Wednesday, June 17th

BUON GIORNO (that's good day in Italian)
My day began at 5am. I woke and couldn't get back to sleep for anything. So, I did some reading, got ready, etc. The group met at 8:30am at the hotel entrance. Today our assignment was a scavenger hunt.
It was like throwing a toddler into the water, so they learn to roll on their backs for air! We got a paper map with numbers on it and sheet with clues-the most vague clues I have ever encountered! lol. I was in a group with 4 other girls! We began our day with breakfast. For breakfast we stopped at a bar--yes a bar! Here, bars are where you can always get something to eat or drink, quick and cheap. I got a cappuccino and croissant. Each only 1 euro.
We hunted for the clues all day! We began walking at 8:35 and ended at 5pm; no lie! But, we finished! We ended up being one of only 3 of the 6 (or so) groups to finish! It was incredible, we walked around the entire city! We found a bunch of hole in the wall churches--that were breathtaking!; walked around the Colosseum; saw the bathes of Caracalla; Hercules temple; Trajan's column; etc. etc. It is absolutely incredible!
every time I turn a corner, which is about every 30 sec :) I feel like I'm at Disney World, when they have those huge painted back drops that are optical illusions!
The roads are made of brick, black brick that is worn shiny and crooked; on the back streets that is little grass and things poking through!
The buildings seem to be on top of each other! The colors are amazing: terracotta, mustard, cream, tan, with green foliage spilling over the tops! Its so funny...the shops are just tiny doors in the bottom really tall buildings! You'd never know they were there! And then we came upon random markets set up right in the middle of little streets!
For lunch we stopped at a little panini place (they are everywhere) the guys were super nice, really fun! Bashir and Amad were their names. They had a great little shop and spoke english which was super helpful! Many people that run the shops and such speak enough English for us to get by, but today we had to pull out the phrase book a couple times when we didn't know where we were or what we were looking for! haha.
we took the metro towards that end of the day, as we were pretty tired. It was intense; the doors open to let people in and out for like 30 seconds it seems! We really have to push and shove! haha.
The middle of the day got really hot! We had some gelato to cool off! It was practically melted before I could finish! I had cantaloupe gelato; so delicious! There are gelato shops on every corner it seems!
The people here are fun to watch! There are all sorts! Lots of men in suits! Great suits! There seems to be two body shapes for men: a V or a big belly :) Everyone is really really tan! And the majority of people smoke (cancer rates must be through the roof!) There are all sorts of women of course: rail thin, short and stout (tend to be the grannies), young beautiful women--but with big bellies just hanging out! hehe, we notices a lot of heels but all wedges--no stilettos! the roads are to dangerous for that.
We had class at 6pm and talked about the history of the rise of Rome! It was super interesting because the local pride is very evident and its helps to understand why. The school schedule works like: my group meets every other evening and the whole group goes on the excursion each morning.
We always do supper on our own; tonight me and some girls went to a place called the Yogurtaria and Creperie. I had pizza and a smoothie. I think very single restaurant we passed served pizza! I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to eat pizza again after this trip :) The smoothie I had was so good: the man literally cut open a cantaloupe, carved out some into the blender, and did the same with bananas, strawberries, mango, etc. So fresh! Every little shop is owned by the individual running it; it is obvious that they are pouring their heart and soul into it!
There seems to be a large Indian population here. Many street vendors appear Indian. I saw some Indian women begging today too. It broke my heart. They are completely covered, on their knees with their faces on the ground and hands extended holding a cup. kept thinking of Slumdog Millionare and wondering what their stories are???
Tomorrow morning we are going to a market to get fruit for breakfast. Yay! Fruit! All these people eat are crabs I swear, lol--but the portions are definitely NOT American! :)
The group excursion is to the Capitoline and Piazza Navona & Environs (can't quite tell you what that is, opps).
My favorite part of the day was finding obscure doors that were labeled churches and then being blown away but the majesty inside. The ceilings are painted immaculately! It makes me kind of resent the "modern" dry walled, mood lit, square, protestant churches of the U.S. Why did they decide that was a a better fit???
I realize that this has become obscenely long; sorry. Once I start reflecting on the day I just can't stop. can't believe there are 29 more to come! geesh!
As I look out the window that city is just hopp'in! It's crazy! I wonder where everyone is going. Rani and I think some night we will follow the herds and see what's happening :) I'm going to go make reservations for sleeping in Florence; we are going there the weekend after this one.
Goodnight! I look forward to hearing from ya'll and writing again when I can. Love you!
Ciao!