La Notte Bianca

La Piramide

I have been to Pyramida!!! Actually, our first night we were suppose to meet our school center at the pyramida stop. However, we had trouble finding the bus so we missed them completely. We did manage to finally get off at the bus stop that was suppose to be right neat Pyramida. We couldn't see the Pyramid from where we were standing so I asked some Italian women and they started laughing....I didn't realize why until they pointed behind us and literally there was the pyramid! It is absolutely stunning. I actually now take the bus to the pyramida metro station and then take the train to Piazza Bologna to get to school. I haven't gone into the cemetery yet, but now that you have mentioned it perhaps on my way home I will stop by. Also there is supposedly a delicious pizzeria called Di Petro in the area. Have you heard of it? Speaking of pizza, last night I had potato pizza for the first time! It was delicious. Ciao for now!

PS. I will also post about my La Notte Bianca experience soon!

Here is something we watched during orientation that is funny, yet accurate! http://www.infonegocio.com/xeron/bruno/italy.html

I haven't had any Italian language classes yet, but I find myself learning words through street signs and ordering food. Usually, when I study a language I have trouble with pronunciation. However, in Rome, I find myself constantly using the same words over and over again which helps me solidify not only the vocabulary, but also my accent. Additionally, it is extremely helpful to hear different Italians say words, because you can pick up on all the different intonations. Something I learned the other day after seeing what I thought was an argument on the bus was that when Italians speak loudly it is not a sign of disrespect or an argument. It is a way for them to show that they are paying attention to the conversation.

I am on my way to a guided tour of Rome! This weekend we will be going to La Notte Bianca! If you have any suggestions on what to see during this event let me know!

Ciao!
Candice

Culture Shock

I am sorry it took me this long to write again, but words cannot describe how busy I am! First off, everything is great! I live in this area in Monteverde which is viewed as a residential area of Rome. However, we are right on the border of it and it is a ten minute walk to Trastevere. Trastevere is considered the hip bohemian area of Rome (which I have not yet been too, but hopefully tonight!) My apartment is nice and serves it purpose. We have an electronic gate to the apartment building that you have to open with a key every time you go in and out. Once you open it my apartment is one the ground floor. You don't actually walk into the building to get to my room you go through the terrace. The terrace is hugggggge and it is where we put our laundry out to dry!
There are cultural differences that will take time to get use to. The main difference is the pace in which Romans handle everything. Everyone takes FOREVER to do anything in Rome. Momento can mean anything from 5 minutes to an hour….it's frustrating, especially when trying to get to school in the morning. There is no bus schedule, the bus comes when it feels like it. It is quite an experience to take the bus in the morning rush over. They have instilled in our minds that we must keep our belongings in our site at all times, so it is hard to just relax for a minute. Also interesting fact about the system, the bus driver is not responsible to see that you validated your ticket. There are these machines placed in different ends of the bus in which you are suppose to stamp your ticket. You can ride the bus or metro without paying. However, if an inspector comes on and asks to see your ticket and you haven't validated it you have to pay 101 Euro. So, in conclusion, I bought a monthly pass for 30 Euro. So we take the bus to this stop which is literally thirty feet from Trajan Column (I think it is called Piazza Novana, but not sure.) Anyway, Trajan's column is AMAZING. Unfortunately there is scaffolding on part of it, but it is so awesome to just be able to walk by it everyday.

Crossing the street is so nerve racking. Rome does have red lights, but no one follows them. They are truly viewed as suggestions, especially when it comes to scooters which so many people use. You basically walk out to the middle of the street and pray that no one runs you over! Mostly I just wait for someone to say go or follow an Italian. It is definitely going to take some getting use to.

Other than that little things like different electric converters, to showers with barely any hot water that take time to adjust to. I can't wait to share more with you, but it is time for lunch! One amazing aspect of Italian culture is the value and appreciation of a relaxing meal. Lunch will be about two hours long! Ciao!

Rome is My Home, Too!

Hi, Candice,

I am going to follow your blog very carefully. Rome is one of my very favorite cities. I lived there for ten years. I married a Roman. We were married on the Capitoline Hill under the watchful eyes of Marcus Aurelius. I have many important and happy memories of Rome. Enjoy yourself in one of the most intriguing cities in the world!

In the photo below you will see the marvelous statue of Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman emperor. The beautiful building in the background is where the mayor of Rome has his offices.

In the photo on the right you will see an aerial view of the Campidoglio with the statue of the emperor in the center. This square was designed by Michelangelo. The two buildings make up the Capitoline Museum. I was married in a room in the museum on the left.

Jet lagged and it feels so good!

Actually, I lied. The jet lag is terrible, but being in Rome is fabulous! I arrived a few hours ago to Rome and have been busy unpacking and trying to find internet service. I am going out for my first Roman meal tonight and am very excited. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am great and can't believe that I am finally here! The first major difference I noticed is the keyboard buttons are different. I still can't find the @ sign and keep having to copy and paste it..if someone knows how to get it on the keyboard Iwould greatly appreciate it! ciao!

Salve!

Salve! I am an Italian teacher in New Jersey. I have been fortunate to live in Rome and continue to travel there as my husband was born and grew up there. Rome is a fascinating place. There you feel that you are walking through the pages of an art history book. Besides learning the language, you are going to have the opprtunity to learn about ancient and current culture, politics, economics and the culinary arts among other topics. You may find that you miss the ease with which we accomplish things in the US. The concept of time will also be interesting. Let me know how you are enjoying yourself so far.