Today was another good day in Rome. We went to the EUR, the poriton of Rome build by Musolini, for class. This afternoon I had lunch with my friend Mary Beth. We worked at kamp together the last 2 summers and we love or weekly lunch dates. Tomarrow will most likely be a long day because it is my least favorite class, but as soon as I get it behind me the weekend starts. We are leaving Friday morning for a class field trip to Orvieto. It should be another fun filled weekend.
Oh! And I got Ice Tea again today! How lucky am I, I guess if i were in Arkansas it would be smart for me to play that new lottery?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Movies and Ice Tea
So tonight my roomate Deborah and I we nt on a little adventure. We decided to go to the movies. There are a few theaters here that show movies in English so we went to the The Informant. The movie its self was okay, but it was great to watch something in English and the theater was very nice. I was even more excited about the movie when I relized they had fresh brewed ICE TEA. NOw it was lemon flavored so it was more like an Arnold Palmer (Ice Tea and lemonaid mixed together), but it was still amazing, esp when you consider it is the first thing I have had that resembled ice tea in nearly a month. We had a grea time and will def. do it again.
To all of you who are dying to see pics from Naples I promise they are coming.
To all of you who are dying to see pics from Naples I promise they are coming.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Another Big Weekend
This weekend was another big one. I traveled to the Bay of Naples on a class field trip. It was a lot of fun and we saw all the big sites. I took a lot of pictures and will try to get some posted for all of you in the next few days. We started out on Friday by taking a train to Naples. I was not all that impressed with the city of Naples its self. The city was dirty, smelled and looked old. Yes, everything here is old but most of it looks historic, but Naples looked run down 1930s old. It had lots of high rise condo buildings (high rise takes on a new meaning over hear, they were about 10 stories high), grafitti, and loud traffic.
While in Naples we visited an art museum that is located in an old palace. It had many interesting pieces of art from the 15 and 16 hundreds. Several of the rooms were left as they would have looked when the palace was being used as place a residence. We grabed some lunch and then went to an anthropological museum. It contained several pieces of art, sculpture, frescos, and other pieces that had be collected from sites such as pompii. Once we finsihed up there we all boarded our bus and wen to Sorento to check into the hotel.
The hotel was nice but the view and the area around it was even better. We were 1 block from the Mediteranian Sea, and surrounded by the beauty of a slower paced life out side of a major city. We ate dinner over looking the Med, Sea and spent the evening ahanging out in a pizza that over looked the sea as well.
Saturday we went to Pompei. I was amazed at how large it was and that is was not govered in ash and hardened lava. Once I took a moment to think about it, it made since. Of cource is wouldnt be covered with cooled lava and ash. The lava and ash are what protected it and what we see is what they found when they removed the ash. I did not know that Pompei was a such a large city though. It was apparently a tradign hub for souther Italy. Its proximity to the Med. Sea made it a vital trade center for the world.
After eating lunch at Pompei we all decided to go to the top of Mt. Vesuvious. We spent 9 Euro on a bus ticket to take us there and when when we arrived we had to pay another 5 Euro to climb to the top. The whole experiance is without a doubt a tourist trap, but it was ver interesting and worth it none the less. It was a very steep climb and we were all very tired by the time we made it back down to the bottom.
SOn sunday we visited a Palace that is know as the Little Versi because of its style and it gardens. It was a very interesting and beautiful palance, but haveing been to Versi I dont think they can even be compared. THese gardens were beautiful, but Versi was much prettier even when I was there in teh middle of March. (Perhaps I am becoming an travel snob, but whatever). The palace was very nice and a relaxing way to finish the tour.
This week should be pretty low key, but this weekend promisses to be another big adventure as we take a field trip to Orvieto. Dont ask me whywe are goign to Orvieto or why we are going because I dont know. I guess we will find out this weekend.
While in Naples we visited an art museum that is located in an old palace. It had many interesting pieces of art from the 15 and 16 hundreds. Several of the rooms were left as they would have looked when the palace was being used as place a residence. We grabed some lunch and then went to an anthropological museum. It contained several pieces of art, sculpture, frescos, and other pieces that had be collected from sites such as pompii. Once we finsihed up there we all boarded our bus and wen to Sorento to check into the hotel.
The hotel was nice but the view and the area around it was even better. We were 1 block from the Mediteranian Sea, and surrounded by the beauty of a slower paced life out side of a major city. We ate dinner over looking the Med, Sea and spent the evening ahanging out in a pizza that over looked the sea as well.
Saturday we went to Pompei. I was amazed at how large it was and that is was not govered in ash and hardened lava. Once I took a moment to think about it, it made since. Of cource is wouldnt be covered with cooled lava and ash. The lava and ash are what protected it and what we see is what they found when they removed the ash. I did not know that Pompei was a such a large city though. It was apparently a tradign hub for souther Italy. Its proximity to the Med. Sea made it a vital trade center for the world.
After eating lunch at Pompei we all decided to go to the top of Mt. Vesuvious. We spent 9 Euro on a bus ticket to take us there and when when we arrived we had to pay another 5 Euro to climb to the top. The whole experiance is without a doubt a tourist trap, but it was ver interesting and worth it none the less. It was a very steep climb and we were all very tired by the time we made it back down to the bottom.
SOn sunday we visited a Palace that is know as the Little Versi because of its style and it gardens. It was a very interesting and beautiful palance, but haveing been to Versi I dont think they can even be compared. THese gardens were beautiful, but Versi was much prettier even when I was there in teh middle of March. (Perhaps I am becoming an travel snob, but whatever). The palace was very nice and a relaxing way to finish the tour.
This week should be pretty low key, but this weekend promisses to be another big adventure as we take a field trip to Orvieto. Dont ask me whywe are goign to Orvieto or why we are going because I dont know. I guess we will find out this weekend.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fun Week!
Well I have had another fun week here in Rome and am gearing up for another great weekend! Chancelor Gearhart, the Chancelor of the University of Arkansas, was here this week to sign an agreement to extend the university's partnership with Roma Tre University here in Rome. He spent some time experiancing class with us and we had a very nice reception last time to honor his presance and the 20th anniversary of the Rome Study Center. It is always nice to have a familer face around and his was no exception. He and his wife are very friendly and I was glad to see them again. It has been great fun to work with him over the past year and a half. In my option this trip is just another example of how he dedicated to the students and a moto of Students First. With only 10 students in the program this semester and only 7 being form Arkansas he could have choosen to come next semester or sent a representative on his behalf, but instead he came to see and visit the program himself.
Beyond the Chancelor's visit there have been many other great adventures this week. I started out the week by visiting The Forum as part of class and since my ticket also included the colloseum I sept the afternoon visiting the coloseum. Both were very interesting and I took about 100 pictures. It is neat to see the years of history litterally stacked on top of one another and think about what the forum must have been like in its prime. Admitedly after a few hours it all just starts to look like old ruble and debry, but if you can stay focused one could spend years studying all there is to see in the forum.
Yesterday was spent enjoying 3 very interesting churches. The first was the oldest round church in the world. The second was a colliester, and the 3rd was a site where 3 different churches had been built on top of one another over the years. Each of these sites were different and unique and I truely enjoyed it. The fact that it was a perfect day weather wise doesnt hurt either.
Today we visited the modern art museum. While the museum its self was wonderful, class was misserable. We spent an hour getting there becasue it was far away and our teacher didnt really know hwere she was going. Once we got there we enjoyed the museum for about an hour which is nice to get a little taste but not enough to truely enjoy the museum. With about an hour and a half left in class we begin to head back to the ROme center knowign that when we returned our professor had a lengthy lecture she intended to give. After a long walk, 2 bus rides and another hour we made it back. At this point we only had about 25 minutes of class left and thought surelly swh waws just goign to let us go because there wasnt time for the lecture, but no! Instead she shortened her lecture to about an hour and let us out of class a half hour late. Needless to say none of us were very happy becasue we all had lunch plans and all of my classmates had class they had to get to as well.
The best part of the week is still to come. We leave tomarrow for the Bay of Naples, and will spend the weekend there. We are going to see Sorento, Pompei, and several other amazing sites. It should be a wonderful weekend!
Best of luck to all my friends in ASG this weekend at your retreat. Work hard and have fun; I hear Tammy, Erica, and Jessica have been working very hard this week to make it a productive and fun time!
Beyond the Chancelor's visit there have been many other great adventures this week. I started out the week by visiting The Forum as part of class and since my ticket also included the colloseum I sept the afternoon visiting the coloseum. Both were very interesting and I took about 100 pictures. It is neat to see the years of history litterally stacked on top of one another and think about what the forum must have been like in its prime. Admitedly after a few hours it all just starts to look like old ruble and debry, but if you can stay focused one could spend years studying all there is to see in the forum.
Yesterday was spent enjoying 3 very interesting churches. The first was the oldest round church in the world. The second was a colliester, and the 3rd was a site where 3 different churches had been built on top of one another over the years. Each of these sites were different and unique and I truely enjoyed it. The fact that it was a perfect day weather wise doesnt hurt either.
Today we visited the modern art museum. While the museum its self was wonderful, class was misserable. We spent an hour getting there becasue it was far away and our teacher didnt really know hwere she was going. Once we got there we enjoyed the museum for about an hour which is nice to get a little taste but not enough to truely enjoy the museum. With about an hour and a half left in class we begin to head back to the ROme center knowign that when we returned our professor had a lengthy lecture she intended to give. After a long walk, 2 bus rides and another hour we made it back. At this point we only had about 25 minutes of class left and thought surelly swh waws just goign to let us go because there wasnt time for the lecture, but no! Instead she shortened her lecture to about an hour and let us out of class a half hour late. Needless to say none of us were very happy becasue we all had lunch plans and all of my classmates had class they had to get to as well.
The best part of the week is still to come. We leave tomarrow for the Bay of Naples, and will spend the weekend there. We are going to see Sorento, Pompei, and several other amazing sites. It should be a wonderful weekend!
Best of luck to all my friends in ASG this weekend at your retreat. Work hard and have fun; I hear Tammy, Erica, and Jessica have been working very hard this week to make it a productive and fun time!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
I Just Dont Think This is a Loud Minority
Yes, as I think everyone who reads this blog knows, I am unashamedly conservative. While conservative I dont tend to blog or my facebook about my views, and when discussing political, economic, and domestic issues I dont usually try to impose my views on others, but instead I try to learn about and respect the other side. I am even currently reading Obama's book The Audacity of Hope in an effort to better understand our President, where he comes from, and what he believes in.
All of this said I do want to share an artilce about the friendly and peacable protest that took place in DC last week. It was one of the largest in our nations history and went by with very little attention from the media or the democratic party. In fact the White House refused to comment, and the Democrats on the hill dismissed the protestors as a loud minority. Here is a link to the article in The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/12/AR2009091200971.html
If you feel the need to comment about this article on my blog that is fine. I just ask that you keep it clean and respectful. Overly angry or negative post from my friends on the right or left will be deleted.
All of this said I do want to share an artilce about the friendly and peacable protest that took place in DC last week. It was one of the largest in our nations history and went by with very little attention from the media or the democratic party. In fact the White House refused to comment, and the Democrats on the hill dismissed the protestors as a loud minority. Here is a link to the article in The Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/12/AR2009091200971.html
If you feel the need to comment about this article on my blog that is fine. I just ask that you keep it clean and respectful. Overly angry or negative post from my friends on the right or left will be deleted.
Wonderful Weekend
So, here you go. The post you have been waiting on since Wednesday. This weekend was the best yet. My visits to Tuscany and a 12th century castle for a wine tasting were probably the most fun I have had since I got here.
On Friday we had our first regional field trip, and we went to visit the narcropolis' of two small Etruscan Towns (Tarquinia and Cerveteri). We didn’t really know what to expect. We just met at the train station at 8:40 so that we could leave at 9 as we were told to so. We had assumed that we were going to take the train since we were meeting and the train station and that is how you get places over here. Boy were we wrong! After walking half way down the train station we went out a side door and began to questions our professors sanity, we walked up to a 50 passenger charter bus and were told to get on. Now you are probably thinking to yourself "Megan, so what? Lots of people travel on charter busses when touring” Yes this is true but keep in mind there were only 12 of us on this bus including the driver and our professor. Needless to say we all spread out and it was a very comfortable way to travel.
It took about 2 hours for us to get to Tarquinia and we spent an hour or 2 touring the tombs. They were very interesting. They were rooms build in large mound type huts. They were painted with very colorful frescos; though the color had faded you could still appreciate the art work. We then boarded the buss and went into the "downtown" Tarquinia to tour the museum and eat lunch. Having our professor with us at the museums over here is very nice because, one, he knows a lot about everything in the museums, and, 2, everything is written in Italian so with out him I would have little idea what I am looking at.
After lunch we hopped back on the bus and drove an hour back towards Rome the Narcropolis of the town of Cerveteri. The tombs of Cerveteri were really cool. They were much larger and when you entered them they actually looked and felt like multi room houses. They rose from the ground like large stone huts but instead of being build up from he ground they were carved out of the ground. It was amazing to think about how people in 400-500 BC were able to create such structures.
Once we were done touring we hoped back on the bus and headed back to Rome. It took us about 2 hours to get back to the train station because of traffic. Since we were close to the train station we decided to all go to Pizza Fantasy again. It was still not a Fantasy! At least this time more peopled agreed that it was mediocre Pizza at best since they were all sober.
Saturday was another early morning. I got up at 7am so that I could be at the train station in time to board a train at 8:40. I took the train to Florence where I grabbed a quick lunch and a very large homemade chocolate chip cookie. After my lunch I met up with my tour and boarded a bus for Tuscany. The sites are absolutely beautiful. It is the beginning of grape picking season and the finest Olive Oil producers will begin picking in the next week or so. Therefore everything in full bloom!
The first stop on our trip was to the small town of St. Brigida. In St. Brigida we visited the small, beautiful and quaint church of St. Bridgida which is built on top of the grotto where she lived with a bird after her brother died. We then continued our tour on to Castello del Trebbio. At Catello Del Trebbio we learned about the history of the castle and how it was once owned by the second most powerful family in Florence until they tried to kill of the Medici Family. We toured the castle and wine cellars and learned all about wine and Olive Oil from the Chianti Region of Italy. At the end of our tour we tasted 3 wines Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserve, and a Vin Santo. The wines were accompanied by local snacks. Everything tasted wonderful. After the tasting we had time to explore the vineyard and the gift shop. It was a very fun experience and the drive back to Florence was as pretty as the drive to the castle. It was nice to get to meet new people and spend time with a large group of people who speak English.
When I returned to Florence I had about 2 hours until my train left for Rome so I walked around the city and grabbed an anti-pasta for dinner since I wasn’t very hungry. The train ride back was much nicer than the train ride there because it was on a faster a train. The faster trains tend to be a little bit nicer. The train got into Rome a bit later than schedule. After a long but wonderful day I made it back to my apartment at about midnight!
I should have showered and gone straight to bed but instead I stayed up talking on the phone and facebooking until the Razorback game started the 2:45am local time and followed the first quarter on ESPN.com. With the Razorbacks up 14-7 at the end of the first quarter I decided I should call it a night. I did however roll over several hours later just in time to follow the very disappointing end to the game on my IPhone. Although we lost I still love the Razorbacks and miss football season terribly (almost if not as much as a I miss my family and friends).
Today is going to be spent resting and recovering from my weekend so that I can hit the ground running with new adventures next week.
Here are a few pictures from Tuscany.
On Friday we had our first regional field trip, and we went to visit the narcropolis' of two small Etruscan Towns (Tarquinia and Cerveteri). We didn’t really know what to expect. We just met at the train station at 8:40 so that we could leave at 9 as we were told to so. We had assumed that we were going to take the train since we were meeting and the train station and that is how you get places over here. Boy were we wrong! After walking half way down the train station we went out a side door and began to questions our professors sanity, we walked up to a 50 passenger charter bus and were told to get on. Now you are probably thinking to yourself "Megan, so what? Lots of people travel on charter busses when touring” Yes this is true but keep in mind there were only 12 of us on this bus including the driver and our professor. Needless to say we all spread out and it was a very comfortable way to travel.
It took about 2 hours for us to get to Tarquinia and we spent an hour or 2 touring the tombs. They were very interesting. They were rooms build in large mound type huts. They were painted with very colorful frescos; though the color had faded you could still appreciate the art work. We then boarded the buss and went into the "downtown" Tarquinia to tour the museum and eat lunch. Having our professor with us at the museums over here is very nice because, one, he knows a lot about everything in the museums, and, 2, everything is written in Italian so with out him I would have little idea what I am looking at.
After lunch we hopped back on the bus and drove an hour back towards Rome the Narcropolis of the town of Cerveteri. The tombs of Cerveteri were really cool. They were much larger and when you entered them they actually looked and felt like multi room houses. They rose from the ground like large stone huts but instead of being build up from he ground they were carved out of the ground. It was amazing to think about how people in 400-500 BC were able to create such structures.
Once we were done touring we hoped back on the bus and headed back to Rome. It took us about 2 hours to get back to the train station because of traffic. Since we were close to the train station we decided to all go to Pizza Fantasy again. It was still not a Fantasy! At least this time more peopled agreed that it was mediocre Pizza at best since they were all sober.
Saturday was another early morning. I got up at 7am so that I could be at the train station in time to board a train at 8:40. I took the train to Florence where I grabbed a quick lunch and a very large homemade chocolate chip cookie. After my lunch I met up with my tour and boarded a bus for Tuscany. The sites are absolutely beautiful. It is the beginning of grape picking season and the finest Olive Oil producers will begin picking in the next week or so. Therefore everything in full bloom!
The first stop on our trip was to the small town of St. Brigida. In St. Brigida we visited the small, beautiful and quaint church of St. Bridgida which is built on top of the grotto where she lived with a bird after her brother died. We then continued our tour on to Castello del Trebbio. At Catello Del Trebbio we learned about the history of the castle and how it was once owned by the second most powerful family in Florence until they tried to kill of the Medici Family. We toured the castle and wine cellars and learned all about wine and Olive Oil from the Chianti Region of Italy. At the end of our tour we tasted 3 wines Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserve, and a Vin Santo. The wines were accompanied by local snacks. Everything tasted wonderful. After the tasting we had time to explore the vineyard and the gift shop. It was a very fun experience and the drive back to Florence was as pretty as the drive to the castle. It was nice to get to meet new people and spend time with a large group of people who speak English.
When I returned to Florence I had about 2 hours until my train left for Rome so I walked around the city and grabbed an anti-pasta for dinner since I wasn’t very hungry. The train ride back was much nicer than the train ride there because it was on a faster a train. The faster trains tend to be a little bit nicer. The train got into Rome a bit later than schedule. After a long but wonderful day I made it back to my apartment at about midnight!
I should have showered and gone straight to bed but instead I stayed up talking on the phone and facebooking until the Razorback game started the 2:45am local time and followed the first quarter on ESPN.com. With the Razorbacks up 14-7 at the end of the first quarter I decided I should call it a night. I did however roll over several hours later just in time to follow the very disappointing end to the game on my IPhone. Although we lost I still love the Razorbacks and miss football season terribly (almost if not as much as a I miss my family and friends).
Today is going to be spent resting and recovering from my weekend so that I can hit the ground running with new adventures next week.
Here are a few pictures from Tuscany.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
I Know I know...
I know I know it has been way to long since my last post. Like 3 whole days. Im sure some of you are strugleing to get out of bed each morning because you dont have anythin to read on my blog, but have no fear I am going to post a very long blog on Sunday (possible very late Saturday night where you are). So for know these 4 sentances will have to carry you through.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The the Winner is...
No, this blog is not about the way Kanye West was a total tool to Taylor Swift at the VMAs! This blog is about how I have discovered some of the best and worsts of Rome over the last week or so.
The Award for Worst Pasta goes to Mojio at Campo di Fiori!
Yesterday after class I wanted to to grad and quick lunch and go home to take a nap. Campo di Fiori is located about 2 blicks from teh school and is on my way home. It is a Piazza that has a pretty cool market that is open till about about one and several resteraunts surrounding it. I really wanted either pasta cobanara or cantiloni (these too dishes have become some of my favorites in the last few weeks). I walked around the piazza and saw a sign that read pasta or pizza and wine for 8.50 euro, for those of you nkow familer with prices over here that is a pretty good deal. To find a hot meal for less than 10 euro is hard. So I checked the menu and saw that had both pasta cobonara and cantiloni so I got a table and set down. I ordered my wine and learned that canitiloni was not included in the special so I order pasta cobonara. I will spare you the details just becuase they aren't that interesting and tell you it was gross! I paid and left the resturant very disappointed and tierd. I made it home in about 20 minutes a took a nap.
The Award for Best Gelato goes to Old Bridge Gelato.
After my nap I went to meet my friend Mary Beth, who I have worked at Kanakuk with for the last 2 summers, for gelato. I sort of knew where this place was but didnt know for sure. So I took my GPS and off I went. What should have been a 20 minute walk took 45 because Tom Tom took me in a round about manner. Though almost a half hour late a made it, and luckly Mary Beth was still there. I spent 3 euro on the largest quantity of Ice Cream I have ever eaten in one sitting and it was well worth it. I got 3 flavors all on one cone Blueberry, Nutella, and Cantelope. It was amazing. The two fruit flavors had really fresh fruit. The cantelope reminded me of when I was a little girl and Pop use to give the Cantelope "popsicles". Once we had our gelato we sat in St. Peters Square, ate our Ice Cream and talked for the next hour or so. It was a wonderful afternoon and we have decided we are going to meet every Wednesday for lunch. We are also looking at traveling to Austria together sometime next month.
The Award for Most Rediculous Recycling Program EVER goes to Trastervere, Rome.
I dont know how I have made it 3 weeks with out sharing how aweful it is to try to throw away a piece of trash in this apartment. For starts there are no garabage cans, but that is because there are all these bags and a crazy recycling system. There are 4 categories. Paper, Plastic, Organic Material (which last time I checked paper is organic), and non recycleble materials. Each Category has its own color bag and its own collection day. On collection day it must be outside the building before 8:30am or you will miss pick up. There are no bins you just put the bags next to the door of your building on the street. But becareful. If you are a person who plans ahead be sure not to put for trash out before 8:30pm the night before or someone might get made you. Last night I saw a bunchof old men alsomt get in a fist fight because some guy had put the trash out too early. Trahs here is just crazy and you know how I feel about recycling. Needless to say this is just furthering my hatered for the issue!
On the academic front. My classes are going very well. We went to the Capitolin Museum which was one of the first public museums in the world. It was mostly sculpure and had a lot of really cool frescos on the wall.
All is well here, the city is beautiful, and the weather has been amazing!
The Award for Worst Pasta goes to Mojio at Campo di Fiori!
Yesterday after class I wanted to to grad and quick lunch and go home to take a nap. Campo di Fiori is located about 2 blicks from teh school and is on my way home. It is a Piazza that has a pretty cool market that is open till about about one and several resteraunts surrounding it. I really wanted either pasta cobanara or cantiloni (these too dishes have become some of my favorites in the last few weeks). I walked around the piazza and saw a sign that read pasta or pizza and wine for 8.50 euro, for those of you nkow familer with prices over here that is a pretty good deal. To find a hot meal for less than 10 euro is hard. So I checked the menu and saw that had both pasta cobonara and cantiloni so I got a table and set down. I ordered my wine and learned that canitiloni was not included in the special so I order pasta cobonara. I will spare you the details just becuase they aren't that interesting and tell you it was gross! I paid and left the resturant very disappointed and tierd. I made it home in about 20 minutes a took a nap.
The Award for Best Gelato goes to Old Bridge Gelato.
After my nap I went to meet my friend Mary Beth, who I have worked at Kanakuk with for the last 2 summers, for gelato. I sort of knew where this place was but didnt know for sure. So I took my GPS and off I went. What should have been a 20 minute walk took 45 because Tom Tom took me in a round about manner. Though almost a half hour late a made it, and luckly Mary Beth was still there. I spent 3 euro on the largest quantity of Ice Cream I have ever eaten in one sitting and it was well worth it. I got 3 flavors all on one cone Blueberry, Nutella, and Cantelope. It was amazing. The two fruit flavors had really fresh fruit. The cantelope reminded me of when I was a little girl and Pop use to give the Cantelope "popsicles". Once we had our gelato we sat in St. Peters Square, ate our Ice Cream and talked for the next hour or so. It was a wonderful afternoon and we have decided we are going to meet every Wednesday for lunch. We are also looking at traveling to Austria together sometime next month.
The Award for Most Rediculous Recycling Program EVER goes to Trastervere, Rome.
I dont know how I have made it 3 weeks with out sharing how aweful it is to try to throw away a piece of trash in this apartment. For starts there are no garabage cans, but that is because there are all these bags and a crazy recycling system. There are 4 categories. Paper, Plastic, Organic Material (which last time I checked paper is organic), and non recycleble materials. Each Category has its own color bag and its own collection day. On collection day it must be outside the building before 8:30am or you will miss pick up. There are no bins you just put the bags next to the door of your building on the street. But becareful. If you are a person who plans ahead be sure not to put for trash out before 8:30pm the night before or someone might get made you. Last night I saw a bunchof old men alsomt get in a fist fight because some guy had put the trash out too early. Trahs here is just crazy and you know how I feel about recycling. Needless to say this is just furthering my hatered for the issue!
On the academic front. My classes are going very well. We went to the Capitolin Museum which was one of the first public museums in the world. It was mostly sculpure and had a lot of really cool frescos on the wall.
All is well here, the city is beautiful, and the weather has been amazing!
Monday, September 14, 2009
First Day of Class
Today was the first day of real class. It feels like I have been here way to long to just now be starting class. To refresh your memory I arrived 2 weeks ago today. Class went well. I am taking two class. Art and Historic Preservation (AHP) meets on Monday and Wednesday and Architecture of the Roman City meets on Tuesday and Thursday. Class begins each day at 9 and end somewhere between 11:30 and 12:30. They arent to picky when it comes to time over here. AHP is taught by two different profesors. On Monday we focus on Historic Preservation with won of the worlds leading historic preservationist, and on Wednesday we focus on Art Culture. My professor on Wednesday might be one of the smartest people I know. He knows something about every piece of art in every building we walk into. His array of knowledge is truely amazing. Tommarrow I will learn more about my archtecture of city class. I know that it involves a lot of sketching. While I am not a good sketcher now I have been told that I will come back amazing!
Overall I think my classes are going really well. I have afternoons free while everyone else in my program is in studio. I think I am going to really enjoy this time. It will allow me to do what I want with out having to worry about what others want to do or where they might want to go. I plan to use the timeto sketch tour other parts of the city and revisits museums that we saw in class.
I am begining to try and plan the different weekend trips I want to take. There are so many places. It is going to be a great semester but it is going to fly buy!
Overall I think my classes are going really well. I have afternoons free while everyone else in my program is in studio. I think I am going to really enjoy this time. It will allow me to do what I want with out having to worry about what others want to do or where they might want to go. I plan to use the timeto sketch tour other parts of the city and revisits museums that we saw in class.
I am begining to try and plan the different weekend trips I want to take. There are so many places. It is going to be a great semester but it is going to fly buy!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Lazy Day
Today has been a slow and lazy day nut it has not been with out its adventures. We all got up about 9 this morning to go to this supposedly really cool market that the boys found last week. (It is only open on Sunday Mornings). We met at the boy’s apartment at about 9:45 and headed towards the market. The clouds in the sky looked ominous, but we decided to brave it anyway. The guys thought this market was really cool. We girls were not as impressed. It was very crowded and the type place you had to dig through the stuff to find what you want. Many of the items were used, and we didn’t see anything we really wanted, needed, or couldn’t live without. We got about half way down the market when it began to drizzle and thunder. Having gotten stuck out in similar conditions yester day we knew that it was only a matter of time until the storm turned in to a down poor. Needless to say, we turned back and made it home just in time. While the market may have not been the success we had hoped for it was a fun adventure that got us up and out of the house. I spent about an hour reading and then took a nap to the peaceful rain. It was very relaxing to sleep to the storm with the windows open.
The remainder of the day has been spent hanging out, reading, playing on the internet and enjoying the sound of the storm move through. I did venture out a little while ago when there was a break in the storm for a pastry and some gelato. I can never have too many sweets! This evening we plan to get some dinner and hang out with guys. We all start real class tomorrow so I imagine we will call it a relatively early night.
The remainder of the day has been spent hanging out, reading, playing on the internet and enjoying the sound of the storm move through. I did venture out a little while ago when there was a break in the storm for a pastry and some gelato. I can never have too many sweets! This evening we plan to get some dinner and hang out with guys. We all start real class tomorrow so I imagine we will call it a relatively early night.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Im Gonna Keep it Short
Im not in much of a mood to blog but I have been told some of you get more excited about reading my blog than a little kid who wakes up to micky mouse pancases with chocolate chips on Saturday morning. NOt to mention I dont want to get out of the habit of blogging so that I have a record of what I did it the future. That being said, I have going to keep this one short.
My roommates and I got up this mornig and caught a train to the beach. It was beautiful and I really enjoyed swing inthe Mediteraining Sea. It is wierd to think about the fact that today I swam in the same body of water where Jesus once was. It was the perfect day for beach, and we stayed for several hours.
Keep my roommate Stacy and her family in your prayers. When we returned from the beach her mom called to tell her that her grandfather had passed away. He had a heart attack a few days ago and I guess it all just went down hill from there. She would really like to go home, but it just really isn't possible. The next few days will be very hard on her family, but they will pribibly be even harder for her as she struggles to find closure without the physical support of her family or a funeral.
On a happier note I am very excited that classes start for real on Monday and CBHS beat White Station on Friday. Go Brothers! Since the Razorbacks make dont play this week I am happy to announce that we will be headed into week 3 undefeated as we take ont he Georgia Bulldogs at home. I really miss American Football in case you cant tell. This will be the first seaon in 22 years that I have not watched a down on football live and in person!
My roommates and I got up this mornig and caught a train to the beach. It was beautiful and I really enjoyed swing inthe Mediteraining Sea. It is wierd to think about the fact that today I swam in the same body of water where Jesus once was. It was the perfect day for beach, and we stayed for several hours.
Keep my roommate Stacy and her family in your prayers. When we returned from the beach her mom called to tell her that her grandfather had passed away. He had a heart attack a few days ago and I guess it all just went down hill from there. She would really like to go home, but it just really isn't possible. The next few days will be very hard on her family, but they will pribibly be even harder for her as she struggles to find closure without the physical support of her family or a funeral.
On a happier note I am very excited that classes start for real on Monday and CBHS beat White Station on Friday. Go Brothers! Since the Razorbacks make dont play this week I am happy to announce that we will be headed into week 3 undefeated as we take ont he Georgia Bulldogs at home. I really miss American Football in case you cant tell. This will be the first seaon in 22 years that I have not watched a down on football live and in person!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Pizza Fantasy and the Kosovo Terrorist Network
So before you all freak out and think that it is unsafe over here I will tell you about the Kosovo Terrorist Network (KTN). About 2 days ago I go on the computer and open up the internet. When I did I did not find the usual home page. Instead I got this creepy black scream with weird music that said I was being logged into the Kosovo Terrorist Network. I immediately closed the window and reported it to the You Place in Rome people and they came and fixed it yesterday. Apparently our computer somehow got hacked into but all is well now. This is why I have not blogged in a few days. I did not want to somehow expose any of your computers to anything. Needless to say I will doing things like checking my bank account and anything else I hope to keep secure on the computers at the school since they seem to have a more secure network.
Now for Pizza Fantasy. Last night we all (all 10 people in my program) decided we would go out and find this place called Pizza Fantasy that Brian had been talking about all week. So we all go dressed up because we had intended for this to be a night out on the town. It ended up being a very long bus ride and mediocre Pizza, but since 75% of my friends were drunk they thought it was great. I on the other was just a little uncomfortable. After the outing last night I now know why Americans have a bad reputation over here, and why crazy things happen to them.
All and all things are going very well. I have finished the first week of school, and real class starts on Monday. I think my classes are going to be great. I am very excited that I only have class in the morning. This will allow me to go back and visit sites in the afternoon as well as practice my sketching. I need a lot of work! We are talking about going to the beach on Saturday so that should be fun.
Now for Pizza Fantasy. Last night we all (all 10 people in my program) decided we would go out and find this place called Pizza Fantasy that Brian had been talking about all week. So we all go dressed up because we had intended for this to be a night out on the town. It ended up being a very long bus ride and mediocre Pizza, but since 75% of my friends were drunk they thought it was great. I on the other was just a little uncomfortable. After the outing last night I now know why Americans have a bad reputation over here, and why crazy things happen to them.
All and all things are going very well. I have finished the first week of school, and real class starts on Monday. I think my classes are going to be great. I am very excited that I only have class in the morning. This will allow me to go back and visit sites in the afternoon as well as practice my sketching. I need a lot of work! We are talking about going to the beach on Saturday so that should be fun.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rome is My Classroom
I got my first taste of what class will be like this semester. I think that amazing is probibly a good word to use. Now today was still just orientation but we began going on tours of the city and the day was set up much like my class will be. Here is how class goes. Meet the Professor at a random location in Rome (today it was the school Wednesday it is Capitol Hill), walk and look around in amazment, stop and listen to the professor talk, ask questions, sketch, move on and repeat. It is so much fun. If every class in life were like this no one would hate school. It is so amazing how much there is here. The city is almost 30 feet deep with one building on top of another. You are walking down the street and all of the sudden you turn a corner and it is like BAM there is an amazing building and history is just before your eyes.
Apparently the link I posted yesterday didnt work so I am going to try again. Try this link for more pics (if it doesnt work as a link try copy and pasting it into your broweser.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2214991&id=20607137&l=5f78f69d64
PS Spell check isn't working today so if all my smarty pants friends could refrain, posting comments (sending email, facebook messages, etc.) that point out every miss spelled word that would be great. Let just all get the good laugh out now. "haha Megan can't spell"
Apparently the link I posted yesterday didnt work so I am going to try again. Try this link for more pics (if it doesnt work as a link try copy and pasting it into your broweser.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2214991&id=20607137&l=5f78f69d64
PS Spell check isn't working today so if all my smarty pants friends could refrain, posting comments (sending email, facebook messages, etc.) that point out every miss spelled word that would be great. Let just all get the good laugh out now. "haha Megan can't spell"
Monday, September 7, 2009
much awaited pics!
So, if you find yourself wondering why I have not posted in several days it is not because I have been so busy having fun that I have not had time. Thought I have been very busy having fun as you will see from this post. It is because our internet and phone have been down since Thursday. Thanks to the Center I know have a local phone number. It is an international call for you but a free for me so let me know if you want the number and I will give it to you. I can also give you my skype number (which is free for both of us if you would like it).
Rome has been great the last few days. I am getting use to living in a city that has between 3-5 million people, but I don't think you have to worry about me wanting to move here predominantly. I like it here but my heart still, resides in Fayetteville with a little piece in Memphis. We began orientation here today. It was nice to have something we had to do and get familiarized with the Rome Center. The faculty is great and I am excited about all the adventures the semester holds.
So without further ado here are the pictures...
my living room
My bedroom
the kitchen and laundry room.
For those of you thinking "HA Megan will never use that room" You are wrong! My roommates and I cooked dinner last night, and I have already done laundry once.
THe bathroom
More pictures can be found at
Sorry they are side ways I will figure out how to turn them for the next blog maybe!
Rome has been great the last few days. I am getting use to living in a city that has between 3-5 million people, but I don't think you have to worry about me wanting to move here predominantly. I like it here but my heart still, resides in Fayetteville with a little piece in Memphis. We began orientation here today. It was nice to have something we had to do and get familiarized with the Rome Center. The faculty is great and I am excited about all the adventures the semester holds.
So without further ado here are the pictures...
my living room
My bedroom
the kitchen and laundry room.
For those of you thinking "HA Megan will never use that room" You are wrong! My roommates and I cooked dinner last night, and I have already done laundry once.
THe bathroom
More pictures can be found at
Sorry they are side ways I will figure out how to turn them for the next blog maybe!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My New BFF and Air Conditioning
Ok so I hate to disappoint you but I don’t have a new best friend nor do I have air conditioning, but I do have 2 things that come very close. My TomTom and a new fan. TomTom, my gps, is perhaps the greatest item I brought on this trip. It is far better than any map or tour books. While he is not perfect, he allows me to navigate easily from wherever I am to wherever I want to go without any trouble! He talks to me and tells me which way to go. It is impossible to get lost because if I make a wrong turn it just gives me a new route to my destination. Basically like I said before it is the greats thing ever, and if you are travelling anytime soon you should acquire one too!
In case you did not pick up of the fact that it is very hott here and I don’t have AC, it is and I don’t. I do however, now have a fully functioning fan. After a lot of searching, a very Under the Tuscan Sun shopping adventure, and some assembly without the proper tools I now have a fan that has cooled my apartment down tremendously. My two roommates from KU, Theresa and Stacy, arrived today and they plan to purchase a fan very soon as well. So basically I feel as though my apartment is now air conditioned!
For those of you wondering what an Under the Tuscan Sun shopping adventure is I encourage you to rent the movies. In short I speak basically no Italian, and the people at the store spoke basically no English, but after a lot of gesturing and grunting I managed to purchase a fan!
I had this whole long blog with my days adventures and lots of photos planed but the internet is less than reliable right now so it will have to wait until it gets fixed. Over all I am having a great time and am very happy to be here.
Tammy dont worry you could never be replaced, esp by a machine!
In case you did not pick up of the fact that it is very hott here and I don’t have AC, it is and I don’t. I do however, now have a fully functioning fan. After a lot of searching, a very Under the Tuscan Sun shopping adventure, and some assembly without the proper tools I now have a fan that has cooled my apartment down tremendously. My two roommates from KU, Theresa and Stacy, arrived today and they plan to purchase a fan very soon as well. So basically I feel as though my apartment is now air conditioned!
For those of you wondering what an Under the Tuscan Sun shopping adventure is I encourage you to rent the movies. In short I speak basically no Italian, and the people at the store spoke basically no English, but after a lot of gesturing and grunting I managed to purchase a fan!
I had this whole long blog with my days adventures and lots of photos planed but the internet is less than reliable right now so it will have to wait until it gets fixed. Over all I am having a great time and am very happy to be here.
Tammy dont worry you could never be replaced, esp by a machine!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Day 1 Down
I apologize that I don’t have the pictures of the apartment download yet but they are coming. I spent much of the day trying to catch up on sleep and getting settled in. My apartment, like most in Rome, is not air conditioned. It is very warm and humid, so I am in great need of a fan. I a few hours this afternoon looking for one, but did not find any shops that sell them. I am going to email the school and the people at Your Place in Rome to see if they have any ideas on where I might be able to purchase a fan.
I hate to complain about the weather, but I feel that it is justified for 2 reasons:
1. It is hott enough that the Romans are complaining about it. And in my opinion is the locals are complaining about it the visitors can too.
2. I spent 6 of the last 12 weeks living in a TP and Kamp and was never really this hott.
It is as hott and humid and Memphis and Central Arkansas in mid-August and I know that those of you reading who have been there before wouldn’t dare part with your A/C.
All and all I am doing well. My neighbourhood is great. There are lots of restaurants, and shops. Everything I need (except and fan) is just right around the corner.
Thing I have Learned Since I Arrived:
1. 5 minutes= 15 minutes and 20 minutes= 45 minutes
2. Bubbly water is gross and all water has bubbles unless it is coming out of your sink or says mineral water on it.
3. Despite what travel books say, Italians do where shorts. They are just longer. In other words the travel books should say "Italians don’t where booty shorts"
4. There is no reason to sleep-in in a city that takes siestas. Just take a nap while they do whatever it is they do during siesta.
5. Restaurants and bars and open late but nothing else is.
For those of you who have Google mapped by address, mine is the yellow building second floor from the top on the corner.
Happy Birthday Courtney! I here 23 is kind of let down but have fun anyway!
I hate to complain about the weather, but I feel that it is justified for 2 reasons:
1. It is hott enough that the Romans are complaining about it. And in my opinion is the locals are complaining about it the visitors can too.
2. I spent 6 of the last 12 weeks living in a TP and Kamp and was never really this hott.
It is as hott and humid and Memphis and Central Arkansas in mid-August and I know that those of you reading who have been there before wouldn’t dare part with your A/C.
All and all I am doing well. My neighbourhood is great. There are lots of restaurants, and shops. Everything I need (except and fan) is just right around the corner.
Thing I have Learned Since I Arrived:
1. 5 minutes= 15 minutes and 20 minutes= 45 minutes
2. Bubbly water is gross and all water has bubbles unless it is coming out of your sink or says mineral water on it.
3. Despite what travel books say, Italians do where shorts. They are just longer. In other words the travel books should say "Italians don’t where booty shorts"
4. There is no reason to sleep-in in a city that takes siestas. Just take a nap while they do whatever it is they do during siesta.
5. Restaurants and bars and open late but nothing else is.
For those of you who have Google mapped by address, mine is the yellow building second floor from the top on the corner.
Happy Birthday Courtney! I here 23 is kind of let down but have fun anyway!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
IM here!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am here. My appartment is wonderful, and I have had a good italian meal. Seeing as how I have been up for well over 24 hours now. I am going to shower and go to bed, but know worries details and pictures will come tomarrow! (I have already taken many pictures of my appartment)
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