Day 1

Today we did a lot of walking and random exploring around our area! Aka, my feet are very tired.

We left our apartment around 9am and started our long, but scenic, journey to the ISU facility for class. We stopped for some breakfast on the way. I got a pastry and a caffe latte. The pastry was very good and so was the coffee. I asked for it to-go and the woman rolled her eyes at me and gave me a cup soooo I suppose that's like not a thing maybe? Who knows, oh well.

Note to self: don't ask for coffee to-go or the barista will roll theirs eyes at you.

We had class, which was good as we continued to work on our disciplinary literacy unit plans. After class, one of the staff at the facility gave us a tour around the area of good places to shop, eat, post offices, and other useful things. Along the way, we also learned some fun facts. In an image that you will find below, you will see some gold squares. These are outside people's doors, cemented into the cobble stones. These are the names of jews who were taken from their homes by nazis and put in camps. I thought this was very special and a beautiful way to remember those lives. After that, we went to a documentary that was super fun! We wore headphones and watch a few animated, 3D video about the history of Rome. I am not one for documentaries, but this one was very cool.

After the documentary, we were released for the rest of the day. We came upon an elementary school which was super fun for all of us to see as future educators. We did not get a chance to go in it thought. We also saw a beautiful synagogue along the way. There were some nuns standing outside and I've never seen a nun before in person so, I thought that was kind of fun. We then walked through a farmers market which was very cool to see and compare to the Des Moines farmers market. I had multiple men try to sell my things, saying 'ciao bella come here bella'. In my head, I was like yes sir I know I'm beautiful but no thanks, I don't want your fresh peppers. I did buy a yummy fruit cup which was very tasteful. The fruit was very fresh and sweet!

We continued on and saw a dessert shop so obviously we all had to stop and get some gelato. My roommates and I vowed to try a new flavor everyday. Today, I got lemon and watermelon. I'd give both of them a 6/10.

We then got to see the beautiful Vatican and 4 squares of St. Peters. I did not realize the Pope actually lived there so that was sort of cool to be in that area and see the balcony that the Pope stands on when he addresses the people. This worked out well considering we had just learned about this area in the documentary videos. My apartment is about a 5 minute walk from my apartment, so we pass the Vatican everyday while going to class.

My travel buddies & I in front of The Vatican

Lastly, we ended our day with a beautiful dinner. I got margarita pizza and it was delicious. I could not finish it though (shocker). I said to myself oh that's okay I will just get a to-go box and bring it home for Trey. Then I realized I was in Rome. We swung by a market quick to buy a few house keeping things and my roommates and I all decided to buy a bottle of wine. I was very excited to do that for the first time ever. I texted pictures to my parents. Lori was sure to inform me of eating and taking ibuprofen before bed.

Today was BUSY but so fun! Excited for another day! Slideshow is below with pictures of the day!

Ciao Bella ;)