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