One Week: Piacere!

Kate and Mac Walking the Steps at the Vittorio Emanuele Monument

Italian: Piacere

English: Nice to Meet You

I find it unbelievable that I've past the one week mark here in Roma. I already feel settled in my apartment, and even slipped the word "home," a few times in reference to it. Rome is such a large city, and you can truly live by the mantra: "A Church a Day."

Michelangelo's "Cristo della Minerva" in St. Maria Sopra Minerva; Ceiling in St. Ignazio's; Classmates and Professor in St. Ignacio during the Baroque Tour

As I mentioned in my previous blogpost, which included me discussing Piazza Navona, I attended a free Baroque Walking tour organized by my school with one of the art history professors. Aside from discussing the Piazza, we stopped at two churches: St. Maria Sopra Minerva and St. Ignazio's (center of the Jesuit church in Roma). The first church stop was quick, but not so quick that I didn't stand admiring my first ever site of an original Michelangelo! Cristo della Minerva, or "Christ the Redeemer," was completed in 1521, and the composition, or the position in which Christ is standing, was designed entirely by Michelangelo himself. 

St. Ignazio's was absolutely breathtaking, the ceiling in particular will leave a kink in your neck as you attempt to absorb all of the intricate detail. If you can believe it, the ceiling is actually flat because the Jesuit's were banned from building a dome in the church. Therefore, the artist's illusionistic skills are that much more exemplary. 

The Girls Standing on the Steps of Vittorio Emanuele Monument; Mac and the View atop of the Terrezza

After passing this glorious structure the day before, Kate, Mac and I decided to venture over to the Vittorio Emanuele Monument after the Baroque Walk. This structure is pristine in all forms, but amplifies the August heat here in Rome. Regardless, we quite enjoyed visiting this monument and walking up the many steps to enjoy the view atop of the terrezza (Terrace), which was a great way to have a panoramic view of the city. We decided we will go back to fully enjoy the free museum they have inside the building, as well as all of the architectural details when the heat subsides.

Church of Saint Cecilia

On Sunday, we decided to walk along the side streets of our neighborhood, Trastevere, in hopes of seeing the catacombs at the Church of Saint Cecilia. Of course, since it's still August, the catacombs are closed. The church was stunning, and again I found myself gawping at the ceiling. We'll be back soon to explore the spooky undergrounds of this beautiful Church.

Kate and Mac standing in Campagna di Amici; Welcome Dinner Delights

Monday night, our school hosted a welcome dinner at one of Rome's best open air markets: Campagna di Amici. This was a special treat since the Market will not be open until this weekend once September starts. The school reserved the entire location, and we enjoyed a wonderful three course meal outside amongst candle light. I wish I was able to take better photos, but my 90 mm lens was not enjoying the fact that there were no external light sources. 

My favorite dish was the antipasti. It was an assortment of classic Italian delights, such as: prosciutto e panne, smoked salmon, insalata, bell peppers, fried aubergine (eggplant), potatoes with meat (I believe pancetta), pomodoro (tomatoes, of course), and mozzarella. My mouth was in heaven, enjoying flavors and tastes of each preparation. The main course included two kinds of  pasta, as well as a rice dish. To my disappointment this wasn't anything special, but the antipasto was large enough that it frankly didn't matter. Lastly, the dessert! Initially, I was not convinced this was going to be very good. The tiramisu was alright, again Italians enjoy making their tiramisu like pudding, but what really was stellar was it's all off-white counterpart on the left. I am still not sure what this was, but it was a fluffy cream-pudding that was filled with citrus flavors. It was a lot lighter than I thought, and quite refreshing for a person who usually doesn't care for pudding.

Kate and I awkwardly Salute you in our unintentional matching outfits.

This week has been filled with miscellaneous sight seeing, eating, and my hopes to become better acquainted with this divine city. Expect more posts detailing my Italian class, Wine Tasting, and describing the differences between Italian and American ways of living.

Orienting Ourselves: Buondi!

Mac and I outside the Pantheon

Italian: Buondi

English: Good Day

The past few days have been filled with delicious food, day and night adventures, and orientation for my school's program. I have done a lot of walking and am attempting to further acquaint myself with the area around my apartment in Trastevere, as well as grasp the route to school, and the surroundings around the study center. 

Bir & Fud

Mac and I decided to celebrate our first night in Italy by going out to try a local restaurant. However, the local place turned out to be closed. In August, the majority of restaurants and local businesses in Italy close down to go on vacation, we learned this the hard way by not calling ahead, and instead just venturing out. However, this didn't stop us, and with the use of Katie Parla's rome for foodies app on Mac's iPhone we were directed to another place. Funny enough, when we got to the second recommendation, we realized the place had a dive bar-espque look to it, and was definitely not our scene. Right across from it was Bir & Fud, where we decided to settle after a few failed attempts and walking around for an extended period of time. It was around 10 p.m. by the time we ordered food and drinks, however it was well worth it. Although I am new to the drinking scene, since I'm not yet 21, this pale ale was delicious and recommended by our waiter. Paired with our eggplant, mozzarella and basil pizza, it was such a great start to some of my soon to be many foodie adventures abroad. I didn't want to have the classic margherita (I will eventually...) and it was absolutely delicious, especially paired with Bir & Fud's crafted beer made for a great combination. 

On Thursday, en route to our orientation, Mac and I decided to go an hour early and explore the side streets prior to heading to our school's first day of orientation. Aside from me constantly stumbling over cobblestones, we also stumbled upon Roscioli. Roscioli is a delicious pastry and deli shop. It's mother restaurant is less than twenty feet away, and has a cheese and meet assortment as well as the option for guests to sit down and eat (Mac and her Mom previously ate here). We chose the smaller location because of the friendly atmosphere, and it also fits our budgets. I enjoyed a pastry and espresso (not photographed) for my first visit, and Mac and I shared one crocchette (seen above), essentially it's a delicious fried rice ball that is similar to a grainy risotto. What I found most entertaining to watch while we ate, is how the Roscioli workers cut the pizza. It was very butcher-like, as they took large sharp knives, gave a couple of loud swings, and served their customers however much they wanted. Everything is priced by weight, including your pastries! Roscioli will be a frequent place for us, since it is so close to our school. 

Piazza Navona, Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, and the Study Center

Piazza Navona is a city square, that is located minutes away from school. There are many routes you can take to school, passing the Piazza being one of them. The Piazza is a fantastic example of Baroque Architecture. Yesterday, we took a tour with one of the art history professors from our school, who specializes in Baroque. He talked about the Piazza for nearly an hour, informing us that the area the Piazza is built on, was once the Stadium of Domitian. Domitian was the first athletic stadium built for the Romans, modeled after the Greeks. It was built entirely out of marble, and thousands upon thousands (I believe he said 50,000) spectators would flock to watch, "the games." However, after the first major flood, the stadium began to crumble, beginning the slow demise of what originally this space was used for. Now, Piazza Navona is a beautiful city square, although very touristy right now, it possess gorgeous fountains, such as the Fountain of Four Rivers, which I am photographed in front of above. 

The Study Center, otherwise known as our school, is a nice Roman building, as seen above. I believe there are four flours, and so far I have seen the main offices, library and computer lab. Expect more photos and better explanation of my school in the next week!

It wouldn't be Italy if there wasn't a gelato shop on every corner of the city. Gelateria del Teatro is fairly close to the school, so with the guidance of Mac and Katie Parla's food recommendation, we ventured here. If you don't already know, I've worked in a gelato shop my entire senior year of high school, and the past three summers. Noci, is a local, organic, artisan gelateria that only uses seasonal ingredients, and serves gelato and sorbetto. Spoiled, picky, and slightly sick of the treat, I ventured into the Gelateria with little enthusiasm and the thought I would only taste a few flavors. However, I was intrigued by some of their flavors such as Honey Lemon Rosemary, Raspberry Sage and White Chocolate Pistachio. The Raspberry Sage sold me, and convinced me to buy the tiniest cup, along with Stracciatella (sweet cream with chocolate chips). I wish I had stuck with the Raspberry Sage, because I actually wasn't impressed with the Stracciatella, and prefer Noci's more. The chocolate they used was too dark and overpowered the raspberry. Overall, I would say I liked this place, but only for their unique flavors.

Kate and Mac in front of the Pantheon, The Pantheon, and The Trevi Fountain.

After Friday's Academic Orientation, my fellow roommates, Kate and Mac, along with myself ventured to the Pantheon. I was immediately awestruck by this glorious building. The Pantheon means, "to all the gods," it is extremely well preserved, and the oculus in the center illuminates the building to be that much more breathtaking. Kate, does a great job explaining a few pieces of artwork and detailing more facts about the pantheon, so definitely feel free to check out her blog to see her perspective too throughout this trip. Now, The Pantheon is simply ten minutes from our school, and another short walk brings us to the Trevi Fountain. The Fountain is half under construction, and was packed with even more tourists than The Pantheon, so we didn't stay long. I'm going to save my infamous coin toss for another day (or night rather, since less people will be there). 

I have concluded that I am spoiled with the location of my school, and the fact that I actually get to spend the first part of my junior year abroad in this glorious city. Italian classes start tomorrow, Monday, and I will have morning Beginner Italian classes from 9:30-12 and 12:30-1:30 M-F. Expect more updates once school starts. Ciao for now!

Beginnings: La Mia Casa

Our Kitchen

Italian: La Mia Casa

English: My Home

The early evening has arrived on my second day in Roma! It's a huge relief since the weather has been unbearably hot. However, it is still 90 degrees F outside, or 34 degrees C, according to all of the European thermometers. The early evening also commences the end of move in day! Today, I moved into my apartment in the Trastevere. There are eight girls in total: two double roomes, one triple room, and one single. So far seven out of eight roommies have been accounted for (the last one has been delayed due to flight cancellations). I, myself, am in a double with my wonderful roommate, and fellow UCSD tour guide, Mac! She's a wonderful woman, and so up for adventure and making the most out of her experience here in Italy, you will hear and see plenty of her on my blog. Here's a link to her blog, so definitely take the time to check out her adventures, and perspective of our study abroad experience.

Driver from the Airport to Hotel Ripa

My Room at Hotel Ripa

I landed in Italy around 10 a.m. yesterday. I requested a driver from Hotel Ripa to pick me up. The price would have been almost the same as taking a taxi, and I felt more secure knowing that I would definitely have a ride (thanks to Nancy for the tip!). Featured above are photographs of the room I stayed at Hotel Ripa. I found the set up to be quite interesting. There was a huge bed (notice there are no blankets on it, because it is so hot here!), and awkward partitions that divided the room. On the other side of the partitons is a desk (without a chair), a table with a couple chairs, and that huge chair in the corner. The bathroom was really spacious, and very nice. I realized quickly how low everything is in Europe. The counters, the sinks, the bed! I'll be bending over quite a lot here. 

I proceeded to take a long three (oops...) hour nap yesterday. I then met up with Mac and her wonderful mother Deb for Apertivi (drinks) and dinner at 6:30. It was so refreshing to see a familiar face, and both of them treated me with a great first Italian dinner.

Flavio Al Velavevodetto: Fiori di Zucca, Mozzarella di bufala di Battipaglia, Rigatoni alla Carbanara, Bistecca ai Ferri, Misto in Umido, Insalata, Tiramisu al Bicchiere, Fondente al Cioccolato

Mac and her Mom Deb took a cooking class a few days ago, and the chef recommended this restaurant Falvio Al Velavevodetto. It was phenomenal. I was spoiled my first night with a fine Italian meal (thank you Mama Deb!). The restaurant itself was slightly hidden off of the main road. We were the only American table- a good sign that we are at an authentic restaurant- and we were treated with nice service. Our waiter spoke decent English, so he was able to help recommend some dishes. The highlight of the entire meal was the Carbanara. I know I said in my first post that I wasn't excited for pasta, but I was blown away by this dish. The noodles were al dente, and the sauce was unbelievable. It was rich, yet light for a creamy sauce, and a touch of meat and parmesan made each mouthful delightful. All of the other dishes were so delicious. Our appetizers were classic Italian dishes, and I have decided I will never be able to eat cheese again in the U.S. after eating fresh mozzarella. The meat was tender and juicy, coated in tomato and citrus sauces. The salad was simple with touches of authentic balsamic. Lastly, the dessert, specifically the Tiramisu blew our minds. It wasn't the classic Tiramisu, rather it was served in a tall glass and had a more pudding-esque texture, but each spoonfulwas delightful. Of course, the chocolate cake was great, I mean who can resist chocolate?

The Lovely Witmer Women: Deb and Mac

Thank you so much for the dinner and your generosity Deb!

The Apartment: 

Tiny European Kitchen, Balcony View from the Kitchen, Nicer Bathroom, Living Room, Mac and My Room, and lastly our organized closets (mine is on the right)!

Our home for the next four months is a classic European apartment. The kitchen is Mac and mine's favorite. The yellow tiling makes everything quaint and homey. All of the appliances are small, and even though I say I like the kitchen now, I have a feeling once we start cooking it's going to be quite tight quarters! Also getting used to the fact that the washer is in the kitchen (sans dryer) will be interesting. 

Mac was a great motivator for getting our room organized. One of the coordinators advised us to go to a "Chinese store," more like a dollar store in Europe, where we proceeded to wipe out their entire supply of hangers and baskets to aide in organizing our closets and desks. Personally, I think we were quite successful in our first few trips to the local shops nearby. I'm interested to see which ones will become our "go-to," places, and which ones will be complete flops. 

We have our orientation tomorrow for our program. It will be the first time I'm using the bus system here in Italy. Until next time, Ciao!