Wow! What an amazing week. We just got back from our Southern Italy trip, and it was so much fun. We left early on Tuesday morning at six. I will never again doubt that I will be left in Rome. Just as my watch was showing 5:57, my roommate and I walk out of the elevator to see our two buses rolling away. Dont worry, they saw us, but never again will I be less than 10 minutes early for anything.
The first place we went was Pompeii. I loved it! I have always heard and seen pictures from Pompeii, but you really cant imagine it, until you are actually there. I had a presentation on the Stabian Baths in Pompeii for Art History, and just my luck, they are closed. So while the rest of my classmates are sitting on a curb, I am standing up in front of a gate trying to describe different rooms to them. All the while other people walk by and try to look behind me to see what on earth I am standing in front of a gate giving a presentation. Haha. It was a really good time. After getting back to the hotel in Naples, we decided to go and find something to eat, only to pass out from exhaustion.
On Wednesday, we started the day early again at 6:45 for breakfast. This was the day that we went on the Amalfi drive. It was soo pretty, although sitting in the back of the bus with all the twists and turns did make me feel a little carsick. Haha. We stopped in Amalfi for about an hour and a half, which was not enough time to explore, but it was still fun though. We ended up in Paestum, which is an old Greek city, with really well preserved temples. Some other girls had reports there for Art History and Archeology.
That night back in Naples, we decided to go explore our area and look for a place to eat. Unfortunantly, our hotel we were staying at was not located in the best part of town, because it was picked based on location to the toll road and the fact that it could accomodate all 50 of us. We eventually got pizza and made friends with the waiters, who we tried our best to speak in Italian with.
On Thursday, we went to the Archeological museum, which is one of the only nice parts of Naples, not counting the Capodemonte museum which used to be a palace for the kings and queens of Naples, that we went to on Friday. Also on Thursday, we went to Cuma, which is the location of the Sibyl in the book The Aeneid that we had just finished in Mythology.
On Saturday, we went to Capri, which was a lot of fun. The weather was really nice, although it had been windy. The previous two days, boats had not gone to Capri. We were lucky that we got to go, however, it did mean that the water was still very choppy. At first this was fun, kind of like a rollercoaster ride...but then it just never ended. I thought that the boat ride was going to be about 15 minutes at max, but it was actually more like an hour. A lot of us did not make it over without getting sick...I will admit, I was one of the unlucky ones. Once we got there, and had some Sprite to settle our stomaches, we had the best time. There are tons of really fun shops. We also took a bus to Anacapri and then took a one person chairlift to the top of the mountain. It was the most beautiful view I have ever seen.
The way back to Naples was a lot better than the ride there. We met a soccer team that had just won a game against Capri. It was so much fun trying to speak Italian with them. As long as I kept talking, and did not think about the rocking of the boat, I was fine.
Right after we arrived in Naples, we got back on our buses and headed back to Rome. It was an amazing week, but I was really glad to be back in Rome!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sorry!
Everyone was so excited to get to Rome after spending our orientation in Assisi. On Sunday night, we arrived in Rome at the Hotel Tiziano where we would be staying for our time in Rome. We were given a tour of where the office, classrooms, library, and our cafe where we would take our meals when we were not eating at the hotel. I could not believe how close to the Hotel they are, and all on one street. Although there were many places that I already wanted to go explore, I had class the next day at 8 am. So far my experiences with my classes are wonderful (although it is only the second week of class and we have not yet had any tests). My classes include Art History, Religion (Moral Theology), English (Mythology), Business (Marketing), Italian, and a lectures and tours class.
Last weekend, on Saturday, we went on a tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum. WOW! On first glance, the Forum just looks like a bunch of columns which an occasional arch here and there, but with a good tour guide, we are transported back to ancient Roman times where the Forum was the center of everyday life. My favorite part of the Forum was seeing a seemingly insignificant gravestone. This grave is now thought to be the resting place of Romulus! Another interesting aspect of the Forum is the sewers that first were built to drain water from the site that are still being used today. We all know from first hand experience that these are still working because half way through the tour, it started raining on us. Although it was hot and sunny while leaving the hotel, the sun was soon covered with menacing clouds that came out of nowhere. After getting back to the hotel, warming up, and eating lunch, we went out on our second tour which included the Colosseum. Once inside and out of the grasps of the gladiators standing out front posing for pictures only after some money is "donated," we are told about the origin of the Colosseum. With other tourists trying to inconspicuously listen in to our tour, although not doing a good job, our guide, the archeology professor, tells us of how many mistakes are in the movie Gladiator, including the wrong Latin inscriptions, the calling the Colosseum by name (it was not called such at the time of the movie), and the much larger floor where the fighting took place.
On Sunday, most of us went to the Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican for mass. Although most of it was in a foreign language, there was one reading in English, and who should be picked out of the audience to do it other than a Saint Mary's girl, Liz Bajema. At the time, nobody I was sitting near knew it was her that was doing to reading, although we each turned to each other and said, "Is that...No, it cant be...never mind." Haha. Much to our surprise it was actually one of our fellow classmates, who ended up doing a fantastic job. After mass ended, we walked around Saint Peter's and got to see The Pieta by Michelangelo and the statue of Saint Peter where it is said to be good luck to rub his feet. After, we headed outside to where the Pope gives his weekly blessing from his residence. It was amazing to hear when the Pope spoke English, with his thick German accent, to give us a blessing
Last weekend, on Saturday, we went on a tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum. WOW! On first glance, the Forum just looks like a bunch of columns which an occasional arch here and there, but with a good tour guide, we are transported back to ancient Roman times where the Forum was the center of everyday life. My favorite part of the Forum was seeing a seemingly insignificant gravestone. This grave is now thought to be the resting place of Romulus! Another interesting aspect of the Forum is the sewers that first were built to drain water from the site that are still being used today. We all know from first hand experience that these are still working because half way through the tour, it started raining on us. Although it was hot and sunny while leaving the hotel, the sun was soon covered with menacing clouds that came out of nowhere. After getting back to the hotel, warming up, and eating lunch, we went out on our second tour which included the Colosseum. Once inside and out of the grasps of the gladiators standing out front posing for pictures only after some money is "donated," we are told about the origin of the Colosseum. With other tourists trying to inconspicuously listen in to our tour, although not doing a good job, our guide, the archeology professor, tells us of how many mistakes are in the movie Gladiator, including the wrong Latin inscriptions, the calling the Colosseum by name (it was not called such at the time of the movie), and the much larger floor where the fighting took place.
On Sunday, most of us went to the Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican for mass. Although most of it was in a foreign language, there was one reading in English, and who should be picked out of the audience to do it other than a Saint Mary's girl, Liz Bajema. At the time, nobody I was sitting near knew it was her that was doing to reading, although we each turned to each other and said, "Is that...No, it cant be...never mind." Haha. Much to our surprise it was actually one of our fellow classmates, who ended up doing a fantastic job. After mass ended, we walked around Saint Peter's and got to see The Pieta by Michelangelo and the statue of Saint Peter where it is said to be good luck to rub his feet. After, we headed outside to where the Pope gives his weekly blessing from his residence. It was amazing to hear when the Pope spoke English, with his thick German accent, to give us a blessing
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Assisi 2
Ciao! I am currently using a computer at that internet bar, and got really confused with a lot of the italian symbols. Lol. Assisi has been awesome to get to know all of the girls, although there are wayyy too many hills.
On Friday, everyone was spit up into two groups. My group went to Santa Chiara Basilica and got to see where Santa Chiara's body is kept. It also holds the cross that spoke to St. Francis and told him to go repair the church. We saw the original cross! We then went down a very large hill to San Damino, which was where St. Francis and Clare lived and we got to see exactly where Saint Clare died. This was especially awesome for me since Clare is my "patron saint."
Yesterday, we went to St. Francis Basilica with the Art History teacher. Everything is soo pretty! We got to see where St. Francis's is. There are tons of pictures of people placed around this tomb, because it is supposed to have healing powers. Later, a group of us girls went to Santa Maria dagli Angeli. We hiked about 3 miles both ways to get there because it is outside the gates of Assisi. It was totally worth it though. We got to see where St. Francis lived early in his life and where he died. Plus all of the artwork inside was magnificent!
Today we are all packed up and ready to leave for Rome. Assisi has been fun, but there has just been a lot of down time, I am ready to get to Rome. We have to start classes tomorrow though :-( For the room selection, my group kind of got jipped. We had a lottery to pick numbers but the person in charge decided to just put them in a jar and let people pick, although you could see right through the paper. All of the people who were supposed to be in my quad were towards the end of the line, including myself, so by the time we picked our number, all the good numbers were taken (what cheaters). Haha. Our lowest number ended up being 22, and we ended up not getting a quad because there were only 3 to begin with and they were taken by the time our number got called. By the time it came for us to choose rooms, we had 3 doubles to pick from...one with a bunk bed, one that said "this tight room," and one across from the student activities counselor who is also our RA and the elevator. We decided on the one by the RA. As long as we keep our door shut, I think we will be fine (she is very picky about that). Well, time to go for now. I will write again when I get a chance. Ciao!
On Friday, everyone was spit up into two groups. My group went to Santa Chiara Basilica and got to see where Santa Chiara's body is kept. It also holds the cross that spoke to St. Francis and told him to go repair the church. We saw the original cross! We then went down a very large hill to San Damino, which was where St. Francis and Clare lived and we got to see exactly where Saint Clare died. This was especially awesome for me since Clare is my "patron saint."
Yesterday, we went to St. Francis Basilica with the Art History teacher. Everything is soo pretty! We got to see where St. Francis's is. There are tons of pictures of people placed around this tomb, because it is supposed to have healing powers. Later, a group of us girls went to Santa Maria dagli Angeli. We hiked about 3 miles both ways to get there because it is outside the gates of Assisi. It was totally worth it though. We got to see where St. Francis lived early in his life and where he died. Plus all of the artwork inside was magnificent!
Today we are all packed up and ready to leave for Rome. Assisi has been fun, but there has just been a lot of down time, I am ready to get to Rome. We have to start classes tomorrow though :-( For the room selection, my group kind of got jipped. We had a lottery to pick numbers but the person in charge decided to just put them in a jar and let people pick, although you could see right through the paper. All of the people who were supposed to be in my quad were towards the end of the line, including myself, so by the time we picked our number, all the good numbers were taken (what cheaters). Haha. Our lowest number ended up being 22, and we ended up not getting a quad because there were only 3 to begin with and they were taken by the time our number got called. By the time it came for us to choose rooms, we had 3 doubles to pick from...one with a bunk bed, one that said "this tight room," and one across from the student activities counselor who is also our RA and the elevator. We decided on the one by the RA. As long as we keep our door shut, I think we will be fine (she is very picky about that). Well, time to go for now. I will write again when I get a chance. Ciao!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Assisi
Ciao everyone! Well, I am currently in Assisi at an internet bar type thing. My computer had died, so I am using my friends. I have been having so much fun so far. Assisi is built on a hill, which is not fun at all! I am so out of shape! Oh well, I am not the only one. Today we hiked up to a hill to this really old castle/fortress thing and some girls and I went inside and went up to one of the watchtowers. The view was amazing! As soon as I can, I will post some pictures. All of the girls here are so nice. Tomorrow we are going to tour a Basilica and pick rooms for Rome. I currently am planning to room in a quad with 3 other girls. I will let yall know what happens. Okay, I need to give my friend her computer back. I will write again when I can. Be sure to leave some comments! Ciao!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Leaving on a jet plane...
Well, here I am, sitting at my parents computer because mine is all packed away in a backpack that weighs as much as I do. My mom just came in and started making fun of my laugh...because "she loves it, and will miss it." Whatever! Haha. I went to IHOP with Rush this morning for one more big Americano breakfast, and it sure was good. Now, I am just moments away from leaving to the airport for my flight to Dulles and then to Rome! Well, its time to go now. Ciao!
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