Ciao, Italia!

Ciao amici! I've been busy...but also a little lazy. I just haven't felt like updating! But something did happen today that I felt like sharing with you!

Today I had my morning On-Site class. I got to the meeting point on time...but unfortunately for me, I went to the wrong meeting point! I knew my class would eventually get to the site I was at, but I still had a couple hours to spare. So, I decided to start exploring. First, I went back inside the Pantheon and got this neat picture of the dome:

- the light reflecting? (what do you call that?) from the oculus;
(this is the only source of light in the Pantheon) -

So then I started following signs for the "ZOO" but eventually they stopped and I didn't have a map with me, so I kept going "straight." I ended up at this huge church so I went inside, took some pictures and notes, but didn't really recognize any names, frescoes, or artists. It was still very beautiful.

- inside the "mysterious church" -

I walked back outside, just thinking I would retrace my steps that would take me back to the Pantheon. But I decided to venture down some stairs, to see if I could take a better picture of the church. I'm so glad I did.

- the view from the top of the church
(still totally oblivious to where I was) -

I turned around, looked off the balcony - and what was there? None other than the Spanish Steps. I laughed out loud because I knew exactly where I was!

- The Spanish Steps from the top, looking down! -

Somehow, I led myself to the Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti, the church at the very top of the Spanish Steps. It looked so different from up there!!

Here I was, thinking I had gotten myself lost (or at least going somewhere I had never seen) - yet, I knew where I was the entire time. Rome is so neat like that. I'm learning my way around. Now I just need to work on the language. I know exactly how foreigners in America feel. This is so hard for me and it makes me feel so insecure and alone! Here's to hoping it will get better.

So I basically made a big loop and went back to the area around the Pantheon and met up with my class when they got there. My teacher was very understanding. I told her where I went and she thought it was amazing. She was also surprised that I found the class. (Go me!) :-)

Here's where I think I walked today (click on it to make it bigger):

- Red represents where I began exploring,
purple is finding my way back -

Although I hate missing class, I was so thrilled that I got the chance to explore a "different" (haha!) part of Rome for the morning. I had really wanted to make it up to that Church - I just would have gone a different way!

I know some people who are traveling out of the country every weekend. Now, I do have some trips booked, but I don't see what's so bad about sticking around Rome. A girl who is in a couple of my classes said to me today: "Ugh. I just don't want to have an extra class on Friday. Then I can't go anywhere. I came here so I can TRAVEL, ugh!" Okay, I get that. I also came to travel, but not necessarily to go out of the country every single weekend. I'm in Rome for goodness sake! There is so much traveling to be done in Rome. My teacher actually gave us a handout this morning with her "Favorite Places to go in Rome." It was perfect for how I've been feeling - I am very ready to learn all about my city and take it in for what it is. She included lists of Piazzas, Courtyards, Restaurants, Cafes, Museums that she loved going to. And I hadn't even heard of more than half of them, which is even better. Traveling around Europe every weekend would be really really great, but I'm also realizing that I can save a lot of money and learn a lot more by staying around The Eternal City. (I also realize that I've done a lot of "complaining" about the people in this program - well, not ALL of them are like the ones I've mentioned. A couple roommates and classmates and I have been having a great time - living and loving every moment - my motto.)

In other news, I recently re-discovered the "pop-rock-quirky" artist, Mika. He's a Lebanese born, London based singer/songwriter. You've probably heard his song "Grace Kelly" - if not, it's my blog's new 'theme' song! I remember my dad showing me a video of it last year. I'm listening to him right now. It's just neat listening to new music. Next post, I'll try to find some Italian music to introduce you to! :-)

I'm glad to hear that more friends have been reading my blog! Grazie! I changed the settings so that everyone can leave comments so you should be able to comment, even if you don't have a Blogger account. (That means you, Aunt D.) ;-)

Classes have been fine. History still makes me sleepy, but the reading material is so interesting!! *sigh* I need some M&Ms or something (gelato, maybe?!?) to keep me awake.

I've also got some news about the Drama Club at JCU, but I'll report about that later!

Miss you all and wish you could be here to "explore" with me. One day we'll all come back and I'll be able to show you around!

Buona notte!
Gillian