...doing as the Romans do!

Salve! So, on Sunday I watched the most amazing fireworks show. This is probably because the "Roman" candles were being shot off and surrounding the Castel de Sant'Angelo. Alex, a boy in the class, had his camera with him and took this video of the display.

Check it out at: http://www.facebook.com/v/767744406998

This is only a short little snippet of the actual display. It was one of those that kept going and going. People would start clapping like it was over... and then more fireworks would explode! It was fantastic. The fireworks were in honor of a specifically Roman holiday-- the patron saints of the city, St. Peter and Paul. There were literally hundreds of people watching the display and after the fireworks ceased there were murmurs of a Italian song. Just in time for fourth of July! (Watch the video and see how Italian fireworks are different. They don't have the same CRACK and BOOM of American fireworks.)

So, I've been trying to become a regular.. (and act like a true Roman) at some of my favorite spots. The Farnase Cafe for my morning cappuccino, the Forno (bakery) for my afternoon pizza bianca (pizza crust with olive oil, yum) and evening gelato at Giolitti. Since my coni piccoli's (small cone) are only increasing in size with each visit, I think they are starting to recognize me :) The gentlemen that work at Giolitti are very nice and always pile on an extra flavor (of their choosing) as well as crema (freshly whipped cream... mmmm.) So far I have tried.. pistachio, tiramisù, dark chocolate, watermelon, grapefruit, white chocolate, berry, peach, yogurt... and I think I'm going to get cinnamon tomorrow. ha! This morning, my friend at Farnase Cafe recommended I try my cappuccino with chocolate. To my delight, he fashioned the espresso in a beautiful heart design. It was so lovely. I'm still working on those Forno workers... they don't quite seem to recognize me... yet!

Yesterday, Tuesday, we visited the Vatican museums. What a beautiful place! I feel like I could spend hours in Raphael's tapestry room alone. I love the bright colors and realistic expressions captured in Christian art. I even recognized a Caravaggio painting that used to be featured in a church near the Campo de Fiori. A print is now occupying its original location-- so it was really fascinating to see the real painting. SO, after zigging and zagging through the painting rooms, the tapestry rooms, the pagan art statue garden and papal apartments we finally arrived at the Sistine Chapel. I have to say-- I was a little disappointed. Not because Michaelangelo's work was overrated-- I could let my eyes tip-toe across that ceiling for days-- I was disappointed because there was nothing "chapel" feeling about my experience. Against the posted "prohibited" signs, people were talking loudly and snapping photos. Something about all the sardine-packed tourists simply staring at the infamous "Creation of Adam," robbed the chapel of its sacred and holy atmosphere. Maybe I was tired and hungry from a long day... but personally, I think St. Peter's is waaaay cooler. I can't wait to go back there to attend mass :)

This afternoon, after a loooong day of class discussions, watching The Merchant of Venice and getting caught in the rain walking back from Castle de Sant'Angelo we had a class wine tasting. It is evident that Mossimo, the owner of the wine store, has a deep passion for wine. He slowly carried us through all the motions of an educated wine connoisseur-- swirling the wine and watching the alcoholic legs slowly creep down the side of the glass, inhaling the fruity, woody or spicy aromas, carefully examining the shade and opaqueness of the wine and lastly (my favorite part!) taking a big gulp and allowing the liquid to slosh around your tongue, teeth and gums to ensure all your taste buds are fully exposed to the deliciousness. Along with some appetizers, our wine tasting was paid for through our program! woohoo!

Every evening I have been taking a stroll (with lots of people-- don't worry mama!) Once the suffocating sun has set, the Romans come out. Tonight we again visited the always-bustling Trevi fountain. Even though I have visited it many times, it is still such a spectacle to me. I have now thrown three coins into the fountain and have taken many, many mouthfuls of the neighboring drinking fountain to ENSURE I am coming back to Rome, some day.

Oh! I checked out an Italian phrasebook from the UW Rome Center library. I'm attempting to turn my knowledge of Spanish into Italian. Now I can say things like "I don't do drugs" and "I'm pregnant." ha. Yes, those are both phrases featured in the "Social" section of the book. Weeelll, I don't think I will be using those phrases as much, but it will be nice to communicate a little bit better. Tomorrow, I think I'm going to paint my first watercolor. Wish me luck!

Much love, wish you were all here enjoying it with me. xoxo.