This weekend was my first weekend in Rome since school began. I wasn’t get setting off to any other country, so it was nice to enjoy my new home. Yesterday, the last Sunday of the month, was “free museum day” in Rome. Excitedly, my roommates and I woke up super early to be able to do and see as much as possible. Early in the morning- I’m talking 9am on a Sunday!- we went to Porta Portese, which was a huge outdoor market. They sold clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses and just about anything you could imagine. It was fun to do some bargaining and I went home with some really nice things for a cheap price. After a quick stop back at home to unload, we headed out to the center to check out some museums. We quickly learned a number of things. First, free museum day really means “discounted museum day.” The first museum (One of the national museums of Rome) was free; however the second one we wanted to go to was selling admission tickets at a reduced price. We didn’t wind up going there. But we did visit another free museum close to the Roman forum that highlighted the unification of Italy. Our last stop was at another National Museum of Rome in Piazza Novana- again, a discounted museum, but we paid the 1.50 E to see this one. It was a great experience. Each of the museums had something new and interesting to look at. Even though I’m not a huge “museum person” I still enjoyed what I saw. I really enjoy walking around Rome and seeing all the ruins so it was really interesting to read about the ones that were displayed in the museums. “free/discounted” museum day occurs every last Sunday of the month. I guess it’s sort of similar to First Friday in Philadelphia, only on a different day of the week.
In between the unification of Italy museum and our walk to Piazza Novana, we stopped for a visit to the Pantheon. (which we didn’t even realize was so close to us!) It was an interesting area. Touristy, of course, but a lot of the structure was under construction so I couldn’t really see the beauty in the place of worship. It was also packed, and we were getting shoved around just trying to walk in. Inside however, was quite peaceful. They had signs reminding people to be silent, but everyone was talking at normal volume anyway. They had candles lit and pews to sit, but mostly everyone was just trying to snap pictures and get out.
After the Pantheon, we decided to get a bite to eat. Where did we stop? McDonalds! I haven’t eaten McDonalds since high school, but I figured I should try fast food in Italy just once. It was quite the experience. The place was packed, the menu was completely different (although they did have the McChicken sandwich that I used to love so much), and you had to pay extra for ketchup packets. We ordered, but there was no place to sit. For being in a country that loves its food, I was shocked to see that McDonalds did not conform to the culture of the country it was in at all. It was expensive, crowded and honestly, not as good as I remembered it. The only “Italian” thing about that meal was that the portion sizes were smaller too. The employees weren’t that friendly either. One employee chased me out of the establishment after I accidently dropped a try as I was trying to throw my food away. I guess that’s Italy for you, though. Needless to say, I’ll stick to my pasta and Panini next time I get hungry!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Munich, Germany :: OKTOBERFEST!
This is going to be a longgggggg post, so prepare!
This past weekend I traveled to Munich, Germany and accomplished more in 3 days than I could have imagined. This was probably because I had approximately 4 hours of sleep a night and was staying with a bunch of crazy Australians! I guess I could just break this down by day.
Thursday- after classes I rushed home to pack and headed over to Termini with my room mates. We left on a bus trip with Bus2Alps to Munich. 14 hour bus ride- quite uncomfortable but I actually was able to sleep thanks to the Dramamine I took. Also, I was exhausted from the night before. We found this awesome club in Testaccio and partied until 4am on Wednesday. Anyway, when I woke up Friday morning, I was in Germany!
Friday- We arrived at the campsite around 11am. Yes, I said campsite. We CAMPED in Munich- and it was FREEZING. I was not prepared for the cold weather at all. All I had were cardigans to get me through the cold 40 degree nights! We were supposed to get there at like 9 to go on a bike tour, but we were obviously late. Luckily it was pushed back and we were able to freshen up and eat some breakfast before heading out at 12:30. The hospitality at the campsite was awesome. They had free breakfast every morning and all you can drink beer for 5E. Of course being in Germany, we were enjoying a nice brew for breakfast along with my eggs and potatoes.
After breakfast, we went on a bike tour of Munich and it was awesome. Our tour guide took us to some really pretty places around the city, A church, some nice gardens, and some historical sites from WW2- we got to see a piece of the Berlin wall too. Then we stopped for lunch at the English Biergarten. We had really authentic German food for lunch. So authentic I can't even pronounce it. And of course we washed it down with some beer. Which they served us in liters! Needless to say getting back on the bike after lunch was quite fun. We passed by some man made surf spot in the garden, it was cool and random to see people surfing in the middle of the city. We rode back to the train station and took the train back to the campsite. We then started the party the night before an all day beer festival and danced the night away. I'm not even sure what time I crawled into my tent, but I know I didn't sleep much.
Saturday: Our wake up call "It's 5 in the morning and your sleeping in your tents. Wake up Mr. and Mrs. America! We're going to a beer festival" The scottish guy in charge of waking us up just kept screaming different variations of that until we were all awake. The morning is kind of a blur because I was so tired, but somehow I showered and ate and was ready to go by the time the shuttle bus came to take us to Oktoberfest. Some crazy people - including the Australians - we're starting the day off by drinking a ton of beer before we even left. I don't know how they do it! When we got to Oktoberfest, we headed to the Hofbräu-Festzelt tent to get a seat. by the time we got there, it was PACKED. Thankfully we had some guys that left at 6am save us a table and we were able to get a spot. I think they stopped letting people in an hour or so after we got there because it was filled to capacity. We had to wait a good 3 hours before we got served though. They mayor of Munich came to tap the first keg at 12 noon and the opening ceremonies were insane. There was a band and tons of news people and loud music and it was just the start of the craziest party ever. As soon as the keg was tapped, they beer just kept flowing, again in liters. I'm telling you, my hands were bruised from holding those heavy glasses! It was seriously the most fun I've probably ever had. We prosted- the right way of course- and prosted and prosted until the last of us couldn't order any more beer. We left the tent after a couple of hours to explore more of oktoberfest. The place was PACKED. There were people in drndls and lederhosen and rides and food and just crazyness every where. Of course I ate a lot and bought some post cards and t-shirts, but didn't think going on rides after a couple liters of beer was a smart idea, so I skipped out on that. We met back up with the larger group at 7pm and caught the last shuttle back to the campground at 730. I honestly thought I was going to pass out by the time we got home, but these crazy Australians just wanted to party and party. They had a nice BBQ dinner waiting for us when we got back and we danced and drank the whole night away. Literally. I didn't go to bed until about 4am. That's 23 hours of straight partying. I am a champion. It was all good, clean fun though. No one got hurt or sick or anything! We all just had a really amazing time and took lots and lots of pictures!! I became a tattoo artist that night with a magic marker. "I played tic tac toe on his neck against myself". Woke up the next morning covered in ink- things that apparently I had to remember cause they were really, really important...But also left my mark on just about everyone at the camp!
Sunday- Our Scottish alarm clock woke us up around 7am. This time it was more like "I have a full beer in my hand, which one of you Americans wants it?!" I don't think this guy slept the entire weekend. Anyway, after breakfast, a group of us decided to go visit Dachau concentration camp so we took the train to visit the memorial. (That's after I got hit by a car that morning!) It was honestly really, really hard to see. They made the entire camp into a museum basically, with photos and documents of the prisoners in their memory along with facts about the camp during the war. It was hard enough to walk through the museum, which is where the prisoners worked and were beaten, but then we got to see where they slept and the crematorium. That was the hardest part. It was so hard to see what was left after millions of people died on the grounds that we were standing on. Regardless, I'm glad I went, if only once in my life, to pay some respect in memory. On a lighter note, after visiting the camp, we went back to meet the group and get on the bus for the 13 hour ride back to Rome. We left around 2:30 in the afternoon, and didnt get home till about 4am.
That's Oktoberfest, in a nutshell. I'm probably leaving a lot of details out but I would go back there in a heartbeat if I could. Munich was really beautiful and the festival was something that I'm seriously considering making an every year tradition. But next time I'll remember to bring warmer clothes, but wear very little to the beer tents. There are thousands of sweaty people and its a sauna in there. Other than that, I really did have THE BEST weekend of my life. I'm nostalgic about it, really. Now I have to go back to school when I really want this vacation to last forever!
This weekend I'm actually staying in Roma. But then on the 30th I'm heading to Tuscany for another weekend adventure. Stay tuned. And enjoy these great songs to dance too. (especially after a few beers and with some craaaaazy Australians!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJCQDd4vYjg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy2nBvtkgyE
This past weekend I traveled to Munich, Germany and accomplished more in 3 days than I could have imagined. This was probably because I had approximately 4 hours of sleep a night and was staying with a bunch of crazy Australians! I guess I could just break this down by day.
Thursday- after classes I rushed home to pack and headed over to Termini with my room mates. We left on a bus trip with Bus2Alps to Munich. 14 hour bus ride- quite uncomfortable but I actually was able to sleep thanks to the Dramamine I took. Also, I was exhausted from the night before. We found this awesome club in Testaccio and partied until 4am on Wednesday. Anyway, when I woke up Friday morning, I was in Germany!
Friday- We arrived at the campsite around 11am. Yes, I said campsite. We CAMPED in Munich- and it was FREEZING. I was not prepared for the cold weather at all. All I had were cardigans to get me through the cold 40 degree nights! We were supposed to get there at like 9 to go on a bike tour, but we were obviously late. Luckily it was pushed back and we were able to freshen up and eat some breakfast before heading out at 12:30. The hospitality at the campsite was awesome. They had free breakfast every morning and all you can drink beer for 5E. Of course being in Germany, we were enjoying a nice brew for breakfast along with my eggs and potatoes.
After breakfast, we went on a bike tour of Munich and it was awesome. Our tour guide took us to some really pretty places around the city, A church, some nice gardens, and some historical sites from WW2- we got to see a piece of the Berlin wall too. Then we stopped for lunch at the English Biergarten. We had really authentic German food for lunch. So authentic I can't even pronounce it. And of course we washed it down with some beer. Which they served us in liters! Needless to say getting back on the bike after lunch was quite fun. We passed by some man made surf spot in the garden, it was cool and random to see people surfing in the middle of the city. We rode back to the train station and took the train back to the campsite. We then started the party the night before an all day beer festival and danced the night away. I'm not even sure what time I crawled into my tent, but I know I didn't sleep much.
Saturday: Our wake up call "It's 5 in the morning and your sleeping in your tents. Wake up Mr. and Mrs. America! We're going to a beer festival" The scottish guy in charge of waking us up just kept screaming different variations of that until we were all awake. The morning is kind of a blur because I was so tired, but somehow I showered and ate and was ready to go by the time the shuttle bus came to take us to Oktoberfest. Some crazy people - including the Australians - we're starting the day off by drinking a ton of beer before we even left. I don't know how they do it! When we got to Oktoberfest, we headed to the Hofbräu-Festzelt tent to get a seat. by the time we got there, it was PACKED. Thankfully we had some guys that left at 6am save us a table and we were able to get a spot. I think they stopped letting people in an hour or so after we got there because it was filled to capacity. We had to wait a good 3 hours before we got served though. They mayor of Munich came to tap the first keg at 12 noon and the opening ceremonies were insane. There was a band and tons of news people and loud music and it was just the start of the craziest party ever. As soon as the keg was tapped, they beer just kept flowing, again in liters. I'm telling you, my hands were bruised from holding those heavy glasses! It was seriously the most fun I've probably ever had. We prosted- the right way of course- and prosted and prosted until the last of us couldn't order any more beer. We left the tent after a couple of hours to explore more of oktoberfest. The place was PACKED. There were people in drndls and lederhosen and rides and food and just crazyness every where. Of course I ate a lot and bought some post cards and t-shirts, but didn't think going on rides after a couple liters of beer was a smart idea, so I skipped out on that. We met back up with the larger group at 7pm and caught the last shuttle back to the campground at 730. I honestly thought I was going to pass out by the time we got home, but these crazy Australians just wanted to party and party. They had a nice BBQ dinner waiting for us when we got back and we danced and drank the whole night away. Literally. I didn't go to bed until about 4am. That's 23 hours of straight partying. I am a champion. It was all good, clean fun though. No one got hurt or sick or anything! We all just had a really amazing time and took lots and lots of pictures!! I became a tattoo artist that night with a magic marker. "I played tic tac toe on his neck against myself". Woke up the next morning covered in ink- things that apparently I had to remember cause they were really, really important...But also left my mark on just about everyone at the camp!
Sunday- Our Scottish alarm clock woke us up around 7am. This time it was more like "I have a full beer in my hand, which one of you Americans wants it?!" I don't think this guy slept the entire weekend. Anyway, after breakfast, a group of us decided to go visit Dachau concentration camp so we took the train to visit the memorial. (That's after I got hit by a car that morning!) It was honestly really, really hard to see. They made the entire camp into a museum basically, with photos and documents of the prisoners in their memory along with facts about the camp during the war. It was hard enough to walk through the museum, which is where the prisoners worked and were beaten, but then we got to see where they slept and the crematorium. That was the hardest part. It was so hard to see what was left after millions of people died on the grounds that we were standing on. Regardless, I'm glad I went, if only once in my life, to pay some respect in memory. On a lighter note, after visiting the camp, we went back to meet the group and get on the bus for the 13 hour ride back to Rome. We left around 2:30 in the afternoon, and didnt get home till about 4am.
That's Oktoberfest, in a nutshell. I'm probably leaving a lot of details out but I would go back there in a heartbeat if I could. Munich was really beautiful and the festival was something that I'm seriously considering making an every year tradition. But next time I'll remember to bring warmer clothes, but wear very little to the beer tents. There are thousands of sweaty people and its a sauna in there. Other than that, I really did have THE BEST weekend of my life. I'm nostalgic about it, really. Now I have to go back to school when I really want this vacation to last forever!
This weekend I'm actually staying in Roma. But then on the 30th I'm heading to Tuscany for another weekend adventure. Stay tuned. And enjoy these great songs to dance too. (especially after a few beers and with some craaaaazy Australians!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJCQDd4vYjg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy2nBvtkgyE
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Amalfi Coast
Lots has happened since I last updated. Last Wednesday, we went out to a Welcome Aperitivo with AUR, which is one of the most practiced & trendy traditions of Italian nightlife. We finally went somewhere that was authentically Italian, and the deal was basically that you buy a drink and then it's free all-you-can-eat appetizers. It was fun to see the Italian locals and us AUR students mingling and enjoying each other’s company. I really like that the school facilitates events like these as well, because we would have never found this hot spot on our own. I’m glad I chose a destination that enjoys good food so much! Even though it was only appetizers, they were delicious. After the aperitivo, we went to Campo to continue the party- then ended up at the dance club mood until we had to catch the last tram home. When my roommates and I got home, we decided to book a spur of the moment weekend trip. Around 1am we booked a trip to the Amalfi Coast with Euro Adventures that left the next day.
Thursday, after classes, we packed our things for the weekend and headed to Stazione Termini to meet the bus and the group for the trip. The bus ride was about 5 hours to Sorrento, and we got there around 2am. After checking in to our bungalows, we passed right out.
Friday we got up super early and went to the island of Capri. It was a little rainy in the morning, but we didn't complain because we hiked all the way to the top of the island and if it was hot and sunny we would have died. It was such an amazing hike through the mountains and we got to see some incredible views. After the hike, which took about 2 hours, the sun came out and we took a boat ride around the entire island. Lorenzo, our boat driver guide, showed us some really cool places on the island and let us do some swimming and cliff jumping. It was really amazing and the water was so beautiful. We ended the day in Capri by laying on the beach before we took the ferry back to Sorrento. That night, we went to dinner and got to experience the Amalfi coast nightlife, which is craaaaaazy. The house-music bar that we went to was a blast, and we made a lot of friends- including Carlos, the bartender from Paraguay! We got in around 3am- right before the bungalow landlord closed the gate.
Saturday we slept in a bit and then headed to Positano for another day in paradise. We laid on the beach all day and went in the water. It was truly paradise- there is no other way to describe it. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water and the views were amazing. That night we went out again in Sorrento. Went to a couple of different bars but ended up at the techno club again. Danced all night long and had a great time. Honestly, this long weekend was probably better than a lot of the week long vacations I've taken.
Sunday we spent the day in Naples (Napoli). It wasn't the highlight of the trip. The city was not as nice as I expected- and we were afraid of getting pick pocketed the whole time. But we found out way to an archeology museum and looked at some Roman ruins and statues, which was really cool. After a long day of walking, we had some lunch and a not-so-authentic margarita pizza, and headed back to Sorrento. We only had a couple of minutes to say goodbye to that amazing city before getting on the bus to go back to Rome. Another 4-5 hours later, I was back at my apartment. I seriously still feel like there's a part of me left in Sorrento. I can't even describe how amazing the coast was and I need to go back the next chance that I get. After a long night of homework and skype, I was finally in bed at 2am.
Today was a fun day also. Woke up early despite being sleep deprived and went to the open air market at Campo. Got lots of fresh fruits and yummy things. Then I came home for lunch and went to classes from 2-5. I've been home since then, had dinner with my room mates and now I should be doing some more homework. I have meeting for group projects and things already- classes are officially in session.
I just have to get through this week though because on Thursday I head out to Germany for OKTOBERFEST!! I'm so excited for that.
Stay tuned for more. And, check out my new favorite Italian techno song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3S4dBk4E1g
Thursday, after classes, we packed our things for the weekend and headed to Stazione Termini to meet the bus and the group for the trip. The bus ride was about 5 hours to Sorrento, and we got there around 2am. After checking in to our bungalows, we passed right out.
Friday we got up super early and went to the island of Capri. It was a little rainy in the morning, but we didn't complain because we hiked all the way to the top of the island and if it was hot and sunny we would have died. It was such an amazing hike through the mountains and we got to see some incredible views. After the hike, which took about 2 hours, the sun came out and we took a boat ride around the entire island. Lorenzo, our boat driver guide, showed us some really cool places on the island and let us do some swimming and cliff jumping. It was really amazing and the water was so beautiful. We ended the day in Capri by laying on the beach before we took the ferry back to Sorrento. That night, we went to dinner and got to experience the Amalfi coast nightlife, which is craaaaaazy. The house-music bar that we went to was a blast, and we made a lot of friends- including Carlos, the bartender from Paraguay! We got in around 3am- right before the bungalow landlord closed the gate.
Saturday we slept in a bit and then headed to Positano for another day in paradise. We laid on the beach all day and went in the water. It was truly paradise- there is no other way to describe it. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water and the views were amazing. That night we went out again in Sorrento. Went to a couple of different bars but ended up at the techno club again. Danced all night long and had a great time. Honestly, this long weekend was probably better than a lot of the week long vacations I've taken.
Sunday we spent the day in Naples (Napoli). It wasn't the highlight of the trip. The city was not as nice as I expected- and we were afraid of getting pick pocketed the whole time. But we found out way to an archeology museum and looked at some Roman ruins and statues, which was really cool. After a long day of walking, we had some lunch and a not-so-authentic margarita pizza, and headed back to Sorrento. We only had a couple of minutes to say goodbye to that amazing city before getting on the bus to go back to Rome. Another 4-5 hours later, I was back at my apartment. I seriously still feel like there's a part of me left in Sorrento. I can't even describe how amazing the coast was and I need to go back the next chance that I get. After a long night of homework and skype, I was finally in bed at 2am.
Today was a fun day also. Woke up early despite being sleep deprived and went to the open air market at Campo. Got lots of fresh fruits and yummy things. Then I came home for lunch and went to classes from 2-5. I've been home since then, had dinner with my room mates and now I should be doing some more homework. I have meeting for group projects and things already- classes are officially in session.
I just have to get through this week though because on Thursday I head out to Germany for OKTOBERFEST!! I'm so excited for that.
Stay tuned for more. And, check out my new favorite Italian techno song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3S4dBk4E1g
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
l'universita e piu!
Classes started on Monday and I've been to all of them once by now. For the most part, I think I'm going to really enjoy them. However, my Global Marketing class seems like a lot of work. A lot of keeping up with global current events and reading the WSJ and the NYTimes. Basically, lots of research that I rather spend on booking trips! Oh well, my dad had to remind me today that I am going here for school, after all.
But what I enjoy the most about classes, I think, is that the professors teach us the concepts in regards to where we are. For example, in my advertising class, I need to create an ad campaign around and Italian product, rather than an American one. They really put the Italian spin on the lessons, which is what I was hoping for. My international business professor went through some obvious differences between American Universities and Universities in Rome. I can't remember all of them but basically he explained the difference in class dynamics teaching style. I'm glad I'm taking these international classes abroad- it really helps put everything into perspective.
Another cool thing about this about this university is that the class sizes are way smaller than at Drexel. The teachers get to know everyone in the class and make themselves available when you need help. (Sorry Drexel) The desks are even set up in a circle in some classrooms - allowing for more discussion. The school itself is small, however, classes are only really held in 1 building. And the girl to guy ratio in each class is like 7 to 1.
Other than school, I've realized that living in Rome is hard. It's hard to get around in a new city and even harder when you don't know much of the language. Today a bus driver on the bus that I take to get home from school every day told me that I was on the wrong bus. And it was hard to explain to him what street I had to get off at and that I was, in fact, on the correct bus. Also, the supermarkets are different and purchasing food is a whole other science. The people are friendly about it and understand that I'm American, but I guess it's just frustrating to me that I can't just go up to the counter and explain exactly what it is that I need. Ho Bisogno! Regardless, it's all part of the experience and I'll take a couple of weeks of feeling lost if it means that I get to learn this language and culture.
Lot's of fun things coming this week- lot's of parties! Keep reading for more details :)
But what I enjoy the most about classes, I think, is that the professors teach us the concepts in regards to where we are. For example, in my advertising class, I need to create an ad campaign around and Italian product, rather than an American one. They really put the Italian spin on the lessons, which is what I was hoping for. My international business professor went through some obvious differences between American Universities and Universities in Rome. I can't remember all of them but basically he explained the difference in class dynamics teaching style. I'm glad I'm taking these international classes abroad- it really helps put everything into perspective.
Another cool thing about this about this university is that the class sizes are way smaller than at Drexel. The teachers get to know everyone in the class and make themselves available when you need help. (Sorry Drexel) The desks are even set up in a circle in some classrooms - allowing for more discussion. The school itself is small, however, classes are only really held in 1 building. And the girl to guy ratio in each class is like 7 to 1.
Other than school, I've realized that living in Rome is hard. It's hard to get around in a new city and even harder when you don't know much of the language. Today a bus driver on the bus that I take to get home from school every day told me that I was on the wrong bus. And it was hard to explain to him what street I had to get off at and that I was, in fact, on the correct bus. Also, the supermarkets are different and purchasing food is a whole other science. The people are friendly about it and understand that I'm American, but I guess it's just frustrating to me that I can't just go up to the counter and explain exactly what it is that I need. Ho Bisogno! Regardless, it's all part of the experience and I'll take a couple of weeks of feeling lost if it means that I get to learn this language and culture.
Lot's of fun things coming this week- lot's of parties! Keep reading for more details :)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Te Amo, Roma
I have accomplished so much in the past couple of days I don't even know where to start. I've done more walking than my feet can handle, but I've seen so much and it was worth it. My sense of time is all confused, I feel like I've been here for weeks already. I'm finally at my apartment now- Sunday night at 11pm trying to get to bed early for my first day of school tomorrow.
Today we went to the beach. It took so long to get there but it was well worth it because the water was beautiful. Such a difference between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and very relaxing. I was exhausted when I got home though, since I've been on the move for 4 days straight. But I made dinner at home and started looking into some places to travel. I've booked a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest which I'm really excited about, and tomorrow I'm going to book a trip to Tuscany/Pisa/Florence and one to Pompeii with the school. Why do I feel like my time here is going to fly by?
Here's a recap:
Thursday I had orientation at AUR, general informative stuff, but then went on a walking tour of the city with some guides from the school. We took the scenic route, and saw some breathtaking views of the city. Then we walked all the way to the Coliseum and to the Trevi Fountain and back home. About a 3 hour journey, but it was nice to see the city. Even though I was exhausted by the time I got back, I had to go out and explore the nightlife. I made some friends on the tour and we all went out to Campo de Fiori- winded up going to a club called Mood. It was a blast, very American though. I try to speak as much Italian as possible, and actually I've been doing pretty good! Chatting with the locals isn't as hard as I thought it would be.
Friday I went back to the school to apply for my Permit of Stay and to buy a sim card. I'm not sure I'm even going to need a phone and the calling rates are pretty expensive, but it's good to have just in case. I really do miss my iPhone though! That night, I went to dinner with my roommates and ventured back to to the bars in Campo di Fiori after. Found another cool dance place and we made friends with some Italian locals! It was funny because they barely spoke English and we don't know much Italian, but it was fun regardless.
Saturday, I finally adjusted to the time difference I think because I was able to wake up at a normal time. AUR had a welcome BBQ party and I went with my roommates for lunch and to join some clubs there. We also got some flyers for cool trips to go on throughout the fall. After the BBQ we walked back into the city and did pretty much the same (extended) route that the tour took us on two days before. We went back to the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain but also went to see the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum this time. I guess to me, as a tourist, I get so excited and humbled by all the sites that I see that it makes me feel so small and lucky to be where I am. But then I think about the Romans that live here, and how these awesome ruins and monuments are their home. They are so used to living in history whereas I am so amazed to see even the smallest of ruins. My favorite place in the city is definitely the Trevi Fountain. It's so beautiful and there's a ton of cute little restaurants and bars and gelato shops around the area. It's always packed with tourists, but if you can find a seat around the fountain you can just sit there and enjoy the scenery for hours. That night, we went down to the bars along the river (when I say bar, it's more of a restaurant- not a typical bar you would go to in Philly) We found a cutie little place that was very authentically Italian, I think we were the only tourists there and no one really spoke English. We were able to order and enjoy the night though.
Today we went to the beach. It took so long to get there but it was well worth it because the water was beautiful. Such a difference between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and very relaxing. I was exhausted when I got home though, since I've been on the move for 4 days straight. But I made dinner at home and started looking into some places to travel. I've booked a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest which I'm really excited about, and tomorrow I'm going to book a trip to Tuscany/Pisa/Florence and one to Pompeii with the school. Why do I feel like my time here is going to fly by?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Benvenuti a Roma!
Today, I arrived in Rome, Italy. Words cannot describe how excited I am to finally be here! We landed around 9am, Rome time- 3am in Philly. We found the representatives from AUR and they took us to meet other students before driving us to our apartment. In all honesty, I was expecting a small apartment, one bathroom, little storage, old building- typical Italian style home- but when my roommate and I opened the apartment door, we were shocked. It's a beautiful apartment! Huge living room, 3 bedrooms and two gorgeous bathrooms as well as a terrace that overlooks the city, the size of my apartment in Philadelphia! (seriously, no exaggeration there)
After we dropped our things, my roommate and I went out to lunch- ate some authentic Italian Pizza and had Gelato for dessert. We ordered everything in Italian and were able to speak with some locals for directions. We also stopped at a supermarket to get some food for the apartment. Then we unpacked and took a nap to get rid of some jet lag.
We went out again for dinner and met some other students from AUR. Tomorrow is orientation and I’m really looking forward to meeting some new people and getting back into the class routine. The school is a little far from my apartment, about a 20 minute bus ride, but that’s okay because it will give me a chance to learn the area.
I don’t think it’s hit me yet that I’m here- to stay. It feels like a vacation but I have 4 months to learn the country and its history. I can’t believe that I’m actually doing this, I feel so incredibly lucky. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
After we dropped our things, my roommate and I went out to lunch- ate some authentic Italian Pizza and had Gelato for dessert. We ordered everything in Italian and were able to speak with some locals for directions. We also stopped at a supermarket to get some food for the apartment. Then we unpacked and took a nap to get rid of some jet lag.
We went out again for dinner and met some other students from AUR. Tomorrow is orientation and I’m really looking forward to meeting some new people and getting back into the class routine. The school is a little far from my apartment, about a 20 minute bus ride, but that’s okay because it will give me a chance to learn the area.
I don’t think it’s hit me yet that I’m here- to stay. It feels like a vacation but I have 4 months to learn the country and its history. I can’t believe that I’m actually doing this, I feel so incredibly lucky. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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