this new place, but it was worth it because a guidebook told us that that gelateria was JP2's favorite in all of Rome. It was really, really crowded, but the gelato was really good!
When we got back, I headed to bed so I could wake up early (720 AM!) to go to the Vatican! Which was amazing!
My life is officially complete, having met Pope Benny. :)
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - I'm in love with Italia today.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Gay Pride Parade
There's a Gay Pride Parade happening right outside the AIRC right now... So the group is getting some free Lady Gaga music. :)
Hey y'all -
Thursday evening, we headed back to the apartments after a midterm review session. A bunch of us hung out in the boys' apartment, trying to read for class and listening to music. I got all caught up on the reading, which is good news because I've been able to relax this weekend!
Early Friday morning, we met Albert at the EUR Fermi metro stop to see a museum that Mussolini put together to exhibit the greatness of Roma. It was an interesting museum, but I'm not a huge fan of Fascist architecture, so I was glad when we moved on. After that, Albert took us to another museum where we saw the opus sectie, a room of reconstructed mosaic walls/floors/ceiling. It was really beautiful.
Then, we took the metro and got lunch in a park somewhere closer to the heart of Roma. (We also got our papers from the first week back. It's a relief to know the expectations of the class now. Only two more papers and tests for each class left!) After lunch, Dr. Galinsky took us to meet Darius at a museum that had been previously used as a power plant. Now, statues and other pieces from the Capitoline Museum are exhibited there. It was really cool. Alex, Ishanee, and I went around the museum taking pictures posing like the statues. Some pretty ridiculous pictures should be on Facebook soon. :)
After the museums, we headed back to the AIRC to use the internet before heading back to the apartments. We got ready to go out and then went to go get some DELICIOUS pizza! (And gelato.) After dinner, we headed back to the apartments to hang out for a bit before going out. Last night was really fun - it's always nice to bond with people outside of the class environment.
We headed to bed (really) tired when we got home. I was really ready to sleep by the time we got home.
Today, I woke up around 11. Perfect day to sleep in because it finally got really hot in Roma! I wrote one of my papers that is due on Wednesday in about an hour - it's nice to have one draft out of the way. :) Because Paolo and Adam are coming to visit on Tuesday! I'm really excited to see those boys (from LOA, for those of you who don't know them).
I got showered and started some laundry. Then, I finished Slumdog Millionaire (such a good movie) and relaxed and played games for a while.
Then, we all headed to the AIRC (where I am now) for another review session for Midterms on Monday.
I did some more research for my papers due Wednesday, and now I'm just catching up on the internet before we leave.
Alex and I are going to get some pizza and do some grocery shopping.
Tonight, a few of us might be going out to try a club near our apartments - we'll see! :)
Have a great weekend, y'all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Vatican High Mass tomorrow! :) Yay!
Thursday evening, we headed back to the apartments after a midterm review session. A bunch of us hung out in the boys' apartment, trying to read for class and listening to music. I got all caught up on the reading, which is good news because I've been able to relax this weekend!
Early Friday morning, we met Albert at the EUR Fermi metro stop to see a museum that Mussolini put together to exhibit the greatness of Roma. It was an interesting museum, but I'm not a huge fan of Fascist architecture, so I was glad when we moved on. After that, Albert took us to another museum where we saw the opus sectie, a room of reconstructed mosaic walls/floors/ceiling. It was really beautiful.
Then, we took the metro and got lunch in a park somewhere closer to the heart of Roma. (We also got our papers from the first week back. It's a relief to know the expectations of the class now. Only two more papers and tests for each class left!) After lunch, Dr. Galinsky took us to meet Darius at a museum that had been previously used as a power plant. Now, statues and other pieces from the Capitoline Museum are exhibited there. It was really cool. Alex, Ishanee, and I went around the museum taking pictures posing like the statues. Some pretty ridiculous pictures should be on Facebook soon. :)
After the museums, we headed back to the AIRC to use the internet before heading back to the apartments. We got ready to go out and then went to go get some DELICIOUS pizza! (And gelato.) After dinner, we headed back to the apartments to hang out for a bit before going out. Last night was really fun - it's always nice to bond with people outside of the class environment.
We headed to bed (really) tired when we got home. I was really ready to sleep by the time we got home.
Today, I woke up around 11. Perfect day to sleep in because it finally got really hot in Roma! I wrote one of my papers that is due on Wednesday in about an hour - it's nice to have one draft out of the way. :) Because Paolo and Adam are coming to visit on Tuesday! I'm really excited to see those boys (from LOA, for those of you who don't know them).
I got showered and started some laundry. Then, I finished Slumdog Millionaire (such a good movie) and relaxed and played games for a while.
Then, we all headed to the AIRC (where I am now) for another review session for Midterms on Monday.
I did some more research for my papers due Wednesday, and now I'm just catching up on the internet before we leave.
Alex and I are going to get some pizza and do some grocery shopping.
Tonight, a few of us might be going out to try a club near our apartments - we'll see! :)
Have a great weekend, y'all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Vatican High Mass tomorrow! :) Yay!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Capitoline Museum - Constantine's big head!!
Hey beautiful people -
Yesterday, we went back to the apartments in the early afternoon, where I worked on one of my papers due Wednesday for just a little bit. The outline is almost done, so that's good. Also, I'm all caught up on my reading for class which is a relief. There's so much art/architecture/cultural history in Roma, and so much written about all of it! Which is good, mostly. Except when it's a beautiful day in Roma, and we want to go outside and play instead of read.
Anyway, after working for a little bit, I sat in my bed and watched the first half of "Slumdog Millionaire." It's really good so far - but not something I could watch right before going to bed. There are some really, really graphic scenes. Gross.
Then, I went to eat some Chinese food with Alex, Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, Adam, and Royce. The food was pretty good, but our waiter was really grumpy. We weren't really sure why he was so grumpy, but, eventually, (by speaking English, Italian, and Chinese) we got everything figured out. After dinner, Alex, Adam, Royce, and I stopped to get some gelato at a place near our apartment. By the way, I really need to stop eating gelato every day. It's delicious, but seriously. The group has justified all of our gelato eating by saying that we walk off whatever weight we would gain every day anyway. Which is probably true. But, a group just went to go get some gelato, and I was strong enough to say no. Plus, I miss the internet and I wanted to stay here at the AIRC and be productive.
After gelato last night, I played Phase 10 with Shyam, Alex, Apu, and Ishanee at the boys' apartment. It was really fun, and we played through all ten phases (which hardly ever happens... the game takes so long!). Oh, and I won. Yay!
After Phase 10, we headed back to our apartment, took showers, did some reading, and went to bed.
This morning, we had a reorientation at our apartments so we could learn what to do when our water/electricity doesn't work. (There have been some issues, but our apartment has been good for about a week.)
Then, we headed to the AIRC to drop off our computers. After that, we headed out to the Capitoline Museum. The biggest highlight from that museum is the colossal head of Constantine. (Also, there is that big right hand that is pointing to the sky.) It was pretty cool, and the group got a picture next to it, so it was cool!
After going around the museum for a few hours, we went to lunch. I had a tuna sandwich and some pineapple, and it was delicious!
After lunch, Meagan did her presentation on life expectancy in Roma, and then we went to go see a temple of Saturn/Jupiter/some other deity and the Theater of Marcellus. I love my classes, because now I can just walk around Roma and know what almost all of the building are. It's pretty sweet. :)
Then, Meagan, Alex, David, and I went to go see the Mouth of Truth. According to legend, if you put your hand in the mouth, the mouth will close and eat your hand if you are dishonest person. Luckily, the mouth didn't close and eat my hand. That would have been quite a catastrophe. But, on the other hand, I would have been all over the news and quite popular! :) Oh, except then I would be famous as a dishonest person. No good.
After getting pictures with the Mouth of Truth, we headed back to the AIRC. Now, we are just using internet (being semi-productive) before our classes this afternoon.
We have class until 7, and then Alex and I are going to try a pizza place right next door for dinner.
I'm gonna go and try to get some reading done!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Mass at St. Peter's in less than three days! :)
Yesterday, we went back to the apartments in the early afternoon, where I worked on one of my papers due Wednesday for just a little bit. The outline is almost done, so that's good. Also, I'm all caught up on my reading for class which is a relief. There's so much art/architecture/cultural history in Roma, and so much written about all of it! Which is good, mostly. Except when it's a beautiful day in Roma, and we want to go outside and play instead of read.
Anyway, after working for a little bit, I sat in my bed and watched the first half of "Slumdog Millionaire." It's really good so far - but not something I could watch right before going to bed. There are some really, really graphic scenes. Gross.
Then, I went to eat some Chinese food with Alex, Shyam, Apu, Ishanee, Adam, and Royce. The food was pretty good, but our waiter was really grumpy. We weren't really sure why he was so grumpy, but, eventually, (by speaking English, Italian, and Chinese) we got everything figured out. After dinner, Alex, Adam, Royce, and I stopped to get some gelato at a place near our apartment. By the way, I really need to stop eating gelato every day. It's delicious, but seriously. The group has justified all of our gelato eating by saying that we walk off whatever weight we would gain every day anyway. Which is probably true. But, a group just went to go get some gelato, and I was strong enough to say no. Plus, I miss the internet and I wanted to stay here at the AIRC and be productive.
After gelato last night, I played Phase 10 with Shyam, Alex, Apu, and Ishanee at the boys' apartment. It was really fun, and we played through all ten phases (which hardly ever happens... the game takes so long!). Oh, and I won. Yay!
After Phase 10, we headed back to our apartment, took showers, did some reading, and went to bed.
This morning, we had a reorientation at our apartments so we could learn what to do when our water/electricity doesn't work. (There have been some issues, but our apartment has been good for about a week.)
Then, we headed to the AIRC to drop off our computers. After that, we headed out to the Capitoline Museum. The biggest highlight from that museum is the colossal head of Constantine. (Also, there is that big right hand that is pointing to the sky.) It was pretty cool, and the group got a picture next to it, so it was cool!
After going around the museum for a few hours, we went to lunch. I had a tuna sandwich and some pineapple, and it was delicious!
After lunch, Meagan did her presentation on life expectancy in Roma, and then we went to go see a temple of Saturn/Jupiter/some other deity and the Theater of Marcellus. I love my classes, because now I can just walk around Roma and know what almost all of the building are. It's pretty sweet. :)
Then, Meagan, Alex, David, and I went to go see the Mouth of Truth. According to legend, if you put your hand in the mouth, the mouth will close and eat your hand if you are dishonest person. Luckily, the mouth didn't close and eat my hand. That would have been quite a catastrophe. But, on the other hand, I would have been all over the news and quite popular! :) Oh, except then I would be famous as a dishonest person. No good.
After getting pictures with the Mouth of Truth, we headed back to the AIRC. Now, we are just using internet (being semi-productive) before our classes this afternoon.
We have class until 7, and then Alex and I are going to try a pizza place right next door for dinner.
I'm gonna go and try to get some reading done!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Mass at St. Peter's in less than three days! :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Still not being productive...
Sorry for all the posts, but I just wanted to let y'all know something.
Now, at the bottom of my page, there are links to some of my fellow Plan II Roma 2009 students' blogs.
Ciao!
Now, at the bottom of my page, there are links to some of my fellow Plan II Roma 2009 students' blogs.
Ciao!
So productive...
So, instead of being productive and working on my papers and project and reading for class, I've been talking to people in my program and looking at Facebook for a few hours... Oh, well!
I'm in Roma, after all.
:)
Time to start researching Isis.
I'm in Roma, after all.
:)
Time to start researching Isis.
The Death March
Hey y'all -
Yesterday afternoon, I was really productive! I got a LOT of reading done, and wrote a ton of postcards that I'll be able to email out when I go to THE VATICAN FOR MASS this Sunday! :) (I'm a little excited, in case you can't tell...)
Anyway, most of the people in my program took naps in the afternoon, but I needed to catch up on reading. Not many other people seem to think that reading is that important, but we have our midterms on Monday, so I want to have most of it done by this weekend.
After doing a few hours of reading, Meagan (one of my roommates) and I cooked some bow-tie pasta with pesto, and it was delicious. We hung out with our other roommates (Apu and Ishanee) and Shyam for a bit. Then, I decided to go to the Internet Spot close to our apartments to check email and get a few addresses that I needed for postcards.
After spending about 20 minutes there, I headed back to our apartment. Then, Shyam, Meagan, Apu, Ishanee, Chris, and I decided to go get some gelato. OK, this is really exciting, so read closely! :) We decided to try a new place that has ONE HUNDRED flavors... it's near the Pantheon. (The gelato wasn't that great, but the experience was awesome.) So, in order to get to this gelato place, we have to walk past the Trevi Fountain and then past the Pantheon. When we were passing the Trevi Fountain, Chris stopped abruptly, and the rest of us were really confused. He is staring at this lady who is leaning over and blowing bubbles with her kid. She stands up and it's DEBRA MESSING. She was so beautiful, and she wasn't even trying. Anyway, she laughed and smiled at us, and Chris said that she was his hero, and it was really cute. Then, we continued walking, freaking out about how cool she is. It was awesome. :)
After getting gelato from the magical gelateria with 100 flavors, we looked for her when we were passing the Trevi Fountain on the way home. Unfortunately, she had either already left or saw us and decided to hide from the crazy American starstruck tourists.
When we got home, we played some Phase 10 (best card game ever) for a bit with Royce and Alex. Then, we headed to bed.
I woke up around 8 today, and met Alex, Meagan, and Chris for a morning cappuccino. Then, we had another class with Albert. We had been told from last year's program that this specific lesson was a true "Death March." I was full of coffee and caffeine, so I was really excited about this "Death March." Since I haven't been swimming, I really need to find another outlet for all of my extra energy... Anyway, the group hiked with Albert to the top of one of the many Roman hills and listened to him talk about geology for about an hour. Honestly, right now, I'm contemplating becoming a geologist. :) The material is so INTERESTING! Also, volcanoes are scary.
Anyway, after listening to his lecture, we started the notorious "Death March" that ended up being more of a "Death Stroll" up and down a lot of hills. It was interesting to see how the city had changed over the past centuries, and even more amazing now that we understood how those changes came about.
After class (we ended at about noon), I headed to a Catholic church right across from the AIRC to have some "Ashley and God" time. (I know I keep saying this, but being Catholic in Roma is incredible.)
Now, I'm at the AIRC with Shyam and Meagan, where we're going to eat lunch and then get some work done on our papers for next week (yay for being productive).
Tonight, we'll probably play more games and have another Taylor Swift singalong. :)
Oh, and there was talk about going to get Chinese for dinner. I'll let y'all know how good the Italians are at making Chinese...
I'm still having a blast - I hope everyone else is having a great summer!!
Ciao,
Ashley
Yesterday afternoon, I was really productive! I got a LOT of reading done, and wrote a ton of postcards that I'll be able to email out when I go to THE VATICAN FOR MASS this Sunday! :) (I'm a little excited, in case you can't tell...)
Anyway, most of the people in my program took naps in the afternoon, but I needed to catch up on reading. Not many other people seem to think that reading is that important, but we have our midterms on Monday, so I want to have most of it done by this weekend.
After doing a few hours of reading, Meagan (one of my roommates) and I cooked some bow-tie pasta with pesto, and it was delicious. We hung out with our other roommates (Apu and Ishanee) and Shyam for a bit. Then, I decided to go to the Internet Spot close to our apartments to check email and get a few addresses that I needed for postcards.
After spending about 20 minutes there, I headed back to our apartment. Then, Shyam, Meagan, Apu, Ishanee, Chris, and I decided to go get some gelato. OK, this is really exciting, so read closely! :) We decided to try a new place that has ONE HUNDRED flavors... it's near the Pantheon. (The gelato wasn't that great, but the experience was awesome.) So, in order to get to this gelato place, we have to walk past the Trevi Fountain and then past the Pantheon. When we were passing the Trevi Fountain, Chris stopped abruptly, and the rest of us were really confused. He is staring at this lady who is leaning over and blowing bubbles with her kid. She stands up and it's DEBRA MESSING. She was so beautiful, and she wasn't even trying. Anyway, she laughed and smiled at us, and Chris said that she was his hero, and it was really cute. Then, we continued walking, freaking out about how cool she is. It was awesome. :)
After getting gelato from the magical gelateria with 100 flavors, we looked for her when we were passing the Trevi Fountain on the way home. Unfortunately, she had either already left or saw us and decided to hide from the crazy American starstruck tourists.
When we got home, we played some Phase 10 (best card game ever) for a bit with Royce and Alex. Then, we headed to bed.
I woke up around 8 today, and met Alex, Meagan, and Chris for a morning cappuccino. Then, we had another class with Albert. We had been told from last year's program that this specific lesson was a true "Death March." I was full of coffee and caffeine, so I was really excited about this "Death March." Since I haven't been swimming, I really need to find another outlet for all of my extra energy... Anyway, the group hiked with Albert to the top of one of the many Roman hills and listened to him talk about geology for about an hour. Honestly, right now, I'm contemplating becoming a geologist. :) The material is so INTERESTING! Also, volcanoes are scary.
Anyway, after listening to his lecture, we started the notorious "Death March" that ended up being more of a "Death Stroll" up and down a lot of hills. It was interesting to see how the city had changed over the past centuries, and even more amazing now that we understood how those changes came about.
After class (we ended at about noon), I headed to a Catholic church right across from the AIRC to have some "Ashley and God" time. (I know I keep saying this, but being Catholic in Roma is incredible.)
Now, I'm at the AIRC with Shyam and Meagan, where we're going to eat lunch and then get some work done on our papers for next week (yay for being productive).
Tonight, we'll probably play more games and have another Taylor Swift singalong. :)
Oh, and there was talk about going to get Chinese for dinner. I'll let y'all know how good the Italians are at making Chinese...
I'm still having a blast - I hope everyone else is having a great summer!!
Ciao,
Ashley
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I need a nap...
Hey y'all -
I got my papers done pretty early yesterday. Then, I went to a supermercato with a group of people to get some groceries. After a Taylor Swift singalong with my roomies, I headed to bed around midnight.
I woke up at about 8 this morning, got ready, and walked over to the AIRC with Meagan. We had an hour-long seminar, and then headed out to see Palazzo Massimo Museum and then the Baths of Diocletian. It was a pretty fun day, but we are all still really tired from paper-writing and our long weekend.
Now, I'm gonna hang out at the AIRC for a bit and get some reading for class done. Then, I'm going to head home and play some games with other Plan II students and get to bed early.
I hope you are all doing well!
Ciao,
Ashley
I got my papers done pretty early yesterday. Then, I went to a supermercato with a group of people to get some groceries. After a Taylor Swift singalong with my roomies, I headed to bed around midnight.
I woke up at about 8 this morning, got ready, and walked over to the AIRC with Meagan. We had an hour-long seminar, and then headed out to see Palazzo Massimo Museum and then the Baths of Diocletian. It was a pretty fun day, but we are all still really tired from paper-writing and our long weekend.
Now, I'm gonna hang out at the AIRC for a bit and get some reading for class done. Then, I'm going to head home and play some games with other Plan II students and get to bed early.
I hope you are all doing well!
Ciao,
Ashley
Monday, June 8, 2009
My First Weekend Adventures - Part II
Hey y'all -
So, I'm almost done with my papers, and I'm taking another break to finish writing about this amazing weekend. :)
By the way, the weather has been amazing today! It was kinda hot this morning, but now I'm sitting in a room at the AIRC looking out over the Imperial Forum area (that I'm writing one of my papers about) and all I want to do is go run around outside. It feels glorious. Anyway...
On Sunday, we woke up really early and checked out of our hostel. I walked with Alex, Shyam, Apu, Stephen, and Royce to the train station where we caught a train to Cinque Terra (which means five cities/lands in Italian). There, we hiked and rode a train through the five coastal towns. They were so quaint and beautiful! The views were amazing. When we hiked from Town 1 to Town 2 (they have cute names, but I can't remember them), we stopped to eat right on the edge of the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. It was amazing! And the weather was perfect. Not too hot, but just warm enough. In the fifth town, we got to go to the beach for about an hour. It was amazing because the water was so beautiful (especially compared to Galveston). It was perfect... expect the ocean ate my sunglasses. But, now I just have an excuse to get Italian sunglasses. :)
We met up with Vicki and Harvey (they hiked all 13 kilometers through the five towns), and bought train tickets to Pisa. We boarded the train and most people fell asleep pretty quickly.
So... It turns out that we were supposed to change trains somewhere along the way to get to Pisa. Unfortunately, we didn't know that. Shyam and I were talking when we realized that the train hadn't moved in about 15 minutes. So, he went to go check to see if there was a problem. He couldn't find anyone on the train, but eventually found someone who spoke English, who told us that we should have transferred trains one stop back. Oops! We figured out that we could still get to Pisa, but we had to wait around for about an hour for a train. Then, a train took us directly to Pisa. We arrived in Pisa at about 20.00 and quickly walked to the LTP (leaning tower of Pisa) to take pictures before the sun went down. By the way, the grass on the lawns near the LTP is perfect. I wanted to play barefoot tag all day there. But, it had been a long day, and so didn't.
After taking some really adorable pictures, we went to go eat Indian food. I thought I didn't like Indian food. But, apparently, I really like Indian food. (Thanks, Apu and Shyam!)
After dinner, we walked around Pisa for a bit. We found this street next to the river that was like a Pisa 6th Street. (Except not quite as cool.) We sat down for a bit outside just people watching. Then, we headed back to the train station. We waited until 2 AM for the next train going to Roma. We were all really tired and delirious. But, Vicki started a Disney singalong on the train platform, and that was pretty fun. Also, Royce tried to show us magic card tricks, but none of them were really working... Poor Royce.
When we got on the train, only to realize that it had those creepy sleeper cars. (It was HarryPotter-esque.) So we had to split up into two groups of four. We each got about two hours of sleep on the train. Shyam and I stayed up first to watch peoples' bags and we played 20 Questions a few times. Then, he and I got to sleep until we got to Termini. It was about 6 in the morning when we pulled into Roma. Then, we took the metro home and walked back to our apartments. Then, I slept until about 11 this morning. Then, I took a shower and met up with Alex to walk to AIRC.
Since then, we've been to lunch, chatting on Facebook, and writing our papers that are due tomorrow morning.
I'll finish my papers tonight, and then I have a lot of reading to do as well. I really did forgot that I was in school this summer. But at least I'm learning interesting stuff. :) I still can't get over the fact that I'm writing a paper about Trajan's Forum and I'm sitting in what would have been Basilica Ulpia in Trajan's Forum a few thousand years ago. So cool!
Anyway, those were my first weekend adventures! More to come, of course.
I love and miss you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
So, I'm almost done with my papers, and I'm taking another break to finish writing about this amazing weekend. :)
By the way, the weather has been amazing today! It was kinda hot this morning, but now I'm sitting in a room at the AIRC looking out over the Imperial Forum area (that I'm writing one of my papers about) and all I want to do is go run around outside. It feels glorious. Anyway...
On Sunday, we woke up really early and checked out of our hostel. I walked with Alex, Shyam, Apu, Stephen, and Royce to the train station where we caught a train to Cinque Terra (which means five cities/lands in Italian). There, we hiked and rode a train through the five coastal towns. They were so quaint and beautiful! The views were amazing. When we hiked from Town 1 to Town 2 (they have cute names, but I can't remember them), we stopped to eat right on the edge of the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. It was amazing! And the weather was perfect. Not too hot, but just warm enough. In the fifth town, we got to go to the beach for about an hour. It was amazing because the water was so beautiful (especially compared to Galveston). It was perfect... expect the ocean ate my sunglasses. But, now I just have an excuse to get Italian sunglasses. :)
We met up with Vicki and Harvey (they hiked all 13 kilometers through the five towns), and bought train tickets to Pisa. We boarded the train and most people fell asleep pretty quickly.
So... It turns out that we were supposed to change trains somewhere along the way to get to Pisa. Unfortunately, we didn't know that. Shyam and I were talking when we realized that the train hadn't moved in about 15 minutes. So, he went to go check to see if there was a problem. He couldn't find anyone on the train, but eventually found someone who spoke English, who told us that we should have transferred trains one stop back. Oops! We figured out that we could still get to Pisa, but we had to wait around for about an hour for a train. Then, a train took us directly to Pisa. We arrived in Pisa at about 20.00 and quickly walked to the LTP (leaning tower of Pisa) to take pictures before the sun went down. By the way, the grass on the lawns near the LTP is perfect. I wanted to play barefoot tag all day there. But, it had been a long day, and so didn't.
After taking some really adorable pictures, we went to go eat Indian food. I thought I didn't like Indian food. But, apparently, I really like Indian food. (Thanks, Apu and Shyam!)
After dinner, we walked around Pisa for a bit. We found this street next to the river that was like a Pisa 6th Street. (Except not quite as cool.) We sat down for a bit outside just people watching. Then, we headed back to the train station. We waited until 2 AM for the next train going to Roma. We were all really tired and delirious. But, Vicki started a Disney singalong on the train platform, and that was pretty fun. Also, Royce tried to show us magic card tricks, but none of them were really working... Poor Royce.
When we got on the train, only to realize that it had those creepy sleeper cars. (It was HarryPotter-esque.) So we had to split up into two groups of four. We each got about two hours of sleep on the train. Shyam and I stayed up first to watch peoples' bags and we played 20 Questions a few times. Then, he and I got to sleep until we got to Termini. It was about 6 in the morning when we pulled into Roma. Then, we took the metro home and walked back to our apartments. Then, I slept until about 11 this morning. Then, I took a shower and met up with Alex to walk to AIRC.
Since then, we've been to lunch, chatting on Facebook, and writing our papers that are due tomorrow morning.
I'll finish my papers tonight, and then I have a lot of reading to do as well. I really did forgot that I was in school this summer. But at least I'm learning interesting stuff. :) I still can't get over the fact that I'm writing a paper about Trajan's Forum and I'm sitting in what would have been Basilica Ulpia in Trajan's Forum a few thousand years ago. So cool!
Anyway, those were my first weekend adventures! More to come, of course.
I love and miss you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
My First Weekend Adventures - Part I
Hey y'all -
I was going to work on my papers before writing this post, BUT then I went to go get lunch, and I'm not quite ready to start work yet. It'll be fine... I have one paper done (just have to edit a little) and the other outline is started. It shouldn't take me that long. Anyway...
This past weekend was so amazing. Friday started with an early class. It was our first lesson with Dr. Arya. We went back to the Roman Forum and got to talk to this archaeologist who is in charge of restoration of a St. Maria church in the Roman Forum. He was really interesting and talked to us about ways that the process of restoration in that building. He was really knowledgeable and it was cool to see how much work goes in to preserving the buildings that have lasted thousands of years.
After class, a group went to the Colosseum to see the inside structures. As a class, we had already visiting the Arch of Constantine (next door) and seen the Colosseum from the outside. However, the day that I went to see the Colosseum from the inside, I accidentally deleted all the pictures on my camera, so I decided to join the group and go again to get pictures. It was beautiful and amazing and HUGE. I can't believe structures like that have lasted for so long. Also, one of my papers due tomorrow is written on the Colosseum, so it was interesting to see the inside again after doing a lot of research on the subject.
Stephen, Vicki, Apu, Ishanee, and I walked around a bit taking pictures. It was pretty crowded since it was the middle of the afternoon, but still really fun!
After the Colosseum, we took the metro back to our apartments. There, we got a quick lunch and then packed for our weekend trip. Meagan and I went to the internet point near our apartments for a few minutes to check email. Then, at about 2, the group (10 of us) met up and we took the metro to Termini.
We bought train tickets and headed to Florence at around 3. We took a train that made a LOT of stops (I think like 20-something) to keep it more in our budgets. So, we ended up getting to Florence at about 7. Then, we walked to our hostel. I had never stayed in a hostel before, and I was really surprised by how nice it was! It was beautiful, and it was really cool to meet people our age from all over the world.
We ended up getting two rooms at the hostel. The hostel where we stayed had a small dance floor, a really cool light-up colors pool, a sauna, a workout room, a restaurant, and all this other cool stuff. It was definitely worth the money that we spent to reserve rooms.
The group wandered around the hostel for a bit and then headed out to dinner. We went to go get some Bistecca Florentina. It was absolutely delicious. We also shared some bottles of a wine for which Florence is famous. (I don't remember the name.) I'm no wine connoisseur, but it was absolutely delicious. Dinner got really expensive, but it was totally worth it. It was an experience that I'll never have again in my life, after all. Dinner was really fun because the group really bonded together, and I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time. (Hey Roma group, I know that most of you read this, so I just want to say that I adore you all.)
After dinner, we went to go get some gelato (of course) because Florence is apparently really famous for great gelato. It was delicious.
We wandered around the town a bit that night, too. We saw the Duomo piazza area, and it was magnificent. The cathedral is so HUGE. It's almost impossible to take a picture of the entire structure.
The group headed back to the hostel to relax for a bit, and then we walked around Florence some more. We saw some interesting things... including a man using the street as a restroom. Other than that, Florence was really classy.
Then, we went to bed because we woke up really early Saturday morning. I rolled out of bed around 7.40. I met up with Alex, Stephen, and Apu in the hostel lobby. Then, the four of us decided to go see the Uffizi in the morning before the line got outrageously long. After eating a really good, European breakfast (croissants and cappuccinos), we got to the Uffizi around 9.00. The four of us waited in line for about 40 minutes, and then walked around the museum seeing really cool, famous art for about 2 and a half hours. Some of my favorite pieces were "The Birth of Venus" and a lot of depictions of the Annunciation of Mary.
After the museum, we got really delicious paninis from a place a few blocks away. Then, we went to Duomo where we climbed all 493 steps to get to the top. The staircases were really curvy, and we couldn't stop laughing, which made it really difficult to climb stairs. Eventually, we made it to the top of the dome, and the view was absolutely incredible (I will upload pictures hopefully this week.)!! We ran into four other guys from our Roma group and some other UT people on top of the Duomo. [Oh, and Travis! Now that I know you read this (you creeper), we also ran into a guy from Stanford. But, he didn't know you. His loss.] The group relaxed there for a long time... about half an hour. Then, we climbed alllll the way back down the 493 steps. Then, the group of four (Alex, Stephen, Apu, and I) went to go see the inside of the cathedral. It was amazingly beautiful.
[Mu Epsilon Theta girls! I will send an email soon, but I'll write it here, too. I lit a candle and said a prayer for Mu Epsilon Theta in the cathedral. Then, I gave an offering of three euros from us. (One for the Father, one for the Son, one for the Holy Spirit.) I just wanted to let y'all know that prayers were being said for us from Europe. So, YAY!]
After the cathedral, we went to go see where the tombs of Michaelangelo, Rossini, Galileo, Machiavelli are located. The church was beautiful, as are most in Italia.
After seeing the tombs, the four of us got some gelato from a different place than the night before (it was delicious). Then, we walked across Ponte Vecchio bridge. The entire bridge is filled with pedestrians all looking into the jewelry shops that line the street. The jewelry was SHINY and beautiful. I was seriously contemplating buying some. It's probably a good thing that I didn't though. :)
The group wandered around Florence some more, and then headed back to the hostel. Then, we went swimming in the pool there. The pool area was really cool! It sounds silly, but the water changed colors. Even though the water was cold, we all had a really good time. We met two guys from Monterrey named Arturo and Juan, and I told them that two of my best friends were named Arturo and Juan. They didn't think it was as cool as I did, but they were really nice. We kept sitting in the sauna and then jumping in the pool (which was absolutely freezing).
After the pool, we went to go get changed, and then hung out in the hostel with all the people in the Plan II group. We played pool and danced for a bit, and we also met some really interesting people from Maine.
Then, we headed to bed.
I'm going to go work on my papers for a bit. I'll write about Sunday and Monday when I'm ready for another break. :)
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
I was going to work on my papers before writing this post, BUT then I went to go get lunch, and I'm not quite ready to start work yet. It'll be fine... I have one paper done (just have to edit a little) and the other outline is started. It shouldn't take me that long. Anyway...
This past weekend was so amazing. Friday started with an early class. It was our first lesson with Dr. Arya. We went back to the Roman Forum and got to talk to this archaeologist who is in charge of restoration of a St. Maria church in the Roman Forum. He was really interesting and talked to us about ways that the process of restoration in that building. He was really knowledgeable and it was cool to see how much work goes in to preserving the buildings that have lasted thousands of years.
After class, a group went to the Colosseum to see the inside structures. As a class, we had already visiting the Arch of Constantine (next door) and seen the Colosseum from the outside. However, the day that I went to see the Colosseum from the inside, I accidentally deleted all the pictures on my camera, so I decided to join the group and go again to get pictures. It was beautiful and amazing and HUGE. I can't believe structures like that have lasted for so long. Also, one of my papers due tomorrow is written on the Colosseum, so it was interesting to see the inside again after doing a lot of research on the subject.
Stephen, Vicki, Apu, Ishanee, and I walked around a bit taking pictures. It was pretty crowded since it was the middle of the afternoon, but still really fun!
After the Colosseum, we took the metro back to our apartments. There, we got a quick lunch and then packed for our weekend trip. Meagan and I went to the internet point near our apartments for a few minutes to check email. Then, at about 2, the group (10 of us) met up and we took the metro to Termini.
We bought train tickets and headed to Florence at around 3. We took a train that made a LOT of stops (I think like 20-something) to keep it more in our budgets. So, we ended up getting to Florence at about 7. Then, we walked to our hostel. I had never stayed in a hostel before, and I was really surprised by how nice it was! It was beautiful, and it was really cool to meet people our age from all over the world.
We ended up getting two rooms at the hostel. The hostel where we stayed had a small dance floor, a really cool light-up colors pool, a sauna, a workout room, a restaurant, and all this other cool stuff. It was definitely worth the money that we spent to reserve rooms.
The group wandered around the hostel for a bit and then headed out to dinner. We went to go get some Bistecca Florentina. It was absolutely delicious. We also shared some bottles of a wine for which Florence is famous. (I don't remember the name.) I'm no wine connoisseur, but it was absolutely delicious. Dinner got really expensive, but it was totally worth it. It was an experience that I'll never have again in my life, after all. Dinner was really fun because the group really bonded together, and I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time. (Hey Roma group, I know that most of you read this, so I just want to say that I adore you all.)
After dinner, we went to go get some gelato (of course) because Florence is apparently really famous for great gelato. It was delicious.
We wandered around the town a bit that night, too. We saw the Duomo piazza area, and it was magnificent. The cathedral is so HUGE. It's almost impossible to take a picture of the entire structure.
The group headed back to the hostel to relax for a bit, and then we walked around Florence some more. We saw some interesting things... including a man using the street as a restroom. Other than that, Florence was really classy.
Then, we went to bed because we woke up really early Saturday morning. I rolled out of bed around 7.40. I met up with Alex, Stephen, and Apu in the hostel lobby. Then, the four of us decided to go see the Uffizi in the morning before the line got outrageously long. After eating a really good, European breakfast (croissants and cappuccinos), we got to the Uffizi around 9.00. The four of us waited in line for about 40 minutes, and then walked around the museum seeing really cool, famous art for about 2 and a half hours. Some of my favorite pieces were "The Birth of Venus" and a lot of depictions of the Annunciation of Mary.
After the museum, we got really delicious paninis from a place a few blocks away. Then, we went to Duomo where we climbed all 493 steps to get to the top. The staircases were really curvy, and we couldn't stop laughing, which made it really difficult to climb stairs. Eventually, we made it to the top of the dome, and the view was absolutely incredible (I will upload pictures hopefully this week.)!! We ran into four other guys from our Roma group and some other UT people on top of the Duomo. [Oh, and Travis! Now that I know you read this (you creeper), we also ran into a guy from Stanford. But, he didn't know you. His loss.] The group relaxed there for a long time... about half an hour. Then, we climbed alllll the way back down the 493 steps. Then, the group of four (Alex, Stephen, Apu, and I) went to go see the inside of the cathedral. It was amazingly beautiful.
[Mu Epsilon Theta girls! I will send an email soon, but I'll write it here, too. I lit a candle and said a prayer for Mu Epsilon Theta in the cathedral. Then, I gave an offering of three euros from us. (One for the Father, one for the Son, one for the Holy Spirit.) I just wanted to let y'all know that prayers were being said for us from Europe. So, YAY!]
After the cathedral, we went to go see where the tombs of Michaelangelo, Rossini, Galileo, Machiavelli are located. The church was beautiful, as are most in Italia.
After seeing the tombs, the four of us got some gelato from a different place than the night before (it was delicious). Then, we walked across Ponte Vecchio bridge. The entire bridge is filled with pedestrians all looking into the jewelry shops that line the street. The jewelry was SHINY and beautiful. I was seriously contemplating buying some. It's probably a good thing that I didn't though. :)
The group wandered around Florence some more, and then headed back to the hostel. Then, we went swimming in the pool there. The pool area was really cool! It sounds silly, but the water changed colors. Even though the water was cold, we all had a really good time. We met two guys from Monterrey named Arturo and Juan, and I told them that two of my best friends were named Arturo and Juan. They didn't think it was as cool as I did, but they were really nice. We kept sitting in the sauna and then jumping in the pool (which was absolutely freezing).
After the pool, we went to go get changed, and then hung out in the hostel with all the people in the Plan II group. We played pool and danced for a bit, and we also met some really interesting people from Maine.
Then, we headed to bed.
I'm going to go work on my papers for a bit. I'll write about Sunday and Monday when I'm ready for another break. :)
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
Safe in Roma
Hey y'all -
I have two papers due tomorrow, but I just wanted to drop a note to let y'all know that I am back home safely (in Roma). I'll update my blog with details from this AMAZING weekend soon, but I do want to get my papers worked on a little bit. (One is written, and just needs to be edited. But, the other one is in its beginning stages...)
Anyway, I love you all, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Roma got HOT today. Oh, joy.
I have two papers due tomorrow, but I just wanted to drop a note to let y'all know that I am back home safely (in Roma). I'll update my blog with details from this AMAZING weekend soon, but I do want to get my papers worked on a little bit. (One is written, and just needs to be edited. But, the other one is in its beginning stages...)
Anyway, I love you all, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Roma got HOT today. Oh, joy.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I feel like I'm on vacation...
Hey y'all!
Last night, I started working on the two 5 page papers that we have due on Tuesday. I've gotten a lot done so far, and that's good since we're going to Florence this weekend. I also took a walk to see the hotel that Mom, Kimberly, Chris, and I will be staying at when they arrive after my program. It's quite nice, and really convenient to a lot of the amazing sites around Roma. Last night was a beautiful night to walk around, and it's cool to be able to navigate through the city by myself.
This morning, we woke up really early to ride a bus to Turquinia, a city that has a lot of well-preserved Etruscan tombs. (Most of us got in about an hour of napping on the bus.) It was really cool to see because we studied them in Art History classes. They are much cooler in person than in a book... :)
It was a beautiful day (it hasn't gotten hot at all yet...), and the views from the hills were AMAZING! After visiting the tombs for a few hours, we went to a museum that had more tombs and pottery and artifacts displayed.
Then, we got some delicious pasta lunch and really strong espresso. Yum! Plus, the AIRC paid for our lunch, which is always a plus. Free lunch > not free lunch. Also, Alex and I got REALLY hyper after drinking espresso. It's really strong here, and we couldn't stop laughing about silly, stupid things for about an hour.
We got back on the bus and headed to another museum. It was pretty interesting because it was in a castle! During the bus ride to the second museum, we passed by the beautiful ocean for a few minutes! The water was glorious, and I'm really excited about going to the beach for a day this weekend. After the museum, we got some gelato, and then boarded the bus for home.
On the way home, I talked to Dr. Galinsky, and we decided on a topic for my presentation here in Roma. I'm going to study Isis (and her cult) and research how many of her characteristics were absorbed by Mary in the Catholic Church. It's in a few weeks, and it's a really interesting topic. So very cool.
When we got home, we all separated to work on our papers for a bit, and now we're at the AIRC "doing research." I need to get some work done with access to the internet, and hopefully I'll get a lot of writing done tonight.
We leave for Florence tomorrow afternoon, and we'll be there until Monday morning. There's so much to see, but some other people in my group (thanks, Vicky!) are helping plan a lot of stuff for us to do! We're also going to be at the beach for a day this weekend (I think Sunday).
I love and miss you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Have I missed anything exciting in America?
Last night, I started working on the two 5 page papers that we have due on Tuesday. I've gotten a lot done so far, and that's good since we're going to Florence this weekend. I also took a walk to see the hotel that Mom, Kimberly, Chris, and I will be staying at when they arrive after my program. It's quite nice, and really convenient to a lot of the amazing sites around Roma. Last night was a beautiful night to walk around, and it's cool to be able to navigate through the city by myself.
This morning, we woke up really early to ride a bus to Turquinia, a city that has a lot of well-preserved Etruscan tombs. (Most of us got in about an hour of napping on the bus.) It was really cool to see because we studied them in Art History classes. They are much cooler in person than in a book... :)
It was a beautiful day (it hasn't gotten hot at all yet...), and the views from the hills were AMAZING! After visiting the tombs for a few hours, we went to a museum that had more tombs and pottery and artifacts displayed.
Then, we got some delicious pasta lunch and really strong espresso. Yum! Plus, the AIRC paid for our lunch, which is always a plus. Free lunch > not free lunch. Also, Alex and I got REALLY hyper after drinking espresso. It's really strong here, and we couldn't stop laughing about silly, stupid things for about an hour.
We got back on the bus and headed to another museum. It was pretty interesting because it was in a castle! During the bus ride to the second museum, we passed by the beautiful ocean for a few minutes! The water was glorious, and I'm really excited about going to the beach for a day this weekend. After the museum, we got some gelato, and then boarded the bus for home.
On the way home, I talked to Dr. Galinsky, and we decided on a topic for my presentation here in Roma. I'm going to study Isis (and her cult) and research how many of her characteristics were absorbed by Mary in the Catholic Church. It's in a few weeks, and it's a really interesting topic. So very cool.
When we got home, we all separated to work on our papers for a bit, and now we're at the AIRC "doing research." I need to get some work done with access to the internet, and hopefully I'll get a lot of writing done tonight.
We leave for Florence tomorrow afternoon, and we'll be there until Monday morning. There's so much to see, but some other people in my group (thanks, Vicky!) are helping plan a lot of stuff for us to do! We're also going to be at the beach for a day this weekend (I think Sunday).
I love and miss you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - Have I missed anything exciting in America?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Spanish Steps
Also, I forgot to write about something that we did on Monday night. It's been like my favorite thing I've done so far, so I can't believe that I forgot about it.
On Monday evening, I went to go see the Spanish Steps in the Spanish Piazza with Adam, Daniel, and Royce. Then, on the way back to our apartments, I ran into Stephen, Harvey, and David who were on their way to the Spanish Steps. I liked the Spanish Steps so much that I decided to go back with them. The Spanish Piazza is my favorite place in Roma so far! It's so beautiful and a cool place to just sit and hang out and people watch. (That isn't supposed to sound creepy.) It's a really cool place because John Keats lived next door to the piazza and wrote some of his best works while being inspired on the Spanish Steps. There are a lot of tourists there, but a lot of young Italian people hang out there, too.
It was also nice to get to know a lot of people from my program that night! :) (If y'all are reading this, you're awesome!)
Anyway, I can't believe I forgot that....
Ciao,
Ashley
On Monday evening, I went to go see the Spanish Steps in the Spanish Piazza with Adam, Daniel, and Royce. Then, on the way back to our apartments, I ran into Stephen, Harvey, and David who were on their way to the Spanish Steps. I liked the Spanish Steps so much that I decided to go back with them. The Spanish Piazza is my favorite place in Roma so far! It's so beautiful and a cool place to just sit and hang out and people watch. (That isn't supposed to sound creepy.) It's a really cool place because John Keats lived next door to the piazza and wrote some of his best works while being inspired on the Spanish Steps. There are a lot of tourists there, but a lot of young Italian people hang out there, too.
It was also nice to get to know a lot of people from my program that night! :) (If y'all are reading this, you're awesome!)
Anyway, I can't believe I forgot that....
Ciao,
Ashley
Day Two of Class
Hey y'all!
Today was our second day of class, and the first day we met for class with Albert, one of our professors for our Humanities class. We studied the Imperial Forums, and it was one of the most interesting classes I've ever had. I absolutely adore Albert because he is so sweet and so knowledgeable about Roma! It was really interesting to learn about the five Imperial Forums, and it's crazy to see how much of it is still standing, despite modern excavations and building.
We had to wake up pretty early at 745, but I went with Alex and Stephen to go get a cappuccino to wake up. The group found this amazing place near the AIRC to get cappuccinos for one euro. They are delicious, and so convenient. I ordered in Italian for myself and two other people this morning, and I felt very excited when the man actually understood what I was saying. :)
During class, we went through this really amazing museum that used part of Trajan's Market. I guess I've never really thought about it before, but all these ancient buildings were HUGE. The museum had a bunch of pictures showing the ancient structures to scale, and the temples and Forum buildings were enormous. And very beautiful. There was one exhibit that had just the pointer finger of one of the statues from Augustus's Forum, and the finger was about as big as half of my body. It was insane!
After vising the Imperial Forums, the group went to go visit the Coloseum, where Adam gave a report on it. It is really crazy to be walking up the street toward the Coloseum on just a regular class day. Also, I really love the Arch of Constantine which is right beside the Coloseum, so it was very cool.
After the Coloseum, I walked back to our apartments with Alex and Stephen. I ate a delicious sandwich and peach for lunch, and then walked back to the AIRC.
Now, I should be writing my paper. Instead, I'm just relaxing and talking with the other students in my group. It's been a relaxing afternoon, and I just keep looking out the window at Trajan's Column thinking how cool it is to be in Roma this summer!
I am starting to miss TexMex, but the gelato here makes up for it.
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
Today was our second day of class, and the first day we met for class with Albert, one of our professors for our Humanities class. We studied the Imperial Forums, and it was one of the most interesting classes I've ever had. I absolutely adore Albert because he is so sweet and so knowledgeable about Roma! It was really interesting to learn about the five Imperial Forums, and it's crazy to see how much of it is still standing, despite modern excavations and building.
We had to wake up pretty early at 745, but I went with Alex and Stephen to go get a cappuccino to wake up. The group found this amazing place near the AIRC to get cappuccinos for one euro. They are delicious, and so convenient. I ordered in Italian for myself and two other people this morning, and I felt very excited when the man actually understood what I was saying. :)
During class, we went through this really amazing museum that used part of Trajan's Market. I guess I've never really thought about it before, but all these ancient buildings were HUGE. The museum had a bunch of pictures showing the ancient structures to scale, and the temples and Forum buildings were enormous. And very beautiful. There was one exhibit that had just the pointer finger of one of the statues from Augustus's Forum, and the finger was about as big as half of my body. It was insane!
After vising the Imperial Forums, the group went to go visit the Coloseum, where Adam gave a report on it. It is really crazy to be walking up the street toward the Coloseum on just a regular class day. Also, I really love the Arch of Constantine which is right beside the Coloseum, so it was very cool.
After the Coloseum, I walked back to our apartments with Alex and Stephen. I ate a delicious sandwich and peach for lunch, and then walked back to the AIRC.
Now, I should be writing my paper. Instead, I'm just relaxing and talking with the other students in my group. It's been a relaxing afternoon, and I just keep looking out the window at Trajan's Column thinking how cool it is to be in Roma this summer!
I am starting to miss TexMex, but the gelato here makes up for it.
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Italian Independence Day
Happy 61st Birthday, Unified Roman Republic! Also, thanks for a day of no class.
Last night, the group got together at the boys' apartment to play some card games. It was really fun, and we found out that we can get wireless internet in this random spot in a hallway in the guys' apartment. So yay!
Today, the students in my program and I went to the AIRC to watch the parade celebrating Italian Independence Day. It was really cool, with a lot of military flags and men in uniform. The highlight of the entire parade was probably the Italian female nurses who we originally believed to be nuns. Also, six jets flew over us making clouds the colors of the Italian flag. Very cool.
After that, I went with five other students in my program to relax in a pretty park for about an hour. Then, we headed over to the Termini via the Metro (I love the Metro) where we met up with the rest of our group. Then, we took another Metro line to a train station where we caught a train to go to Tivoli. It's a beautiful town that is about a 40 minute train ride from Roma. Anyway, they have a beautiful garden/fountain area there, so we walked around the gardens for a few hours. It was amazing. And beautiful! The views were amazing. Then, we got some gelato and headed back to the train station. Somehow, we ended up getting a free train ride back to Roma... no idea how, but no complaints! :)
After the train ride home, we all did some of our reading for class tomorrow. Now, I'm just catching up on Facebook and email. We're probably going to play some card games before heading to bed.
By the way, if y'all ever make it to Italy, try the watermelon gelato. It's amazing.
I love y'all!
Ciao,
Ashley
Last night, the group got together at the boys' apartment to play some card games. It was really fun, and we found out that we can get wireless internet in this random spot in a hallway in the guys' apartment. So yay!
Today, the students in my program and I went to the AIRC to watch the parade celebrating Italian Independence Day. It was really cool, with a lot of military flags and men in uniform. The highlight of the entire parade was probably the Italian female nurses who we originally believed to be nuns. Also, six jets flew over us making clouds the colors of the Italian flag. Very cool.
After that, I went with five other students in my program to relax in a pretty park for about an hour. Then, we headed over to the Termini via the Metro (I love the Metro) where we met up with the rest of our group. Then, we took another Metro line to a train station where we caught a train to go to Tivoli. It's a beautiful town that is about a 40 minute train ride from Roma. Anyway, they have a beautiful garden/fountain area there, so we walked around the gardens for a few hours. It was amazing. And beautiful! The views were amazing. Then, we got some gelato and headed back to the train station. Somehow, we ended up getting a free train ride back to Roma... no idea how, but no complaints! :)
After the train ride home, we all did some of our reading for class tomorrow. Now, I'm just catching up on Facebook and email. We're probably going to play some card games before heading to bed.
By the way, if y'all ever make it to Italy, try the watermelon gelato. It's amazing.
I love y'all!
Ciao,
Ashley
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday, June 1
Hey y'all!
I'm sitting a computer at the American Institute of Roman Culture where our program is centered. It's really exciting because it's the first time I haven't had to pay for my internet in Roma. :)
Last night, I tried to start my reading for our first day of class which was today. I ended up falling asleep and taking a little nap before dinner. We got pizza for dinner and then got some delicious gelato. In the gelato store, I saw a guy wearing burnt orange and so we asked where the group was from and they were with the UT Volleyball team! It was crazy. And the girls were crazy tall. It was such a coincidence and all I have to say is that it's a crazy small world.
After dinner, we hung out at the guys apartment for a bit and then all decided to try to read for class. I finished my reading and then took a cold shower. Both of the showers I've taken in Italy so far have been really really really cold. The hot water always seems to go out in our apartment right before I take a shower... Oh well, hopefully I'll have better luck tonight when we get home.
Today, we woke up at 8 (I, of course, snoozed until like 8:17) for our orientation with the AIRC. We went through a lot of paperwork here and then headed out for the Roman Forum and Paletino (I think that's how you spell it...). It was raining really hard, but it was still really amazing to see the great ruins.
After about 2 and a half hours of class, I went with 5 other people in our group to get a quick lunch. I had the most delicious pasta in the world. And then, we went to the Coliseum where we got to walk around inside and take lots of pictures like crazy tourists. :) Everything that we saw was absolutely amazing and pictures will be posted soon.
Right now, we're hanging out at the AIRC just waiting for a meeting at 5 to finish some paperwork. Then, we're going to head to the supermarcato to pick up some groceries and cook a small dinner tonight.
Haha, really funny story. There are a bunch of gladiators outside of the Coliseum who always ask to take pictures with tourists and then ask for a whole lot of money. Anyway, one of the gladiators asked if I wanted to take a picture, and I just laughed and continued walking. Then, he YELLED really loudly "YOU HAVE A-VERY NICE-A LEGS-A" (add an Italian accent). He then loudly asked "Where is your boyfriend-a?" so I linked arms with my friend Chris who then put his arm around me as we continued to walk. Then, the gladiator called after us that Chris was a "balogna boyfriend" and that I should come back. Haha, it was really hilarious.
We have no class tomorrow because it's Italian Independence Day. We're going to come to the AIRC where we'll have a great view of the parade as it passes. Then, I think a group is headed to some gardens east of here for the afternoon.
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
I'm sitting a computer at the American Institute of Roman Culture where our program is centered. It's really exciting because it's the first time I haven't had to pay for my internet in Roma. :)
Last night, I tried to start my reading for our first day of class which was today. I ended up falling asleep and taking a little nap before dinner. We got pizza for dinner and then got some delicious gelato. In the gelato store, I saw a guy wearing burnt orange and so we asked where the group was from and they were with the UT Volleyball team! It was crazy. And the girls were crazy tall. It was such a coincidence and all I have to say is that it's a crazy small world.
After dinner, we hung out at the guys apartment for a bit and then all decided to try to read for class. I finished my reading and then took a cold shower. Both of the showers I've taken in Italy so far have been really really really cold. The hot water always seems to go out in our apartment right before I take a shower... Oh well, hopefully I'll have better luck tonight when we get home.
Today, we woke up at 8 (I, of course, snoozed until like 8:17) for our orientation with the AIRC. We went through a lot of paperwork here and then headed out for the Roman Forum and Paletino (I think that's how you spell it...). It was raining really hard, but it was still really amazing to see the great ruins.
After about 2 and a half hours of class, I went with 5 other people in our group to get a quick lunch. I had the most delicious pasta in the world. And then, we went to the Coliseum where we got to walk around inside and take lots of pictures like crazy tourists. :) Everything that we saw was absolutely amazing and pictures will be posted soon.
Right now, we're hanging out at the AIRC just waiting for a meeting at 5 to finish some paperwork. Then, we're going to head to the supermarcato to pick up some groceries and cook a small dinner tonight.
Haha, really funny story. There are a bunch of gladiators outside of the Coliseum who always ask to take pictures with tourists and then ask for a whole lot of money. Anyway, one of the gladiators asked if I wanted to take a picture, and I just laughed and continued walking. Then, he YELLED really loudly "YOU HAVE A-VERY NICE-A LEGS-A" (add an Italian accent). He then loudly asked "Where is your boyfriend-a?" so I linked arms with my friend Chris who then put his arm around me as we continued to walk. Then, the gladiator called after us that Chris was a "balogna boyfriend" and that I should come back. Haha, it was really hilarious.
We have no class tomorrow because it's Italian Independence Day. We're going to come to the AIRC where we'll have a great view of the parade as it passes. Then, I think a group is headed to some gardens east of here for the afternoon.
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
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