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Roma, Roma, Roma! Yes, I spent two of my three weekend days running around this remarkable city, trying desperately to soak it all in. I feel like my exhaustion yesterday meant that I was successful. Even though Florence has stolen my heart, I will always appreciate the grandeur of Rome.
My weekend commenced at 6am on Friday when I woke up. My group took a train to Rome, and we arrived around 9:30am. First up was the Vatican, where we waited in a 2/3 mile long line. On average, 17,000 people go through the Vatican museums a day. The wait wasn't excruciatingly long though, and we made it inside to see the collections, including the Laocoon sculpture, the Apollo Belvedere, Raphael's frescoes, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.
After the Vatican museums we went into St. Peter's. Even though I had been there before, I was still impressed and a little overwhelmed at how huge this church is. Plus, Michelangelo's "Pieta" is absolutely gorgeous.
The rest of the day was spent running from place to place--the Spanish steps, la fontana di Trevi, la piazza Novuona, and the Pantheon. My friends and I ate at this cute little restaurant in between the piazza Novuona and the Pantheon. I had the best linguine al pesto! It was perfectly al dente and wonderful. We called it an early night around 11:30pm so that we could be well rested for the next day.
Saturday morning was spent on a walking tour of the ancient parts of Rome. Highlights included the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the ruins in the Forum. Again, even though I was seeing all of this for the second time, it was still interesting and beautiful. I can't wait to return with my family in March. My friends and I used our lunch break to grab some delicious coffee on the run and to make our way across town to La Bocca di Veritas. Let's just say, I'm no liar. =)
The afternoon was spent at the Borghese Gallery, looking at Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings. Sadly, cameras weren't permitted inside so I don't have any photographs of the artwork, but the Bernini sculptures were amazing. I have never seen sculptures like them before. I could have spent hours gazing at them.
We ate a nice pizza dinner before getting on the train to come back to Florence. It was a great weekend, and since my coin made it into the Trevi fountain, I know I'll be going back.
ciao ciao,
Anna
Last night I went to see my first Italian movie or, rather, my first American movie dubbed into Italian. My original plan was to see "Little Miss Sunshine," since I've seen that film twice and wouldn't have to worry about understanding the plot. Instead, I could focus on the language. Well, Thursday was apparently the last day that movie was playing in all of Florence, so I ended up seeing "Blood Diamond." I hadn't seen this movie before, but I knew what the basic plot was going into the film, so I was able to focus most of my attention on the words. Overall, I got about every third word and short phrases/sentences. It was good though, and I'm glad I saw it. The more and more Italian I hear on a regular basis, the more and more I pick up. Today is filled with work and walking around the city for a bit. Most of my friends went to Rome this weekend (I'm headed to Roma next weekend with my Art History class) so I've been on my own for the most part, which I don't mind. Alright, my time is running out on my card (I'm in an internet cafe) so this post must end. Ciao tutti!-Anna
I finally added some photos so scroll back through my posts to get a visual, if you so desire.
Ciao Ciao!
-Anna =)
This weekend was packed full of funness. It started out with a day trip to Assisi on Friday. I fell in love with this cute little hillside town--very picturesque and beautiful. St. Francis's church is gorgeous, even his tomb. My photos turned out great, and will be coming. I know I seem like the queen of empty promises when it comes to my photos, but I swear, they do exist! They take a long time to upload so that is why I haven't posted them yet. But soon...and soon has arrived:
Saturday was my trip to Ravenna. It was enjoyable, but I didn't fall in love with the city like I did with Assisi. The mosaics in the churches were amazing though, and I was continually tapped to tell the biblical stories behind each one (12 years of Catholic schooling allowed for that). 
Saturday was my trip to Ravenna. It was enjoyable, but I didn't fall in love with the city like I did with Assisi. The mosaics in the churches were amazing though, and I was continually tapped to tell the biblical stories behind each one (12 years of Catholic schooling allowed for that).
That night I went out to a discoteca called "Meccano". It was fun, but a little crazy. Lots and lots of people which meant lots of lines and crowds. It was still fun though and my dancing is improving...somewhat.
I spent all of Sunday doing homework in La Libreria Martelli--it's a cute bookstore with an outdoor cafe. That night I went to church and I am happy to report that I understood most of what the priest was saying, plus I was able to recite some of the prayers (in italian). The church is two blocks from my host family's apartment and has mass four times on Sunday, which is very convenient.
I don't have any trips planned for next weekend, but I hope to get a jump start on some work because in two weeks I head to Rome with my art history class. =)
Ok, time to head home.
Ciao ciao!
Anna =)
