Today is my last day in Athens and Europe altogether. I am so sad to be going home!
Yesterday we went to the ancient agora (marketplace of ancient Athens) and the acropolis. I can't even describe in words how wonderful it was! To get up to the acropolis we took the path of the Panathenaic procession - the path taken in antiquity during the "parade" to bring the small olive wood statue of Athena (known as the xoanon) a new peplos (dress) during her birthday celebration. Courtney and I carried her a Gap cardigan. Needless to say, when I was on the acropolis with the Parthenon and the Erechtheion I did not want to leave! It was the best experience I have had so far.
I will be seeing you all very soon!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
First day in Athens...
did not start off well. First let me say that I am usually not a clumsy person. BUT for some reason, the last couple of days in Rome proved otherwise. Wednesday night I fell going up the stairs at a bar (alcohol not necessary) and the next day I fell up the stairs at a Fascist convention center (yes, you can fall UP the stairs...more than once). I thought that was the end of my clumsiness, but alas it was not. Today while walking to our metro stop I stepped over to a trashcan to throw away my gum and I bit it. I fell straight to my knees and scraped up my leg pretty badly. To make matters worse my pants leg now has a gaping hole where my knee is. UGH! Atleast I didn't break anything!
We went to the National Archaeological Museum and that made my day a thousand times better! I saw so many sculptures and vases that I love that it's too much to name. It was definitely one of the best art days of my life!
I had my first Greek meal ever...and it was in Greece! For lunch today I had a chicken kebab (yummo) and a gyro with pork, fried potatoes and tzatziki sauce which is a creamy cucumber sauce (delicious!). I can't wait to try some more...
Since I don't know any Greek I'll just say goodbye for now!
We went to the National Archaeological Museum and that made my day a thousand times better! I saw so many sculptures and vases that I love that it's too much to name. It was definitely one of the best art days of my life!
I had my first Greek meal ever...and it was in Greece! For lunch today I had a chicken kebab (yummo) and a gyro with pork, fried potatoes and tzatziki sauce which is a creamy cucumber sauce (delicious!). I can't wait to try some more...
Since I don't know any Greek I'll just say goodbye for now!
Friday, June 26, 2009
It's all Greek to me!
Made it to Athens! We saw the acropolis from afar while in the taxi going to our hotel. It's much bigger than I pictured it, and I'm really excited to go explore it during the next few days.
Erin's Greek friend Marios who was supposed to be here to be our tour guide wasn't able to make it so we're on our own!
Erin's Greek friend Marios who was supposed to be here to be our tour guide wasn't able to make it so we're on our own!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Arrividerci Frascati
Today is our last day in Italy. I have fallen in love with Italy and do not want to leave!
We went into Rome last night for the first (and last) time so we could see the city at night. The Colosseum as well as other ruins and monuments were lit up by lights and it was so beautiful. The bar we settled in was showing ESPN America so we got to watch LSU win the College National Championship! Geaux Tigers!
The professors are taking us to a nice restaurant tonight for our last supper (hehe) and I'm sure it's going to be a sad night knowing that our time here is over.
But....We leave for Greece tomorrow! We should arrive in Athens at about 2pm where it's supposed to be clear and 90 degrees. Wonderful!
Also I have found my favorite combination of gelato...Stracciatella and Snickers gelato from a gelateria here in Frascati. I've already had some today and I'll probably have some again later. It's my last day for gelato!
Ciao tutti!
We went into Rome last night for the first (and last) time so we could see the city at night. The Colosseum as well as other ruins and monuments were lit up by lights and it was so beautiful. The bar we settled in was showing ESPN America so we got to watch LSU win the College National Championship! Geaux Tigers!
The professors are taking us to a nice restaurant tonight for our last supper (hehe) and I'm sure it's going to be a sad night knowing that our time here is over.
But....We leave for Greece tomorrow! We should arrive in Athens at about 2pm where it's supposed to be clear and 90 degrees. Wonderful!
Also I have found my favorite combination of gelato...Stracciatella and Snickers gelato from a gelateria here in Frascati. I've already had some today and I'll probably have some again later. It's my last day for gelato!
Ciao tutti!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Venice!
Buon giorno tutti!
Once again sorry it's been so long since I've updated my blog. Internet is not as widespread in Italy as it is in the states.
Courtney, Erin, Kyle (ceramics grad student) and I went to Venice this weekend and had a lot of fun. Friday night we went to a jazz bar where amazingly enough LSU was playing baseball on tv! It was tres bizarre to see LSU on a tv in Italy but I'm glad I got to watch the game because now they are in the championship round with Texas.
While at the jazz bar where there were many bras hanging from the ceiling (we did not leave our own) we met some hot Norwegian fellas, Christian and Gard, who were on their own European vacation. They were so funny and we had a really good time with them. We also ran into a group of Italian guys dressed as cowboys who had just returned from a basketball tournament and were at a cowboy themed party. Random! There's no telling what kind of people you will meet.
Saturday morning Kyle and I went to the Venice Bienale. I still can't believe that I went to the Bienale! Kyle and I were in awe the entire time. The Bienale is basically the biggest and most important contemporary art exhibition in the world, and it's always been a dream of mine to go...and now I can say I did! The Russian pavillion was by far my favorite of the countries represented. We also visited the Peggy Guggenheim museum that houses her personal collection of early 20th century art. I have to say it was a nice break from ancient and medieval Rome!
We are going to Pinocchio tonight for the last time :( Courtney and I are going to order our 3 favorite dishes and share them: eggplant parmesan, gnocchi with ham and cheese sauce and fig and ricotta ravioli. Delicioso!
Our last week in Rome is coming up and I am extremely sad. I seriously do not want to leave Italy just yet. However, we're going to Greece Friday so I guess it's not all too bad!
Ciao for now!
Once again sorry it's been so long since I've updated my blog. Internet is not as widespread in Italy as it is in the states.
Courtney, Erin, Kyle (ceramics grad student) and I went to Venice this weekend and had a lot of fun. Friday night we went to a jazz bar where amazingly enough LSU was playing baseball on tv! It was tres bizarre to see LSU on a tv in Italy but I'm glad I got to watch the game because now they are in the championship round with Texas.
While at the jazz bar where there were many bras hanging from the ceiling (we did not leave our own) we met some hot Norwegian fellas, Christian and Gard, who were on their own European vacation. They were so funny and we had a really good time with them. We also ran into a group of Italian guys dressed as cowboys who had just returned from a basketball tournament and were at a cowboy themed party. Random! There's no telling what kind of people you will meet.
Saturday morning Kyle and I went to the Venice Bienale. I still can't believe that I went to the Bienale! Kyle and I were in awe the entire time. The Bienale is basically the biggest and most important contemporary art exhibition in the world, and it's always been a dream of mine to go...and now I can say I did! The Russian pavillion was by far my favorite of the countries represented. We also visited the Peggy Guggenheim museum that houses her personal collection of early 20th century art. I have to say it was a nice break from ancient and medieval Rome!
We are going to Pinocchio tonight for the last time :( Courtney and I are going to order our 3 favorite dishes and share them: eggplant parmesan, gnocchi with ham and cheese sauce and fig and ricotta ravioli. Delicioso!
Our last week in Rome is coming up and I am extremely sad. I seriously do not want to leave Italy just yet. However, we're going to Greece Friday so I guess it's not all too bad!
Ciao for now!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Florence
I'm in Firenze! That's Italian for Florence. The internet works really well here so I'm trying to update my blog while I can!
Florence is wonderful. It's a pretty small city so it's easy to find your way around, and it's not overwhelming like Rome. It's still pretty hot but a lot less humid.
We went to the Uffizzi Gallery Thursday. As I was standing in the museum trying to listen to the tour guide tell us about a painting, I heard someone talking really loudly behind me. I turned around to give this man an "ahem" look, but to my surprise I was staring in the face of Michael Caine. Michael Caine! I was so shocked that he was in the museum walking around like us normal folk. Haha. He basically followed our group through the next few rooms with his tour guide, so needless to say I could not pay attention to anything. I still don't know anything about Bottecelli's Birth of Venus because Michael Caine was standing next to me (I bumped his arm) and all I could think was "oh my goodness it's Michael Caine!"
Yesterday I saw Michelangelo's David.
http://www.fmboschetto.it/religione/libri_storici/davidMichelangelo.jpg
I have to say I wasn't overly excited to see it, but when I did it was wonderful. I'm not a Renaissance lover, but the detail and scale of the sculpture (the sculpture itself is about 15 feet high without the base so it towers over you) is amazing.
The teachers took us to dinner our first night in Florence to a restaurant that is in the old barn of a Renaissance palace, and we had dinner like a big Italian famiy. It was the most food I have ever eaten in my life! The waiters gave each table a free bottle of chianti that was pretty tasty to start off with. We had canteloupe and proscuitto (first course), pasta with meat sauce, gnocchi in pesto, spinach and cheese ravioli (second course), veal, pork, and chicken (third course). Then came the dessert platter....I can't even remember what all was on it, but I loved every bit of it! We also had a traditional Florentine dessert of biscotti dipped in some sort of liquor. It was like amaretto but a little stronger and warm. It was strange but very good. We were also given a glass of Moscato wine, a dessert wine. Talk about gluttony!
I go back to Rome today, but Florence has been really amazing. Ciao for now!
Florence is wonderful. It's a pretty small city so it's easy to find your way around, and it's not overwhelming like Rome. It's still pretty hot but a lot less humid.
We went to the Uffizzi Gallery Thursday. As I was standing in the museum trying to listen to the tour guide tell us about a painting, I heard someone talking really loudly behind me. I turned around to give this man an "ahem" look, but to my surprise I was staring in the face of Michael Caine. Michael Caine! I was so shocked that he was in the museum walking around like us normal folk. Haha. He basically followed our group through the next few rooms with his tour guide, so needless to say I could not pay attention to anything. I still don't know anything about Bottecelli's Birth of Venus because Michael Caine was standing next to me (I bumped his arm) and all I could think was "oh my goodness it's Michael Caine!"
Yesterday I saw Michelangelo's David.
http://www.fmboschetto.it/religione/libri_storici/davidMichelangelo.jpg
I have to say I wasn't overly excited to see it, but when I did it was wonderful. I'm not a Renaissance lover, but the detail and scale of the sculpture (the sculpture itself is about 15 feet high without the base so it towers over you) is amazing.
The teachers took us to dinner our first night in Florence to a restaurant that is in the old barn of a Renaissance palace, and we had dinner like a big Italian famiy. It was the most food I have ever eaten in my life! The waiters gave each table a free bottle of chianti that was pretty tasty to start off with. We had canteloupe and proscuitto (first course), pasta with meat sauce, gnocchi in pesto, spinach and cheese ravioli (second course), veal, pork, and chicken (third course). Then came the dessert platter....I can't even remember what all was on it, but I loved every bit of it! We also had a traditional Florentine dessert of biscotti dipped in some sort of liquor. It was like amaretto but a little stronger and warm. It was strange but very good. We were also given a glass of Moscato wine, a dessert wine. Talk about gluttony!
I go back to Rome today, but Florence has been really amazing. Ciao for now!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Back in Rome!
Hey everyone, sorry it's been a while since I've posted anything. The internet at our hotel is not very strong, and it sometimes decides to not work at all. For some reason Gmail won't load, so if you have written me an email I might not be able to respond, let alone read it at all!
This past weekend Courtney, Erin, Jessica, 2 undergrad students Daniel and Alexa, and I went to Capri (KAH-pree). We all were prounouncing it like the Isle of Capri casino, but Justin and Nick let us know how to say it correctly. It was THE most beautiful place I have ever seen. http://www.capri.net/ We took a 2 hour boat tour around the island. The whole island is pretty much cliffs that plunge into the ocean except for the port area where there is a pebble beach and piers for boats. Emperors Augustus and others used this island as a getaway resort, and because of it's single entrance to the island they felt safe.
On our boat tour we stopped at the Blue Grotto, a cave. It was so magical! We had to get off of our big tour boat and into a small row boat that fits 4 people plus the "driver." Courtney and I rode together in a boat, but as she was getting in the little boat she almost fell in! It was scary for her at first, but we laughed about it all the way to the grotto. Getting into the grotto was pretty scary. The opening is barely large enough for the little row boat to fit under so we had to lay down in the boat so our heads wouldn't get smashed on the rocks! The driver has to time it right so that the waves don't come up when he's pulling us through. I videoed us going into the grotto and there were a few cuss words that came out of my mouth. Ooops! Once we were inside, the sunlight creates this amazing blue glow inside the cave. There were about 15 other little row boats floating around in there with us, and all the drivers start singing an Italian song and it echoes. So beautiful.
After our boat tour, we walked around the island and window shopped. Capri is a wealthy vacation spot so there was Hermes, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabana.....things I could never afford but love to look at! Jessica, Daniel and I hung out on the pebble beach for a while, and Jess and I got in the water. It was pretty cold, but I HAD to get in that clear blue water!
Needless to say I did not want to come back...
Thursday and Friday the whole program is going to Florence. Hopefully we'll have internet so I can keep in touch! Ciao for now.
This past weekend Courtney, Erin, Jessica, 2 undergrad students Daniel and Alexa, and I went to Capri (KAH-pree). We all were prounouncing it like the Isle of Capri casino, but Justin and Nick let us know how to say it correctly. It was THE most beautiful place I have ever seen. http://www.capri.net/ We took a 2 hour boat tour around the island. The whole island is pretty much cliffs that plunge into the ocean except for the port area where there is a pebble beach and piers for boats. Emperors Augustus and others used this island as a getaway resort, and because of it's single entrance to the island they felt safe.
On our boat tour we stopped at the Blue Grotto, a cave. It was so magical! We had to get off of our big tour boat and into a small row boat that fits 4 people plus the "driver." Courtney and I rode together in a boat, but as she was getting in the little boat she almost fell in! It was scary for her at first, but we laughed about it all the way to the grotto. Getting into the grotto was pretty scary. The opening is barely large enough for the little row boat to fit under so we had to lay down in the boat so our heads wouldn't get smashed on the rocks! The driver has to time it right so that the waves don't come up when he's pulling us through. I videoed us going into the grotto and there were a few cuss words that came out of my mouth. Ooops! Once we were inside, the sunlight creates this amazing blue glow inside the cave. There were about 15 other little row boats floating around in there with us, and all the drivers start singing an Italian song and it echoes. So beautiful.
After our boat tour, we walked around the island and window shopped. Capri is a wealthy vacation spot so there was Hermes, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabana.....things I could never afford but love to look at! Jessica, Daniel and I hung out on the pebble beach for a while, and Jess and I got in the water. It was pretty cold, but I HAD to get in that clear blue water!
Needless to say I did not want to come back...
Thursday and Friday the whole program is going to Florence. Hopefully we'll have internet so I can keep in touch! Ciao for now.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A few observations...
Apparently the style of pants that is popular here are hammer pants. You know, the kind that M.C. Hammer wore? They also resemble genie pants. Hideous! Also, Italians love fashion forward eye glasses. I have seen some strange looking reading glasses since I've been here, but I love that they are so comfortable with new, sometimes strange and a little futuristic, styles. One more thing - they never serve alfredo sauce! I love fettuccini alfredo, and it is to be found NOwhere :(
As for class and things I've done....
Yesterday we were supposed to visit the Mausoleum of Augustus with Justin where supposedly the heroin addicts hang out. We were forewarned to look out for hypodermic needles while walking next to the mausoleum. Unfortunately, the mausoleum is under construction (I assume some sort of conservation) so we weren't able to see the hypodermic needles.
We went to the National Museum of Rome, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, where I saw the Discolobus, the Boxer, the Aphrodite of Knidos and a wounded Niobid! Those are some of my favorite sculptures, and I wasn't even expecting to see them. I literally turned the corner a few times and was so surprised to see them!
http://www.harveyabramsbooks.com/discusa1.jpg
http://www.romancoins.info/0708%20bronze%20(12).JPG
http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/ltrupe/art%20history%20web/final/chap5Greece/Aphrodite%20of%20Knidos.jpg
https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/leach/www/c414/2005/sallust3.jpg
After a long day with Nick today, our last stop was Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill. We spent a few minutes in the church, and then Nick bought us all some pizzettas. They are basically mini pizzas that are made of almost pastry-like crust. They were delicious! We ate them in a park that overlooked Rome. It was a spectacular view!
I had chocolate and strawberry gelatto today. Wonderful combination.
We are off to Sorrento, Pompeii, Naples and Capri tomorrow! There will be an update on Sunday I'm sure. Ciao!
As for class and things I've done....
Yesterday we were supposed to visit the Mausoleum of Augustus with Justin where supposedly the heroin addicts hang out. We were forewarned to look out for hypodermic needles while walking next to the mausoleum. Unfortunately, the mausoleum is under construction (I assume some sort of conservation) so we weren't able to see the hypodermic needles.
We went to the National Museum of Rome, the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, where I saw the Discolobus, the Boxer, the Aphrodite of Knidos and a wounded Niobid! Those are some of my favorite sculptures, and I wasn't even expecting to see them. I literally turned the corner a few times and was so surprised to see them!
http://www.harveyabramsbooks.com/discusa1.jpg
http://www.romancoins.info/0708%20bronze%20(12).JPG
.JPG){kind=link}
http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/ltrupe/art%20history%20web/final/chap5Greece/Aphrodite%20of%20Knidos.jpg
https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/leach/www/c414/2005/sallust3.jpg
After a long day with Nick today, our last stop was Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill. We spent a few minutes in the church, and then Nick bought us all some pizzettas. They are basically mini pizzas that are made of almost pastry-like crust. They were delicious! We ate them in a park that overlooked Rome. It was a spectacular view!
I had chocolate and strawberry gelatto today. Wonderful combination.
We are off to Sorrento, Pompeii, Naples and Capri tomorrow! There will be an update on Sunday I'm sure. Ciao!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Mosaics for days
Buona sera!
Yesterday (Monday) was a cold and rainy day in Rome. Last week it was in the 90's and sooo hot, and this week so far it's been dreary and cold. It is supposed to clear up and be hot again though by tomorrow!
Spent more time in the Forum yesterday with Justin. I've lost count how many times we've been to that place! We talked mostly about Julius Caesar and Augustus, and we even saw where Julius was cremated after being murdered. The spot had a bunch of bouquets of flowers laid on it. It reminded me of Jim Morrison's grave in Paris.
http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/forumromanum.htm
Yesterday we went to San Giovanni the Lateran which is the cathedral of Rome. Many people think that St. Peter's is the cathedral, or the Pope's church, but it is in fact San Giovanni. SG was the first Christian church in Rome, and it houses the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul (supposedly). So apparently St. Peter's bones in the Vatican are missing a head!
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-john-lateran.htm
Crazy story: Jessica sort of got attacked in Termini yesterday! It's a well known fact that in Termini (main metro station in Rome) it is easy to get pickpocketed. She was walking through the station with her backpack on one shoulder when she saw a homeless-looking man walking straight at her. She pulled her bag around to the front of her and held on to it. Then the man basically tackled her and pulled her to the ground! She got up and wasn't hurt, and luckily the man didn't get anything from her. So scary!
Today we visited Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede and Santa Pudenziana (all churches) with Nick. Each of these churches have magnificent mosaics that are colorful and bright.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-mary-major.htm
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-santa-prassede.htm
http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Rome%20&%20Central%20Italy/Rome/Rome_Churches/Santa_Pudenziana/Santa_Pudenziana.htm
I had no gelatto yesterday...but I ate it twice today so it's ok! Chocolate and creama in a cone. So far my favorite!
Yesterday (Monday) was a cold and rainy day in Rome. Last week it was in the 90's and sooo hot, and this week so far it's been dreary and cold. It is supposed to clear up and be hot again though by tomorrow!
Spent more time in the Forum yesterday with Justin. I've lost count how many times we've been to that place! We talked mostly about Julius Caesar and Augustus, and we even saw where Julius was cremated after being murdered. The spot had a bunch of bouquets of flowers laid on it. It reminded me of Jim Morrison's grave in Paris.
http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/forumromanum.htm
Yesterday we went to San Giovanni the Lateran which is the cathedral of Rome. Many people think that St. Peter's is the cathedral, or the Pope's church, but it is in fact San Giovanni. SG was the first Christian church in Rome, and it houses the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul (supposedly). So apparently St. Peter's bones in the Vatican are missing a head!
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-john-lateran.htm
Crazy story: Jessica sort of got attacked in Termini yesterday! It's a well known fact that in Termini (main metro station in Rome) it is easy to get pickpocketed. She was walking through the station with her backpack on one shoulder when she saw a homeless-looking man walking straight at her. She pulled her bag around to the front of her and held on to it. Then the man basically tackled her and pulled her to the ground! She got up and wasn't hurt, and luckily the man didn't get anything from her. So scary!
Today we visited Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede and Santa Pudenziana (all churches) with Nick. Each of these churches have magnificent mosaics that are colorful and bright.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-mary-major.htm
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-santa-prassede.htm
http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Rome%20&%20Central%20Italy/Rome/Rome_Churches/Santa_Pudenziana/Santa_Pudenziana.htm
I had no gelatto yesterday...but I ate it twice today so it's ok! Chocolate and creama in a cone. So far my favorite!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
So it's been a few days since I've updated my blog! I'll just go through the days and try and remember what all we have done...
Wednesday: Went to Vatican City. Saw St. Peter's cathedral and got a tour of the necropolis that is 3 stories beneath the church! We saw St. Peter's bones...no one knows for sure if they are Peter's actual bones, but I suppose it's the thought that counts.
Wednesday night, Nick and Justin took Erin, Courtney, Jessica, Kyle (ceramics grad) and I to the American Academy in Rome. I felt so privileged that they would want to introduce us to those who are working at the Academy! It was an open studio night, so we got to see who the best of the best in photography, painting, architecture, video art, etc today are working on. It was truly something I won't ever forget, and I'm so grateful that they would want to take us.
Thursday: Went to the Colosseum. If you can get past the thought that the reason this amphitheater was built was for Romans to watch people be humiliated and slaughtered and murdered...then it's quite beautiful!
We did not have class Friday, so me and the other grads took it easy and relaxed in the hotel and caught up on some school work. Nothing too exciting!
Today Erin, Courtney, Jessica and I went to Orvieto. It is about an hour train ride north of Rome. It is a small city that is set up on a high cliff, and it was a beautiful day! We basically spent the day sort of wandering around the city, but it was really nice to be able to lazily walk and look. A big change from chasing after Nick and Justin through Rome! One cool thing that happened was that in the Duomo (cathedral) there was a concert of string instruments and a piano. We sat and listened to them play for 20 minutes or so, and it was mesmerizing.
All in all a pretty chill few days!
Also, I have found the most delicious, wonderful, tastiest restaurant of my entire life. It is called Pinocchio and it's here in Frascati. So far we've eaten there the past 3 nights in a row, and I could eat there every day! Their eggplant parmesan rocks my world. I know I will miss that place dearly...
and yes I had gelatto today. Chocolate and Zambeino (not sure what it means but it was good) in a cone.
Wednesday: Went to Vatican City. Saw St. Peter's cathedral and got a tour of the necropolis that is 3 stories beneath the church! We saw St. Peter's bones...no one knows for sure if they are Peter's actual bones, but I suppose it's the thought that counts.
Wednesday night, Nick and Justin took Erin, Courtney, Jessica, Kyle (ceramics grad) and I to the American Academy in Rome. I felt so privileged that they would want to introduce us to those who are working at the Academy! It was an open studio night, so we got to see who the best of the best in photography, painting, architecture, video art, etc today are working on. It was truly something I won't ever forget, and I'm so grateful that they would want to take us.
Thursday: Went to the Colosseum. If you can get past the thought that the reason this amphitheater was built was for Romans to watch people be humiliated and slaughtered and murdered...then it's quite beautiful!
We did not have class Friday, so me and the other grads took it easy and relaxed in the hotel and caught up on some school work. Nothing too exciting!
Today Erin, Courtney, Jessica and I went to Orvieto. It is about an hour train ride north of Rome. It is a small city that is set up on a high cliff, and it was a beautiful day! We basically spent the day sort of wandering around the city, but it was really nice to be able to lazily walk and look. A big change from chasing after Nick and Justin through Rome! One cool thing that happened was that in the Duomo (cathedral) there was a concert of string instruments and a piano. We sat and listened to them play for 20 minutes or so, and it was mesmerizing.
All in all a pretty chill few days!
Also, I have found the most delicious, wonderful, tastiest restaurant of my entire life. It is called Pinocchio and it's here in Frascati. So far we've eaten there the past 3 nights in a row, and I could eat there every day! Their eggplant parmesan rocks my world. I know I will miss that place dearly...
and yes I had gelatto today. Chocolate and Zambeino (not sure what it means but it was good) in a cone.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Euphronios Krater
I saw the Euphronios krater today in the Villa Giulia! The Villa Giulia used to be the summer home of the pope, but it is now an Etruscan artifact museum.
We were supposed to visit the Capitoline Museum today as well, but our class got cut short because one of the girls got too drunk last night and was puking today on the streets of Rome. Very classy if you ask me. I'm glad she is representing LSU and America so well!
Good news though - I ate gelatto twice today :) I plan on having gelatto at least once a day.
Speaking of gelatto, I have a short little story from today: While at dinner last night Justin taught me a few Italian hand gestures, one being "go away, leave me alone" that I could use if someone were bothering me. Well I got to put it to use today! While Courtney and I were waiting for the train to Frascati I was making out with my icecream cone because it was melting. This freaker Italian man got up in my face and said "Bella!" and started making kissing noises. I tried to ignore him and I said "No, grazie" but that did not work because he got even closer to my face and made more kissing noises and pretended he was licking my icecream cone. So I gave him the "go away, leave me alone" hand gesture and it worked! He walked away! So thank you Justin for teaching me Italian hand gestures. I feel like I fit in already.
Going to the necropolis below St. Peter's tomorrow! Can't wait!
Ciao for now.
We were supposed to visit the Capitoline Museum today as well, but our class got cut short because one of the girls got too drunk last night and was puking today on the streets of Rome. Very classy if you ask me. I'm glad she is representing LSU and America so well!
Good news though - I ate gelatto twice today :) I plan on having gelatto at least once a day.
Speaking of gelatto, I have a short little story from today: While at dinner last night Justin taught me a few Italian hand gestures, one being "go away, leave me alone" that I could use if someone were bothering me. Well I got to put it to use today! While Courtney and I were waiting for the train to Frascati I was making out with my icecream cone because it was melting. This freaker Italian man got up in my face and said "Bella!" and started making kissing noises. I tried to ignore him and I said "No, grazie" but that did not work because he got even closer to my face and made more kissing noises and pretended he was licking my icecream cone. So I gave him the "go away, leave me alone" hand gesture and it worked! He walked away! So thank you Justin for teaching me Italian hand gestures. I feel like I fit in already.
Going to the necropolis below St. Peter's tomorrow! Can't wait!
Ciao for now.
Monday, May 25, 2009
My luggage is here!!!!
So good news.....I can now wear something different! I have been wearing the same clothes for 3 days now. Ick!
I feel as though I am living in a Rome-themed amusement park. It is SO surreal to be seeing things like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in real life, and being able to walk on the ancient ruins where people like Julius Ceasar and the apostle Peter walked blows my mind!
Today we walked along the Appian Way which is the oldest road in Rome. It was "the I-10 of Rome if you will" as Nick Camerlenghi put it. We visited the catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto with Nick where we saw underground tombs and frescoes. With Justin Walsh we visited the Roman Forum, which was the political, civic and religious center of ancient Rome. I felt like I was in a column graveyard! So amazing to see these buildings that have been standing and have been preserved (as best as can be preserved) by Italians for over two thousand years....so much history!
All for now....Ciao!
I feel as though I am living in a Rome-themed amusement park. It is SO surreal to be seeing things like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in real life, and being able to walk on the ancient ruins where people like Julius Ceasar and the apostle Peter walked blows my mind!
Today we walked along the Appian Way which is the oldest road in Rome. It was "the I-10 of Rome if you will" as Nick Camerlenghi put it. We visited the catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto with Nick where we saw underground tombs and frescoes. With Justin Walsh we visited the Roman Forum, which was the political, civic and religious center of ancient Rome. I felt like I was in a column graveyard! So amazing to see these buildings that have been standing and have been preserved (as best as can be preserved) by Italians for over two thousand years....so much history!
All for now....Ciao!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Update from Rome!
This has simultaneously been the best and worst trip of my life!
BEST: Saw a lot of Frankfurt - went to 2 museums, saw the Myron's Athena sculpture from the Athena and Marsyas group, went to the top of the Maintower that overlooks the entire city...now the best part. We ate dinner at an Irish pub near our bus stop since we were planning on calling it an early night for our flight the next morning to Rome. Change of plans! We met two hottttt Army guys fresh out of Baghdad who started buying us drinks and icecream. Did I mention how HOT they were?! As we were leaving at about 9pm we ran into a rowdy group of Irish guys in Frankfurt for a bachelor party, or stag party as they called it. More drinks were shared! Further on in the night we met two MORE Irish guys who introduced us to Baby Guinesses (little shots of Kahluah and Bailey's) and sang karaoke. So fun! We returned to our hotel only to meet two Air Force guys whom Courtney and I stayed up until 6am talking to in the lobby. My favorite were the Army guys...So long story short we didn't sleep AT ALL that night. There were too many interesting people to meet!
WORST: Malev Hungarian Airlines. Awful. The flight from Frankfurt to Budapest was the worst flight I've ever been on. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster! We arrived late in Budapest and had to rush to our flight from Budapest to Rome, and our luggage did not arrive to Rome with us. It is Sunday at about 8pm and we have yet to get our luggage. I will be wearing the same clothes for the next couple of days. Gross! Say a prayer that my luggage gets here tomorrow, please!
Ciao!
BEST: Saw a lot of Frankfurt - went to 2 museums, saw the Myron's Athena sculpture from the Athena and Marsyas group, went to the top of the Maintower that overlooks the entire city...now the best part. We ate dinner at an Irish pub near our bus stop since we were planning on calling it an early night for our flight the next morning to Rome. Change of plans! We met two hottttt Army guys fresh out of Baghdad who started buying us drinks and icecream. Did I mention how HOT they were?! As we were leaving at about 9pm we ran into a rowdy group of Irish guys in Frankfurt for a bachelor party, or stag party as they called it. More drinks were shared! Further on in the night we met two MORE Irish guys who introduced us to Baby Guinesses (little shots of Kahluah and Bailey's) and sang karaoke. So fun! We returned to our hotel only to meet two Air Force guys whom Courtney and I stayed up until 6am talking to in the lobby. My favorite were the Army guys...So long story short we didn't sleep AT ALL that night. There were too many interesting people to meet!
WORST: Malev Hungarian Airlines. Awful. The flight from Frankfurt to Budapest was the worst flight I've ever been on. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster! We arrived late in Budapest and had to rush to our flight from Budapest to Rome, and our luggage did not arrive to Rome with us. It is Sunday at about 8pm and we have yet to get our luggage. I will be wearing the same clothes for the next couple of days. Gross! Say a prayer that my luggage gets here tomorrow, please!
Ciao!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Made it to Frankfurt!
5/21/09
Guten Tag!
We made it to Frankfurt, Germany! It's 12:15 pm here which means it's 5:15 am in the States. We just got to our hotel, and I am in desperate need of a nap! Our plane from Philly to Frankfurt was delayed for 3 hours so it has been a very long day...been traveling for about 17 hours so far. So glad to finally be here! And so glad that Courtney speaks German!
Ein bier bitte!
7:00 pm
We just got back to our hotel after wandering the street of Frankfurt for a few hours (after taking about a 2 hour nap of course). Frankfurt is a unique city that combines old buildings with really modern skyscapers and architecture. Beautiful! We stopped at a little sidewalk cafe, and I had a bratwurst, and it was delicious! I also ate some German chocolate ice cream...yummooo! It's been raining on and off all day, but we are still having fun. We're going to relax for a bit (still really jet lagged!), then go out for dinner and then who knows!? More to come...
Auf Wiedersehen!
5/22/09
9:00 am
I had weinerschnitzel for dinner last night and to my surprise it was not in weiner shape! It reminded me of chicken parmesan without the marinara and cheese, and it was made of pork instead of chicken. It was simply pork that had been breaded and fried. It was pretty tasty! With my weinerschnitzel I had Hefeweizen, a type of German beer, and it was tasty as well! Today we are planning on seeing a few museums, going to the top of the Main tower to oversee the city and maybe do a little shopping. Auf Wiedersehen for now!
Guten Tag!
We made it to Frankfurt, Germany! It's 12:15 pm here which means it's 5:15 am in the States. We just got to our hotel, and I am in desperate need of a nap! Our plane from Philly to Frankfurt was delayed for 3 hours so it has been a very long day...been traveling for about 17 hours so far. So glad to finally be here! And so glad that Courtney speaks German!
Ein bier bitte!
7:00 pm
We just got back to our hotel after wandering the street of Frankfurt for a few hours (after taking about a 2 hour nap of course). Frankfurt is a unique city that combines old buildings with really modern skyscapers and architecture. Beautiful! We stopped at a little sidewalk cafe, and I had a bratwurst, and it was delicious! I also ate some German chocolate ice cream...yummooo! It's been raining on and off all day, but we are still having fun. We're going to relax for a bit (still really jet lagged!), then go out for dinner and then who knows!? More to come...
Auf Wiedersehen!
5/22/09
9:00 am
I had weinerschnitzel for dinner last night and to my surprise it was not in weiner shape! It reminded me of chicken parmesan without the marinara and cheese, and it was made of pork instead of chicken. It was simply pork that had been breaded and fried. It was pretty tasty! With my weinerschnitzel I had Hefeweizen, a type of German beer, and it was tasty as well! Today we are planning on seeing a few museums, going to the top of the Main tower to oversee the city and maybe do a little shopping. Auf Wiedersehen for now!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
When in Rome
Hey Everyone!
I have set up this blog for everyone to keep up with me while I'm in Italy!
I leave May 20 and come back June 30. I will be in Frankfurt, Germany for a couple of days, then I will take a train to Italy and will be living in Frascati, Italy (about a 30 minute train ride from Rome) from May 25-June 26. During that time I will be taking weekend trips to other cities in Italy, and I plan to keep you all updated! June 26 I leave for Athens, Greece where I'll stay until June 30.
I won't have a phone while I'm there so please email me, skype me, facebook me, blog me (that a verb?) so I can keep in touch!
More to come....
Love, Shannon
I have set up this blog for everyone to keep up with me while I'm in Italy!
I leave May 20 and come back June 30. I will be in Frankfurt, Germany for a couple of days, then I will take a train to Italy and will be living in Frascati, Italy (about a 30 minute train ride from Rome) from May 25-June 26. During that time I will be taking weekend trips to other cities in Italy, and I plan to keep you all updated! June 26 I leave for Athens, Greece where I'll stay until June 30.
I won't have a phone while I'm there so please email me, skype me, facebook me, blog me (that a verb?) so I can keep in touch!
More to come....
Love, Shannon
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