The First Few Days

So, as I mentioned before, I made it to Rome.  Another city I can totally get lost in - although the busy first few days of the program have kept me from wandering off too terribly far.  I just found a decent map that shows some of the major bus routes, so from now on I'll become a little bit braver and perhaps crazier in my travels.  So far, however, I feel a little bit like a baby duckling - must follow the group!  And the spectacle of 25 people trying to make their way through the cramped and winding streets has been quite humorous.

But here, photographic PROOF that I have arrived in Italy!

Yes, that's me with Cicero!  Do you know what the red background means?  It means you're not supposed to take pictures.  (shhhh....) Fortunately another member of the program ran interference for me by distracting the museum guard and a second snapped my photo, Gopher hat and all.  Coniuratio Quam Propria!  (How appropriate a conspiracy!)

The whole program has a chronological organization which is rather interesting, but so far it has consisted mostly of jokes that "here's the remain of a Palatine Hut - that temple of Magna Mater is NOT HERE YET."  Or "don't look over THERE!"  because over there is the Basilica of Maxentius or some such.  

  

And the Monument of Victor Emmanuel?  Yeah, that is definitely not there.

Back to the chronological arrangement.  This means that we've been running about trying to get a sense of Etruscans, early Greek influence, and Regal Rome (The Rome of the 7 legendary Kings).  You know, back when the Forum was a swampy drainage.  

How exciting!  (Well, it's only a model.  But you get the idea.)

The accommodations here are actually rather amazing now that I've had time to process it a bit.  We have complete access to the American Academy Library and grounds at virtually any time, which is an amazing resource.  In addition, there's a pretty full library at the Centro itself and space to spread out a bit and enjoy the night air (without air conditioning, this is suddenly a rather important consideration).  Plus, the food has been absolutely amazing.  I am not kidding when I say they ring a bell to call all the current residents to both breakfast and dinner, but I can't really blame them because the food has been wonderful.  2 course meals, with dessert, for every dinner?  One could get used to this.  Plus, they're even willing to explain how to eat these traditional Italian dishes - and yes, it's definitely more than just spaghetti.

Anyways, with that I'm going to conclude.  It's currently 9:30 here and I'd like to do a little bit more reading before I head off to bed.  Gotta prepare for tomorrow's trip and what I'll do during my free afternoon.