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