Day 9

It wasn't the most eventful day over here. I went on my run this morning with my roommate, made lunch at home using veggies I had lying around and then went off to Italian class, which seemed much longer than usual for some reason. We have our first quiz tomorrow, so I've been studying up on my indefinite and definite articles, common phrases, and simple verbs. Wish me luck!

And don't worry, tomorrow, I will definitely take advantage of the fact that I live in Rome. Today was just a lazy day.

Campo di Fiori

Today was my day to explore the Campo di Fiori area. Campo di Fiori is closer to the Tiber than to the center of Rome.

It is relatively close to where I live compared to everything else in Rome. I walked with one of my roommates to IES because she had a meeting about an internship. Then after that it was time to explore! We went in so many little shops that were so fun to look at! I think I even stumbled upon the Italian leather boots that I want. I will be back for those when it stops being 95 degrees everyday.

During our window shopping extravaganza, I got so hungry. We stopped at this amazing bakery called Il Fournio, which is right next to Campo. I got an eggplant focaccia, which was sooo good. And then my roommate and I went crazy and tried some of the bakery's confections. They all looked so good, but I settled on a nutella filled mini croissant and a giant truffle looking thing.

What is pictured above was disappointingly not very good. I had one bite and threw it out. There was some weird flavoring going on. I was kind of mad, but I got over it.

Next stop was Campo di Fiori. It was kind of shutting down when we got there, but most of the markets were still open. They had everything from vegetables and crepes to souvenir t-shirts and pate.

I was extremely full after this, so we walked around a little before Italian class and found a nice park. Well it wasn't so nice, it was swarming with dirty pigeons and sleeping homeless men. But it had a nice fountain that I took a picture of!

Buonanotte!

Day 7

Nothing too new to report here. Went on my run this morning and then had a meeting with my academic adviser. I'm taking two history courses, one on ancient Rome the other on fascism, an Italian literature course and an art history course. And of course Italian. We learned numbers today! Our professor had us walking around the building saying a number every time we took a step. We looked a little ridiculous. I have once again overeaten (the gelato is just too good to resist!) Where is my will power?!

Day 6

Today was a very long and productive day. I woke up around 10 (after ignoring my alarm at 8) and decided that I would go for a run around my favorite park. I honestly love running there. There are so many little families that go and just sit and look at the beautiful view. One of my roommates, Marielle, decided she wanted to go with me. I'm so excited I have a running buddy now! After our little run, we came back and took off for the Vatican.

We walked for an hour to get there, which wasn't the most pleasant experience because it was all uphill and about 95 degrees out. I sure hope no one was disturbed by how much I was sweating. We walked through this huge park to get there that has the best views of Rome. Even better than my favorite park!

Next stop was St. Peter's Basilica. We got a little lost on our way there, but nothing too serious. We just probably could have done it in 10 minutes less time. When we arrived at St. Peter's, we noticed the huge line to get in and decided it would be better to come back when the tourist season isn't as bad. So we just took a few pictures and called it a day.

The buildings here are so amazing. Even if we didn't get to go in, I'm still glad I made the trip to see it today.

After that excursion, Marielle and I went to a little pizzeria and split a margherita pizza. Then we had our first Italian class! It wasn't too bad or confusing and our professor is really great. After that two and half hour class, we came home and snacked and then made dinner and are way too much chocolate. Can't wait to work that off tomorrow during my run!

Arrivederci!

Day 5

Today was kind of a lazy day. I had goals of getting to the Trevi Fountain, but the rain abruptly ended that plan.

Earlier in the day, I went back to my favorite park for a run. I made the mistake of going in the heat of the day because I was sweating bullets! But it was worth it after the cannolis, nutella, and gelato I had last night...

Then I was really hungry, so I went to the grocery store to get salad ingredients, bread, and cheese. So I ate dinner at like 6. Little did I know, Alessia, my ISC, was planning to make us dinner at 9, soooo I ate again. She made a really classic Roman dish called Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. It was delicious! Then she taught us an Italian card game, which I still don't really understand. 


Now, it's time for bed. Sorry there are no pictures!!!

Saturday's Festivities

I woke up at 1 yesterday morning (I'm telling you this jet lag is crazy!) and I cleaned my room and did laundry. My roommates were still sleeping, so I decided to go out on an adventure of my own. I disregarded the emphasis Italians put on fashion and wore my sneakers. Now I never want to go back to wearing sandals. 

My first stop was the Vittoriano, the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the Italian king who unified Italy in 1861. The monument was not actually completed until 1935. But before I got there I took a picture on the way as I crossed the Tiber.

There was a cathedral attached to the monument that was so beautiful. A wedding was going on when I walked in.

Next stop was the Roman Forum.

And then the Colosseum.

I got back home and was so tired! My roommate knows a girl from her school that is in the same program we are and she invited us over for dinner. They were making crepes and I was not about to turn that down!

And then we walked around Trastevere at night. So pretty!

So that's it for now! Ciao!

Mon Appartement