Today began as a very interesting day. After walking to school, because I forgot to pickup my metro card from the boy who bought it for me, we were sent on a walking tour. We broke up into groups of ten, and various professors lead us around the city for the next four hours. Greg Smith lead us around. That's right... for four hours. :)
We went from one side of the city to the other. For those who are unaware, Rome is rather large. Half way through we even jumped on the metro. We saw famous spots such as the Piazza di Popillo, which I visited the other day, the Spanish Steps.. or Piazza di Spagna, the Fontana di Trevi... Trevi Fountain, and much more. As we were shown these very significant, internationally recognized monuments, we also visited those less known. We were told the story of Richard Meyer, a famous Jewish architect who is causing much controversy in this very Catholic city. We went to the "international ghetto" and ate at the world's oldest ice cream parlor, or gelaterria. We passed various ancient ruins and statues, markets, and bonded with our group.
As we ended our adventure, he left us in a quaint little park in a rather "interesting" area. It was up to us to get home. And so... me, my roomate Amber, and some architect majors made our way to the metro and back to the apartments. Amber and I did a lot of bonding today. She's a very cool chik! She's an art history major, but also does photography professionally. That's right! I had a professional photographer taking my picture throughout the city of Rome. Apparently, she's also a house head, so me and her are planning on checking out the scene. She likes all the same music as my favorite Larry T! lol Shout out as promised! Can you believe it? This is the first Thursday since January that I won't be at Benny's. Much love though to everyone back home!! Hope you have fun...
Besides house music, I also discovered that Rome has a very well-respected Jazz scene. AlexanderPlatz and Cassa del Jazz are suppose to be two of the best in Rome and internationally. Another jazz club is only moments from my door in the Pratti neighborhood... which is where I live, only blocks from the Vatican. :)
After a small siesta, it was time to head back to school for a cooking lesson by Mario, another professor at Temple. A brief introduction from the Dean and Mario was up and stripping for the audience. Yes... stripping. A 69 year old professor was cracking jokes about his strip tease, as he changed from his jacket into his cooking gear. He's a well-known artist in Venice and Rome and claims that these two cities are his lovers. His wife knows. No worries. It's cool. ;)
As he introduced us to the wonderful world of cooking Italian, we all sat and listened carefully. He explained the various types of tomatoes, cheeses, breads, olives, and wine... as welll as a few other little tid-bits. Mario taught us how to order coffee properly and how to tip. He explained the ins and outs of olive oil... extra VIRGIN olive oil, as he stressed. lol At the end of the lesson, we were offered a little taste test of the tomato sauce he made with bread, and of coarse nothing would be complete without a little wine. As I went up to get my sample, I meant to pour myself a drop of red wine... just for the experience. Instead, professor grabs a bottle of white wine and pours my glass up with the brim. Did I mention this is a professor? Nothing like Roma... lol
On the way home, I stopped to pick up supplies for tonight's dinner. As I walked in, my other roommate, Emily, informs me that "the boys" came looking for me. They were preparing dinner tonight, and invited me to attend. So I grabbed a bottle of wine, and made my way over.
The boys were offered free pasta and found a red tomato paste. Some of the other girls brought over salad. I made dressing, and we sat down and chowed down. "How is it Rachel Rae," asks one of the guys in my direction. "Excuse me?" Apparently that's his new nick-name for me. I guess last night's dinner made quite the impression. We hung out a bit, and then I headed back to my place. It's nice. We're going to all try to swap off cooking. After all, when in Rome...
Signing off,
Ciao Bella...
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