Day two

Alright, I have had a good night's sleep and can actually say something intelligent about Rome. In fact, I can say a lot since they've basically dumped us here with a map and a list of places to be and said GO.

So, first out journey to school starts with us crossing the Tiber via a bridge right outside out apartment, but then we go through a system of alleyways filled with little shops and food markets- in fact we make quite a few rights and lefts but i couldn't even tell you how many as we rely completely on landmarks, like outdoor cafes, arches, or a familiar shop all of which we already have memorized by the amount of times we've had to go out and about! Dont think american alleyway- think cobblestones and shops and plenty of people walking and chatting, with laundry hanging overhead or huge arches.

At one point we come out onto a huge plaza that during the day has an outdoor market selling tons and tons of fresh produce. Eventually we get into the heart of Rome, our classrooms are right outside the vittorio emanuele II monument and the column of Marcus Aeurulis (sp?)which is on the Northern edge of the Captiole hill.

Today our lesson took place right on Capitole hill, the smallest but most important of Rome's seven hills. Most of it was a whirlwind tour of the two museums and the underground Tramularo (sp?) that lies under the city hall. Two and a half hours could barely cover the HIGHLIGHTS and my head is full to bursting with information.

The last wrap up lecture also took place outside we sat on concrete benches under a canopy of trees at the top of the hill overlooking Rome. At noon all the churches bells went off and we had to pause until it finally quieted down- the whole city was filled with the sound of bells.

Then, freed, we made our way to what will be our daily lunch spot, Insalata Ricca. We have a meal voucher each day that will get us a free meal there. We ate outside under a canopy of umbrellas right off one of the main streets. So all was going smoothly until we set out for our walking assignment. Well, our map completely failed and we wandered in a huge circle for an hour before retiring to the computer lab in defeat before our next class- Italian. All we wanted to do was explore and poke in shops, but instead we were rushing around manically.

It's the one thing I regret is that since I've been here I have always been in a mad rush to find something or get somewhere. I would love to wander, to be able to sit at one of the many, many outdoor cafes that line almost every street. I especially would like to get to the outdoor market in Campi de fiori that we pass on our way to class.

However, I may have only been here two days but I feel like we've already been all over the city. In fact I've already managed to order two gelatos. Gelato is everywhere. Seriously. And there are NO chains, nothing like CVS, or a convenience store, just little shops. This morning we stopped in a small market and garbbed fruit for breakfast for examble (and i got this yummy yogurt drink!) there aren't really places like starbucks or dunkin doughtnuts, and it's WONDERFUL.

We have seen signs pointing to Mcdonalds (two) but never the actually place, it's as if they are hidden, and I'm glad!

Last night we went to a pizzaria for dinner for a welcome dinner but I ended up getting pasta, which I had twice yesterday. Also for dessert tiramisu- which was unreal. It's like everything is just on a whole different level here. Like today I had a ceasar salad with just cheese mushrooms and a light (not cream) dressing but it tasted like something from an upscale restaurant!

I love the atmosphere if Rome, everyone seems to just be meandering along (except for us- haha) and I cant even begin to explain the old buildings without pictures. I'm not sure when pics will be up, we have no wireless, I use the computers at the school quickly before or after class.

I can't wait until the weekend, the shops to explore are EVERYWHERE. The cafes and geloti places beg me to stop and look around but I have to rush on. I have reading and the still unfinished wlaking assignment piling up but God I just wanna wander! This weekend will be amazing, I know!

Random Rome notes:

Traffic here is insane! I dont thing motorcycles (vespas) have any rules and even the cars seem to be of a fend for yourself attititude! Crossing the street is a mission and traffic is always heavy. We havent gone near a bus yet, thank goodness, I'm sure it would take forever.

you think NY is the city that doesn't sleep? ha, try again. Thank God I was so tired but even so I knew the city was awake even while I slept, so loud!!!

Tomorrow's class takes place at the forum and will probably be long and I should get started on that homework. I'm sure there more to say but I'm so so busy! ciao for now bellas!