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?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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
Sunday, May 31, 2009
First few days in Roma
Hey y'all!
So, I arrived in Roma yesterday morning... I was only able to sleep for about two hours on the plane, so I was pretty exhausted all day. But, I got to watch three movies that I had been wanting to see for a really long time, so it's all good. I watched Madagascar 2 (hilarious), Yes Man (very funny), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (sooo good!). Anyway, it was nice to see three free movies and totally worth it to miss some sleep. :)
I met up with three other guys in my program (there are 15 students total), and a driver from the American Institute of Roman Culture picked us up to drive us to our apartments in Roma on Via Rasella. It was nice to be the only girl because the driver carried one of my bags. Haha :)
Our apartments are SO nice (pictures will be posted soon) and really are right in the heart of Roma. We are within five minutes walking distance to both the Trevi Fountain (which we pass on our way to class every day) and the Spanish Steps. It is just an absolutely beautiful part of town, and it is quite safe.
After getting our apartments set up, we met up with some other students in our program and explored the area a bit. We went in some beautiful churches that made me extremely excited to be a Catholic in Roma. After a few hours of exploring, we headed back to apartments to shower and get ready for dinner. At six, we all met up to walk around together, and then we headed through the Forum to dinner. While eating, we met our two Italian professors and got to know them a little bit. They are both extremely nice and seem really excited about teaching us about Roma.
After dinner, the group headed home. We ended the night with a classy glass of vino and a game of Catchphrase where the girls dominated the boys.
Today, Meagan and Chris joined me for mass... at the PANTHEON! It was amazing. We got up around nine and got coffee and croissants at a place that is reputed to serve the best coffee in Roma. It was fabulous. Mass in the Pantheon was incredible, even though we couldn't understand everything that was being said... Some was in English and and other parts were in French, German, and Italian. Thank goodness I'm Catholic because I had a pretty decent idea of what was happening most of the time. Haha :)
After Mass, the group met at noon for a tour of the city. We saw Piazza de Fiori where we ate some delicious lunch, the Pantheon, some parts of the Forum, and a lot of other places that I really can't spell.
My internet is about to run out, so I must sign off. However, I'll keep y'all updated about my adventures.
I'm loving this trip so much!
Ciao,
Ashley
So, I arrived in Roma yesterday morning... I was only able to sleep for about two hours on the plane, so I was pretty exhausted all day. But, I got to watch three movies that I had been wanting to see for a really long time, so it's all good. I watched Madagascar 2 (hilarious), Yes Man (very funny), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (sooo good!). Anyway, it was nice to see three free movies and totally worth it to miss some sleep. :)
I met up with three other guys in my program (there are 15 students total), and a driver from the American Institute of Roman Culture picked us up to drive us to our apartments in Roma on Via Rasella. It was nice to be the only girl because the driver carried one of my bags. Haha :)
Our apartments are SO nice (pictures will be posted soon) and really are right in the heart of Roma. We are within five minutes walking distance to both the Trevi Fountain (which we pass on our way to class every day) and the Spanish Steps. It is just an absolutely beautiful part of town, and it is quite safe.
After getting our apartments set up, we met up with some other students in our program and explored the area a bit. We went in some beautiful churches that made me extremely excited to be a Catholic in Roma. After a few hours of exploring, we headed back to apartments to shower and get ready for dinner. At six, we all met up to walk around together, and then we headed through the Forum to dinner. While eating, we met our two Italian professors and got to know them a little bit. They are both extremely nice and seem really excited about teaching us about Roma.
After dinner, the group headed home. We ended the night with a classy glass of vino and a game of Catchphrase where the girls dominated the boys.
Today, Meagan and Chris joined me for mass... at the PANTHEON! It was amazing. We got up around nine and got coffee and croissants at a place that is reputed to serve the best coffee in Roma. It was fabulous. Mass in the Pantheon was incredible, even though we couldn't understand everything that was being said... Some was in English and and other parts were in French, German, and Italian. Thank goodness I'm Catholic because I had a pretty decent idea of what was happening most of the time. Haha :)
After Mass, the group met at noon for a tour of the city. We saw Piazza de Fiori where we ate some delicious lunch, the Pantheon, some parts of the Forum, and a lot of other places that I really can't spell.
My internet is about to run out, so I must sign off. However, I'll keep y'all updated about my adventures.
I'm loving this trip so much!
Ciao,
Ashley
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Safe in Roma
I have landed safely in ROMA! I will post about my first day soon.
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - I am in love with Roma.
I love you all!
Ciao,
Ashley
PS - I am in love with Roma.
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