Lots of updates

Two finals down, three to go.

The Weekend Updates:

Friday I went to the Roman Forum with Zach, who helped me study for our Ancient History of Rome final. We found this really neat area under excavation, so we explored that for a while. Were we supposed to be there? Who knows, but it was fun. And not blocked off...so why not?!

- I also found hard hats...teehee. -

I went back to the Colosseum and because I already had a ticket (I bought a Roma Pass, which my dad actually told me about when he was here), I got to avoid the MASSIVE lines and walked right in. A small bit of advice when going to see the Colosseum: Buy your ticket in advance. No lines = a happy tourist!

After the Colosseum, I headed up the street and went to a Luciano Pavarotti exhibit. It was incredible! If you don't know about him, head to his website - read about him, but more importantly, listen! Here's a video I took of the exhibit. It was small, but really great. He is so honored.

Here he is singing "La Donna È Mobile" from Verdi's Rigoletto (and I give you a tour of the exhibit!):

- Just a sample of his many, deserved awards. -

Saturday, I actually went back to the Pavarotti exhibit and sat and listened for a while. I got to see some of Pavarotti's most famous performances and they also played some of the hundreds of duets he sang with other great artists throughout his life. I had no idea he sang with some of the people he did. They also had many of his costumes from the operas he had been in. It was really neat and special to be able to honor this man who was such an amazing person, on and off the stage.

I'm glad I went back, because there was an entire room of the exhibit that I had missed the first time! There was a piano in the center, Pavarotti's sports jerseys, old tennis racket, his personal agenda, hats, and many pieces of art painted by him. I'll put more pictures up on my picture website, but here are just a few from the "secret" room:

I really didn't know he had so many hobbies! That's so great! It inspires me, because I know I certainly have more than one hobby and feel torn between them at times. Seeing this part of Pavarotti's life gives me hope, because no matter where I end up in life and whatever I end up doing, there are always other outlets.

On Sunday I went to my last Porta Portese street fair (the one outside our window). The sun was so bright and there were so many people - I didn't stay long. In the afternoon I met up with Caitlin and took the small Bus 116 to the Galleria Borghese. The area where this gallery is was gorgeous! It was a green, fresh park. It was kind of far, which is why I haven't been up there before. The Museum holds some of Bernini's and Caravaggio's most famous sculptures/paintings. I'm surprised that none of my roommates knew what this place was! That's why I took Caitlin, the art history major. :)

I can't even describe how amazing Bernini's marble sculptures are. You have to know about them and see them to truly understand. The way he sculpted the figures make it look like he used clay. They are so realistic - from the movements, expressions, creases and hairs on twisted, life-like bodies...incredible. So no pictures allowed, but Caitlin and I decided to be complete stalkers and walk around the building so we could sneak in some pictures from outside.

- The Rape of Prosperpina - This sculpture tells the story of Pluto (Hades) as he takes the girl to the Underworld. My favorite part about this sculpture is Pluto's hand on her thigh. You almost forget that this was made out of marble and not a softer, more malleable substance. Bernini paid close attention to details - small tears can be seen on Prosperpina's cheek. - Apollo and Daphne - The nymph is running from Apollo and prays to the gods to help her escape, and is therefore turned into a tree. The depiction of the moment of her transformation is BEAUTIFUL. Her toes are turning into roots, her skin into bark, her hands into branches; it's breathtaking. What is it with these dominating, aggressive men in Mythology? At least Daphne can turn into a tree. I wish I had that ability. ;P **Do a Google search of these sculptures to see the sculptures in closer detail! You will be amazed! ** -

The Galleria Borghese is also home to Bernini's David, which some may favor over Michelangelo's more famous (and way larger) David, in Florence. Look it up!

Later that night, we went to Piazza Navona, where there is a "Christmas Carnival"!! Everyone has been calling it a market, but it really is more like a carnival. There is even a Carousel!

My dad forwarded me an email last week, with this video of a man who owns a "Steelers" Bar in Rome. He seemed like a really cool, fun guy from the video so I was excited to check this place out! Caitlin had actually been there and knew him, so she took me there and introduced me. He wasn't as welcoming as I thought...and the place wasn't covered in Steelers stuff as he made it seem in the video, so we really didn't stay long. We went back later on on the night, just to catch the score (he was playing it from his computer). But it was still neat to see that the Steelers have a little fanclub in Rome!

- Andiamo Steelers! ;P -

We then met up with a few others from the "Peanuts gang" and had a nice dinner. They've been really good friends and it's nice to know that we all live fairly close to each other back in the States! Caitlin even lives in New Jersey.

All this week I've been studying at home, relaxing, and not trying to stress about my upcoming finals. By Friday afternoon, I'll be completely done and will be able to enjoy my last day and a half in this beautiful city.

Until Friday....
G