This one might be short and sweet, mainly because I have a full-on sinus infection and need to get to sleep. But I wanted to reflect a minute on the week so far before more things start happening! Tuesday we were able to visit Ostia Antica and the Etruscan tombs. A long day of visiting “cities of death” but still pretty intriguing when you consider the technology it took for these people to carry on a civilization during those times. Pretty amazing to also think about how much society/civilizations has evolved. What in the world caused humans to go from carrying water from a well, into a boiling pot in order to take a semi-warm shower to being upset when our water is freezing and complaining to the hotel staff? (yes, I did that and realized how “ugly American” that was of me…). Anyways, neat day of seeing some ancient ruins. We had a FANTASTIC lunch break that day though where we stopped at the beach for panini’s. We got them “porta via” (to go) and sat on the pebbled beach overlooking the Mediterranean with our shoes off and our North Faces on. It was a sweet surprise to come upon the ocean that day 
We’re also trying to soak up our time with the hotel and the staff. We’re moving into the palace (where we take classes, we’re building dorms in the basement– they’re going to be amazing!) after Spring Break. But we will surely miss the free breakfasts, free unlimited cappuccino’s (has been my main consumption of dairy by far!… close tie to the mozzarella), daily Italian lessons from Walter the bellman, getting our sheets and towels changed everyday… we’re pretty spoiled here actually.
Here’s a little blurb from an email my friend Emily got from her friend that was here last Spring that summed up some of my goals here:
- Heres the thing about Italy and being in a large group. Feel free to take time to yourself, and dont feel like you always have to be with the group. Every morning I used to go up onto the roof and sit and process (which I highly recommend). I learned soo much from being over there!
- Don’t eat at the restaurant down stairs too much, go out and explore the town. Everyone will help you bc Italians are so nice.
- The restaurant nuzzled into the chigi palace is really good, and the lady is so great. She loved us. Also, there are some great places in Genzano to eat, so if you feel like taking a bus ride, its really fun.
- Watch the country side while your driving, dont sleep through it all, italy is so beautiful! Listen when the guides or Dr. B are talking on trips, that dr b’s #1 pet peeve.
- Always eat a whole pizza by yourself, they are so good! You always have time to work it off when you get home- you’re only in italy for a little while!!!!!!!!!
I thought those were some good words of wisdom… And I daily carry with myself Jonathan’s reminder:
- Morning caffe
- Afternoon gelato
- Evening vino
