Some Amazing Finds!



Artists Market in the Piazza Navona



This past week has definitely been one for the record books--not only has it been blisteringly hot, but I learned how to make espresso on our gas stove by myself! Big news. I also found a quicker route to school, since I'm trying to walk here as much as I can before the rainy season starts, and it takes about 15 minutes off that walk, which is AMAZING. The new route is also a lot more pleasant, since its mostly in the back parts of where I lived (Trastevere), with cute little cafes and restaurants, and real people, not as many tourists as on my other, longer route to school. So, not only do I walk with more of a perk in my step, I am now learning my way around the less tourist-y parts of Rome, which I'm definitely loving.

Speaking of walking, yesterday I walked for about 3 hours, attempting to find a bookstore that I have already found before, yet this time I just couldn't seem to locate it. Of course, it was beautiful out so I didnt really mind getting lost. I'm not quite sure how I did it (as I never do) but I accidently came across the Piazza Navona (after looking at my map, I realized I was wayy off from my intended destination). There was some kind of artist's market going on in the piazza, with tons of booths with paintings, sketches, and cartoons of Rome and the people of Italy. From the Piazza Navona, I decided to head over to the Spanish Steps, since I hadn't been to them yet, and I knew the bookstore I was trying to find was somewhat near there. Well, once I got to the Steps, I found the Forum Romanum, the Fori Imperiali, and the Coliseum. Basically...every tourist-y place I havent had a chance to really enjoy. The Coliseum, of course, I've gone on a night tour, but it was just as dazzling seeing it during the day, when you can really see what is around it. As a Classical Civilizations Minor, I about died when I saw the Forum Romanum and Trajan's Column. I have learned about these two archaeological landmarks in class, but seeing them in person, and not just in pictures, was amazing. Being right in the middle of an important of Ancient Rome really puts what I've learned into perspective. If you can imagine the road without cars, tour buses, and tourists, you can almost see what it would have been like with the monuments were in their prime. Breathtaking.


Part of the Forum Romanum



Classes went well this week, I am already enjoying them, and despite teaching myself to actually do my homework, it has been pretty easy getting back into the swing of the semester. The act of doing my homework, slightly difficult back home with my friends, Crew, and tv to distract me, here I have, you know, ROME to keep me from sitting down and doing it. I hope I never get used to the fact that I can walk down the street and see ancient ruins, go on my run in the morning and pass ancient fountains and temples. That is not something I want to get used to, because it is just so amazing to think about.

I forgot to tell all of you the best news of all! I found out this week that I got the internship at the excavation at Augustus' Mausoleum, and should be starting soon! I am beyond excited, but of course I have to complete some more bureaucratic procedures first, like getting a doctor to clear me as "physically able" to work on an excavation site. Oh Italian Law, how I love you so.

Also, I've begun planning trips with friends here at my abroad school, and with fellow Richmond-ers abroad in Europe. I really want to take this chance to see as much of Europe as I can, since I don't know the next time I will be able to get here again (but I WILL be back-that is for sure). But of course, I will keep you all updated on my travels!

Wishing you could all be here with me, Emma