Day 4
Orientation is over and classes have begun. During the two and a half days of orientation we visited some of the most famous sites around Rome and got the inside scoop from the professors leading the tours. These campaigns around Rome covered miles of the city and were absolutely incredible. During the past few days I have discovered that the cobblestone streets across the city are one of the many little things that I will always remember, both because of idyllic atmosphere they create (though though the sirens never leave more than a five minute break in the silence), and also because I am sure that they will not allow me to escape the semester without a sprained ankle. We have already walked more here than I did all the previous semester and miles are only just beginning.
We all got a chance to rest our shin splints and sore backs today. This release came with the caveat that we attend classes today. (What? We're in Italy and we actually have to do work?). For me this is a good thing as it means I get to start learning Italian so that I can begin shopping as soon as I can ask "How much is this?" and understand the response. (Right now, my Italian is limited phrases that can be answered with a pointed finger such as "Where is the bathroom?"). All of the classes here are actually very interesting and most involve weekly tours of the city, free museum tickets, and the occasional day or weekend trip.
The gods of Italian weather smiled on us with beautiful skies all weekend and commiserated the fact that we had to begin work today with rain and cold. Fortunately, they do not believe in long grieving periods as the forecast is looking good for the rest of the week.
Ciao
J
Monday, January 28, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Make A Wish
Day 3
What do you do on your first full day in Rome?
Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain of course.
Yesterday we took a tour of downtown Rome, one of the most memorable spots being the famous fountain. I was delighted to find our campus is so close to so many major sites in Rome. I made my wish, but if I told you it wouldn't come true.
Though the Sisters here have been making us some delicious meals, we got our first taste of the Italian food I have been expecting at Grottino da Rino, one of the nearby restaurants that we will be given meal coupons for 3 days of the week. Normally, I am beyond picky when it comes to food (a side effect of my father's excellent cooking), but I am proud to say that I am already going outside my comfort zone and trying dishes that I would normally snub. Surprisingly (or perhaps not so to you normal people out there) I have enjoyed everything I have been served so far. Looks like I'm off to a good start.
Ciao
J
What do you do on your first full day in Rome?
Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain of course.
Yesterday we took a tour of downtown Rome, one of the most memorable spots being the famous fountain. I was delighted to find our campus is so close to so many major sites in Rome. I made my wish, but if I told you it wouldn't come true.
Though the Sisters here have been making us some delicious meals, we got our first taste of the Italian food I have been expecting at Grottino da Rino, one of the nearby restaurants that we will be given meal coupons for 3 days of the week. Normally, I am beyond picky when it comes to food (a side effect of my father's excellent cooking), but I am proud to say that I am already going outside my comfort zone and trying dishes that I would normally snub. Surprisingly (or perhaps not so to you normal people out there) I have enjoyed everything I have been served so far. Looks like I'm off to a good start.
Ciao
J
Friday, January 25, 2013
Traveling Essentials
Day 1
What I have learned from my trip:
My stay, along with half the other students in the program, is being hosted by the Suore Camaldolesi (Nuns. I'm in a convent right now, and the girl who escaped a Catholic High School education is cringing on the inside.) on Aventine Hill, right next to the Tiber. After a walking tour of the surrounding area, I'm way past wanting to get my feet wet, and am ready to jump all the way in.
Ciao
J
What I have learned from my trip:
- If you have the opportunity to shower and change in the middle of 30 hours of travel time, jump on it.
- Eating breakfast for 3 meals in a row is delicious (Count them: The first flight, the airport, and the second flight each provided me with a scrumptious morning meal. Skipping forward 11 hours will do that to a girl)
- No matter how long it has been since you last slept, you still have energy to explore a new city.
My stay, along with half the other students in the program, is being hosted by the Suore Camaldolesi (Nuns. I'm in a convent right now, and the girl who escaped a Catholic High School education is cringing on the inside.) on Aventine Hill, right next to the Tiber. After a walking tour of the surrounding area, I'm way past wanting to get my feet wet, and am ready to jump all the way in.
Ciao
J
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Are We There Yet
Countdown: Travel Day
Sometimes I wish i was born in a Jane Austen novel. Sometimes I wish I was born in a different decade. Often I wish I was born n a Disney movie. Right now I'm wishing I was born after teleportation was invented.
However, as teleporting is not an option, my flight on Turkish Airlines was as close as it could be to perfect with good food, a great movie selection, and a full row to stretch out in.
After a 13 hour plane ride from Los Angeles, I now find myself sitting in the Istanbul Airport spending half an hour trying to figure out how to get my browser settings back to English. Fortunately I get to struggle through my 14 hour layover in the Primeclass lounge here, so I'm struggling very comfortably.
Getting here however, was anything but comfortable. Last week I realized I had not received my passport and visa back from the consulate, though I sent in all the material back in November. Lo and behold, the application was never actually submitted and I was quite certain I would not be getting on my plane last night. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Italian Consulate is staffed by angels and they were able to get my visa approved in 24 hours, so here I am! If the last couple days don't make me believe in miracles, nothing will.
Ciao
J
Sometimes I wish i was born in a Jane Austen novel. Sometimes I wish I was born in a different decade. Often I wish I was born n a Disney movie. Right now I'm wishing I was born after teleportation was invented.
However, as teleporting is not an option, my flight on Turkish Airlines was as close as it could be to perfect with good food, a great movie selection, and a full row to stretch out in.
After a 13 hour plane ride from Los Angeles, I now find myself sitting in the Istanbul Airport spending half an hour trying to figure out how to get my browser settings back to English. Fortunately I get to struggle through my 14 hour layover in the Primeclass lounge here, so I'm struggling very comfortably.
Getting here however, was anything but comfortable. Last week I realized I had not received my passport and visa back from the consulate, though I sent in all the material back in November. Lo and behold, the application was never actually submitted and I was quite certain I would not be getting on my plane last night. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Italian Consulate is staffed by angels and they were able to get my visa approved in 24 hours, so here I am! If the last couple days don't make me believe in miracles, nothing will.
Ciao
J
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