Last Day of Summer, First Day of School

I spent the last day of my summer doing what Californians do best, the beach. It is only a half hour train ride to the Tyrrhenian Sea from Rome, so the beach is closer than sitting through the LA traffic at home. We navigated the railways with no problems, but as soon as we left the train station we learned the hard way that sometimes it is best to follow the crowd. Everyone piled into a jam packed bus, but we decided to walk to beach, calling the Italians lazy. No, they are definitely smarter than us. The public beach is about a 35 minute walk (5 minute bus ride!) from the station. All the other beaches are private and require a fee to enter. I'm from California. I refuse to pay for the beach! We learned our lesson quickly and thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the sun on the black sand and playing in the water. Perfect way to end the summer!

Today I completed my first day of classes, Italian and Photography. This is not just vacation, I actually have to do some school work. There goes my dreamlike bubble. Pop. So strange to think the first day of my last year of school took place in Italy. No cougar walk, dodging the overflow of freshmen, or stopping to catch up with friends not seen all summer. It was almost like reverting back to freshman year. Everything and everyone is new.
I love my classes though! I can finally start learning this country's beautiful language and maybe have a decent conversation with the locals, the first step in blending in and pretending I'm Italian. Here's some key phrases and words I learned today:

What is your name?  --> Tu Come Ti Chiami?
My name is... --> Io mi chiamo...
How are you? --> Come stai?
I am very well. --> Sto molto bene.
Where do you come from? --> Tu di dove sei?
I am from... --> Io sono di...
Ci vediamo domani/presto --> See you tomorrow/soon

You should all practice some Italian along with me, so we can speak to each other when I get home. I'm determined to soak as much as I can in. I find the language so lovely.

Tomorrow: Italian. Wednesday: Italian, Politics and Economics of the EU, and Masterpieces of the Vatican. Thursday: Italian and Mediterranean Archeology. It's going to be a wonderful semester of classes.

Tivoli

Yesterday, we traveled to Tivoli, about an hours drive from Rome, and visited Villa d'Este. Filled with gorgeous frescoes and breathtaking gardens, the villa provided us with our first real taste of Rome's rich history.

 

Fountain of Neptune (part of it)

My kitty friend, Figaro

Gelato/Coffee break with friends: Izzy, Alli, Linh, and Chelsea

 

First expresso in Italy. So delicious (with half a packet of sugar)

Limone gelato (yes i got both)

My Last 24 Hours In Pictures

Dinner last night. Gnocchi Verdi.

Our regular gelato shop (only one I've been to so far)

Trevi Fountain. I threw a penny in, so I must be coming back to Rome! ;)

Whirlwinds and Butterflies

Tiber River

Day 3 of Rome and I finally have internet! It's been so hard not to share my experiences with anyone at home yet! So here it is, first days of Rome in brief:

Where I am currently sitting in my room. I love the green shutters!

The first day consisted of a sleep deprived, yet wonderful ride through the most romantic city. I call it my perfect man: classy,  charming, romantic, artsy, a little edge, a good cook, and warmth all around, therefore instant butterflies and love at first sight. There is such harmony in the ancient buildings and ruins running into the modern. First, we were dropped off at our apartments, and then whisked off to dinner at a cute pizzeria with even cuter waiters (all the girls were swooning over one in particular). Here's my first meal, bruschetta and margarita pizza!

When my roommates and I came back that night, we encountered the major challenge of the day: unlocking our door. Maybe it was our lack of sleep, but it took us about 15 minutes before we finally cracked the lock. Then that night we discovered the cons of living by the train. I bolted awake at about 2 am, not entirely sure where I was, but afraid a train was running right through our bedroom window. Last night I fell asleep to my ipod and found sleeping through the night much easier.

Roommates!

The days have been filled with lots of orientation…  helpful, but oh so tiring. The only thought on my mind is exploring and eating gelato! Three of my roommates and I were able to fulfill my latter wish last night. Delicious! I chose chocolate and Nutella. The owner was a charming, middle-aged man with google translator on his laptop! We asked him to explain what all the flavors were and he was very patient and helpful, even giving us samples. A customer came in and let one of us try a nutty flavor he ordered. So warm and friendly! I can assure you that gelato shop will be a regular occurrence. No pictures of the gelato though I hate to say. I’m already failing at photographing my food. It is just too wonderful that I eat it all before the thought of a picture crosses my mind! 

Today we visited a farm in the countryside just outside of Rome and I made certain to capture our lunch. It was 3 courses with dessert, coffee, and dessert liquore (limoncella, a little strong for me).

After lunch we went food shopping in the market. Everything was grown or made on the farm. Dream come true. I bought my first bottle of wine, olive oil, pesto, grapes (best I've ever tasted), tomatoes, and apples. Now I need some bread, cheese, and pasta!

I'm excited for jetlag to subside and have more time to explore the city without a strict schedule!

Love to you all! I miss everyone already! Come visit. Seriously. Italy is magical.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow!

This is my 2:30 am, have to be up in 2 hours, but too excited to sleep face. 

ROME ROME ROME

Last dinner in the USA: melt in your mouth Filet Mignon and delicious veggies

Listening to: Paolo Nutini (he's Italian. perfect.)

Excited because I can fit 2 more pairs of shoes, my pillow, and art supplies in my suitcases... with room to spare. Packing might have come late, but it was done well thanks to the expertise and helpful hands of Corinne Medeiros (so glad you could be home for me and Lauryn!).

Also, shout out to my lovely friends Shiva and Whitney who ended up home this weekend and could send me off. So wonderful!

My next post will be in Roma!