Cobblestone Streets

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