A Beautiful afternoon in Castelli Romani

This afternoon after an brief introduction to each of our classes, we embarked on a beautiful afternoon trip through a series of mountain villages that surround an inactive volcanic lake. First of all everything was so incredibly beautiful that it was hard to take it all in! But I got delicious Caffe Viennese gelato and sampled some of the local strawberries that that area is known for. (They are tiny but definitely pack a lot of flavor!)

After all of our driving around these mountain towns, one of which called Casteli Gandalfo includes the summer residence of Pope Benedict XVI, complete with Swiss Guards!

The afternoon was wrapped up with a filling and cultural traditional meal at De Agnese. Then I went wading in the lake, unfortunately because it was dark I didn't want to try swimming but I plan to revisit this close locale!

Walking Tour of Rome

In order to more quickly get over the dreadful fatigue induced by jet-lag, the professors planned an early morning. By early I mean breakfast at 5:30 AM! Actually it wasn't that bad.

After a cultural Italian breakfast of pastries, yogurt and espresso (oh yes), we were all bused off into the busy, metropolitan area of the city.

It was so much fun to explore the historic areas as well as visit religious sites such as St. Peter's Basilica. Only in Rome can you find such a combination of religion, history and culture. With a touch of gelato of course.

After walking around for about three hours in the bright Mediterranean sun, we were hot and sweaty. After being in Rome for two days I finally got to try to communicate on my own. There were city workers handing out bottled water. I was standing behind the gentleman who was handing out the water so I started out with "excuse" and then was able with hand gestures and I got my normal water bottle!! (In Italy, the water is mineral water so it has bubbles in it and tastes different...)

Overall the day was amazing and it cemented for me that I am in ROME!

IN ROMA

After a long and almost sleepless eight and 1/2 hr flight...Donatello and I have arrived safely in Roma, Italia.

So these are some pictures of what I have been up to since I got to Rome, more are coming soon!

Getting Ready!

It is coming up so quickly!
Donatello and I leave for Rome in a mere 13 days. That means everything is only going to get crazier for the time being.

Between finding "European" clothes so I won't stick out as a tourist and working multiple small jobs so finance this trip, the summer has flown by, way too fast.

So signing off for now because of business, see you in Rome!