~Workshops/Bar Hopping~ (03/27/15)
We had to attend two mandatory workshops that pertained to surviving life here in Italy. I learned the differences between buongiorno and ciao, how to order a meal and where the "must go" places are in Italy from my professor and two University of Rome students. This got me more excited to be here. Googling what to do in Rome is one thing but locals telling you something directly is much more legit. After the intro to Italian class, I felt a bit more prepared to take on this city. I came on this trip not knowing any Italian whatsoever which isn't the smartest move on my part. But, it's ok. Making up for it now!
After the workshops, it started to rain. And of course my dumbbutt wore Birkenstocks (shout out to the best kids ever. I walk everywhere in this city so these shoes are lifesavers)... But that's ok. Afterwards, Erin, Mitch, Daniel and I all went.... SHOPPING. On our way to the plaza with the big name shops like H&M and Zara, we stumbled upon Piazza della Rotonda, home to the Pantheon...
I cannot describe how unbelievable this place was. I literally had chills going down my spine. I was getting all watery-eyed because I was so overwhelmed by it's beauty. The Pantheon is the most preserved building in all of Ancient Rome and I stood inside of it. Shoutout to my parents for keeping me in private school for K-8. I feel like that's the only reason why I know, understand and appreciate all these different monuments, buildings and chapels. It's one thing to learn about this in school or seinge it on TV but being there in real life is truly a blessing.
There's also many fountains all over the city that have constant fresh running water. But, the water fountain outside the Pantheon is by far the best water I've ever had in my life.
Anyways, we left and made it to Zara where I bought these cute booties since it's been raining here and I don't have a good, stylish pair of closed toe shoes.
Later that night, I went out bar hopping for the first time in Rome with a fair amount of people. It was fun but very different from the states. For one, people are dressed much classier than home. Booty shorts are definitely a no no. Downtown SF and DT Fullerton got nothin' on these Italian folks. I mean, don't get me wrong. They aren't bougie. Italians are just very put together. All. The. Time. Second, drinks here are soooooooooo cheap. There was this place we found that sold 8 shots for 8 euros. Say whaaa!
~Baroque/A Night Out~ (03/28/15)
I took my first real tour in Rome called the Baroque Guided Tour which was led by one of the Professors that teaches at my school. Here's a couple of pictures I snapped...
The image of the fresco painting was probably the most interesting thing about this tour (shown on the right). Towards the bottom middle of image, there's an angel wearing a red and gold robe holding a mirror. The mirror is supposed to be reflecting the "Light of God" where ever you are in the church. But, what's even more trippy about this specific angel is the fact that he is still staring at you no matter where you are standing in the church. Regardless if you're coming through the front door or standing next to the altar, he is still staring at you. Our tour guide says that this angel is the first and most known artistic, optical illusion in history. Craaaaaaay.
Overall, the tour was very informative and educational. It honestly felt like more like a lecture than a tour. But, these are moments where I feel so blessed to be here. The things I am learning and seeing with my own eyes is an all around better experience than reading facts out of a textbook.
Then, I had some lunch at this little pizzeria place near the Pantheon with some new friends! (side note: I was basic and ordered pizza lol)
~Markets/Food Trucks~ (03/29/15)
PALM SUNDAY. unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to attend Mass because I signed up for a tour of a local market.
Tip: buy your groceries from markets like these because it's much more fresh and cheaper than super markets. Also, no one touches produce here. You need to wear these plastic gloves. OH, and when you want to get meats or veggies, you need to pull a number like when you want to get fabric cut at Joann's.
The arc in the background of the pic to the right was what the market used to be like in ancient times. The arc served as an umbrella and protected the market during harsh weather conditions like the pouring rain and burning, hot sun.
After the tour, we headed towards the European Streeat Food Truck Fesitval. I have never been in a place so ridiculously crowded. Lines to get food were so long. Erin and I waited an hour for our food. But, I must say it was worth it. I had a Viking Burger, which was a basic burger but with habanero peppers. So. good. Then, Erin and I shared Risotto. So. good. pt.2
Later that night, we ventured off and took lots of pictures at basically any monument or beautiful plaza we ran into from our residence to the Colosseum. Which, btw wasn't that far of a walk. I want to say... 35 minutes? It was a very cold night but definitely worth it. Even if it was cold, ya gurl still had room for gelato!
~Academic Orientation/Aperitvo pt. 1~ (03/30/15)
We had an academic orientation. Good news, I wasn't late to this one! Haha. There isn't much to report. Later that evening, we had an Aperitivo, which is basically a gathering for pre-dinner. Aperitivo is used to socialize, meet new people, catch up with old friends all while having a good cup on wine.
Observation: when you put a bunch of college students, both of age and under, people get a lil crazy. haha
~Classes are hard~ (03/31/15)
Classes are no joke here. They're 3 hours long with tons of reading. On the bright side, I made myself pesto tortellini with freshly diced tomatoes topped with grated parmesan cheese, a slice of sourdough bread on the side and a glass of rose moscato #chefninah
~April Fools/Shari Vari~ (04/01/15)
You are looking at a photograph I took illegally from Convento Dei Cappucchini. How did I end up here? After class, three other girls on my program said they wanted to go look at the skulls of monks so I decided to tag a long because that's not something you do every day. Glad I did. Even though it was one of the most eerie experiences I've had yet, it was still very moving. So, between 1528 and 1870, resident Capuchin monks used the bones of 4000 of their departed brothers to create a mesmerizing, macabre memento mori (reminder of death). I don't know if you can tell in the image, but there's arcs and structures made from hundreds of skulls while vertebrae used as light fixtures.
"What you are now we used to be, what we are now you will be"
This is a quote engraved on the placard that was set in front of the graves. Creepy.
Afterwards, I had my first clubbing experience in Rome. My first but everyone else 2183419384th time since we got here. Haha. I'm a late bloomer, what can I say? That. and I'm just not into the clubbing life here I guess. I have so much homework going out every night like some people on this program is something I can't afford to do. It's also very different here. Back at home, guys literally flock to any girl. But here, they actually want to talk to and get to know you. Haha I know it sounds weird but it was a another small culture shock to me.
~Aperitivo pt. 2~ (04/02/15)
Erin switched out of a couple of classes and is coincidentally in two of mine now. So, that's fun! Haha now we can go exploring after class and take cute pictures and lather ourselves with rich Rome history.
Not much happened this day, except an aperitivo that was whack... so I guess I'll just jot down some thoughts/concerns/observations I've made here in Italy.
- Everyone dresses up. Style on point. Doesn't matter what time of day or the occasion it is. They always looks good. I'm not going to lie, it's a bit intimidating. So, I do wake up 20 minutes earlier than I usually do to get ready. Aaaaaand the goal is to wear all black 24/7.
- School is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I feel like I'm drowning in readings. This might sound bad, but I feel like I'm studying a lot more here than I ever did at irvine. Lol When people talk about studying abroad, they neglect to mention the hardships that come with this incredible experience. i.e. homesickness, school work, culture shocks, etc.
- I like learning about Art Crime. It's interesting to me that because of looting and robbery, we don't know the true origin of some of the amazing and well known art pieces all around the world.
- Even though I feel like I'm eating all carbs (pasta, pizza, bread, etc) I don't feel that sluggish. But, it's partially due to the fact that I walk everywhere and drink tons and tons of water
- The fountains that have constant running water are called nasones.
- Prior to this trip, I didn't have one conversation with my hallmate Daniel. But now, I see homie everywhere hahaha 4 years change a person.
- .....there's a lot more, but i'm missing things and can't think of any on the spot right now
~Real Mall/Melventures~ (04/03/15)
I finally got myself a european phone! It's this little ghetto flip phone that doesn't even have a camera. But after that, Melody took Erin and I too a "real" mall on the other side of Rome. That was cool. I had McDonalds LOL #melventures
~~Not Rome Related~~
Although I am beyond blessed to be here, I can't help but think about all the things I'm missing back home...
Nice - you've done so much already! Keep having fun... and study of course ;)
ReplyDeleteI just caught up on your blog. Love how you express everything. Feels like we are there with you! Love you!
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