Trip to the Vatican

Classes have officially started! I am taking five classes, Public Relations, Comparative Politics, History of Ancient Rome, Rome Sketchbook, and Art History: Cities and Villas (on site class traveling around Rome). It is only the second day, but I will keep you updated about how these classes work out and what I learn. I have to get books tomorrow, so these classes are actually happening...but I am really excited for a few (sketchbook! and Art History!)

Today, Jori and I went on quite the adventure attempting to find the art studio building (so far away I do not even think it is actually located in Rome, ok a little exaggerated, but its really far) After finally finding the building, after walking into a church in the middle of mass and having an interesting conversation with a non-english speaking woman, being buzzed into an apartment building where we met a woman who taught architecture, and walking into an art book store, we arrived to our class one hour late. Thankfully we never actually meet in the classroom again (we sketch at different locations) GOOD THING WE FOUND IT...

After our mini morning excursion we decided to take a trip to the vatican to finally see the digs of the pope. A group of us walked to vatican city on the gorgeous day it was, extremely perfect day to go! The christmas tree and nativity scene was still up, I was little disappointed by the tree in comparison to say Rockafeller center. Walking up to the vatican was so unreal, we live here and we can see this everyday? We decided to walk inside to tour around, and ended up taking a right and paying 5 euro for the "copula" and "551" steps...We ended up walking up and up and up and up and up some more on a very spiraled and windy staircase, finally coming out at the very top of the copula of the vatican. It was beautiful. The people down below looked like toys, and the tiles and colors up close were unbelievable. The details and meticulous tiled pieces were amazing to see up close and to touch them. We stood up looking down for quite some time in awe of the artwork, when one of our friends continued to persist that we see if we could walk any higher...yes it was possible. 300 more steps to go. As we trekked up the many more flights, the stairwells became tinier, the steps became steeper and our breathing became heavier. We arrived to a breathtaking view of all of Rome. It was truly a sight to see, and the 5 euro really did itself justice. The air was so fresh, the sun was so bright and the view was surreal. We walked all the way around and stared out onto Rome, realizing this is where we will be living for the next few months. A huge city and so beautiful, full of history.

After making our way down all of the stairs we had just climbed, much more pleasant, we walked inside a bit and listened to evening mass. I think in total today I walked 10 miles, NOT KIDDING. Meaning I needed a big bowl of pasta, very much deserved, I thought. Grace, Jori, Rachael and I went to a restaurant for dinner down the street that has a deal for students, wine, appetizer, main course, and dessert all for a very reasonable set price, and each week the chef changes the menu! He delivered the dessert to us himself, explaining how he wants students traveling to experience the cuisine of Italy, so nice and Italian. We will be taking cooking lessons from him eventually!

Today was a great day, one out of many to come. Back to class tomorrow, and the next trip will be to the Trevi Fountain.