There is definitely a lot to be done for my four classes, but they all seem quite interesting. The professors are taking full advantage of all of the art, history and culture that Rome has to offer and each class has scheduled outings or walks in the city to explore the culture and to tie it into the curriculum.
The beginning of the week was mostly just going to class and figuring out a routine. Thursday evening after class, we decided to go to an "aperetivo", which is an awesome deal at a restaurant where you pay 5-10 euros for one drink and then help yourself to a delicious buffet of different appetizers. I ordered a glass of red wine and helped myself to the food--favorites included cinnamon baked apples (but not too baked so they were still crunchy), couscous with veggies and a warm cabbage salad. After the aperetivo, we took the tram to the other side of the river and walked through small streets and alleyways and got some gelato right before the shop closed (I got dark chocolate and espresso).
On Friday after going to a gym that I recently joined (with a student discount), we set out with the intention of finding the Spanish Steps. This turned into a wandering exploration of the city where we found a hotel comparable to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, one of the largest and most beautiful churches I've ever seen and a McDonald's (for restroom purposes only). Eventually, we found the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain as well (which was a total disappointment because it's under major construction until around September).
The Boscolo Exedra Hotel
The Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
(Google it, it's spectacular)
The Trevi Fountain
(100% under construction and 100% lame)
Obelisk Atop the Spanish Steps
(The view from the bottom of the steps was not awesome
thanks to the giant advertisement seen on the building below)
When we came back to the apartment, we invited a few new friends over for a "wine night" in which we supplied the wine, and our culinary expert Dan made homemade meatballs and sauce for a pasta dinner. It was a great end to an exciting day.
We explored still further on Saturday, beginning with a stop in a Jewish neighborhood for some delicious falafel--my first falafel experience. We continued wandering around the area and found ourselves overlooking the Circus Maximus, the remains of the ancient chariot racing stadium of Rome. It's now a public park, and was still spectacular to behold. We walked still further through the city, finding ourselves in picturesque parks, cobblestone streets (not at all uncommon, and treacherous for those with weak ankles) and back to the Colosseum.
Falafel Wraps
The Circus Maximus
The Crew at the Colosseum
On a less exciting note, we've been getting more used to the apartment as well. I did my first load of laundry here on Wednesday, and it looks like it'll have to be done at least once a week because the washer is TINY! We also have a cleaning lady that comes once a week which was a very pleasant and welcome surprise. Also, we finally have WiFi! And we felt ridiculous when the maintenance man came to fix it,because all we needed to do was plug the ethernet cable into the modem correctly.
Today, I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to go out to watch the Super Bowl. It doesn't start here until 12:30am, and I have a 9am class tomorrow morning....decisions, decisions. Also I still haven't taken real pictures of the apartment. I'll get on that this week. Maybe.
Upcoming events this week: first day of running club on Tuesday, possible day trip to Sienna on Saturday and booking weekend/spring break trips!
Until next week, thanks for reading!
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