Nothing like on-site learning...

Today was filled with on-site learning. I began my day with my Rome Sketchbook class, which meets once a week. It's a drawing class that meets at various sites throughout the city each week. We started class at school today to take care of some house-keeping. Then, we proceeded to the art supply store to pick up our sketch books, pencils, and a multitude of other tools. Once we had our supplies, we headed to the near-by Piazza del Popolo for a lesson in blind and not blind lined contour drawings. Once the concept was explained, it was time for us to try it. :)

I didn't really like lined contour drawings, blind or not. It made me feel vulnurable. It made me feel insecure, unsure, uncomfortable, and very self-conscious. Others found it to be "liberating" and "freeing" and who knows what else? I don't know what kind of wine they were drinking, but maybe I should've had some before class.

When class was over, I headed to the open-air market and attempted to order a panino with martidella, and some sort of formaggio, cheese. I brought it back to school, and dug in. It was delicious! Mmm... Mmm... good. :)

After lunch, was Italian class with Christiano. No words, just love. <3

Next, I had my Inside Italian Design class, and since it was thursday, a field trip was in order. And so, today, we jumped on tram 19 and headed to Quartiere Coppede. This little neighborhood was designed by famous architect Gino Coppede during the time of Stile Floreale. It was built between 1913-1927, and it is simply remarkable. In the main Piazza Mincio, is the famous frog fountatin, which was a direct influence of the turtle fountain that is in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Though many styles were borrowed from various time periods and artists, Coppede has his own decorative style.

Villini delle Fate, or the Fairy House, impresses everyone who walks through the grand enterance of the neighborhood. Though now a richer neighborhood with embassies of all sorts, it was originally created for the middle class of Rome. While we were there, we saw New Zealand's embassy, as well as Russia's embassy, which was guarded with barbed wire, unlike the others. It was a really interesting trip to make. It really showed us how varied and diverse Rome can be, as most of us felt that we had left our precious city.

To get home, we had to take a crowded bus, and then our beloved metro. Though quite the adventure, we made it out just fine. For dinner, I made veal again, but this time in a tomatoe-garlic red sauce. I also made some boxed mashed potatoes. Yep! You heard right. I made boxed mashed potatoes. Though, I've never made this before, it came out just as I remember it... not quite the real thing. Apparently Roman supermarkets don't carry potatoes...

Just part of what makes Roma unique I suppose... Now if only i cold get my hands on some sushi, or maybe some pho? Anyone want to bring me some? haha

Anyway, I'm off to bed. I have a class trip to Toscania tomorrow, not to be confused with Tuscany. Apparently, they are two different places. ;)

Signing off,
Ciao bella...