And what an explorer I was today. Started off with our academic orientation, which I did not get lost while finding today! It was lots of yadda yadda about school and a sign up form for our Italian Practicum. Unfortunately, I am about to start 3 weeks of intensive Italian everyday from 3-6:30, while most of my apartment is from 9:30-1. Of course, I'll make the best of it, but it's making me a little sad.
But that is not what this post is about! This is a post about how, after the orientation, my flatmates Mac, Adrienne, and I meandered through the cobblestone streets of the historic center of Rome and checked off two to-see items off our list: Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon.
Nota Bene regarding the Pantheon: this is probably my favorite piece of architecture of all time. I have two main feelings about it. One, awestruck that it exists. And two, awestruck that my school is a ten minute walk from it. I am far too lucky, but don't tell whomever arranges the fate of the universe or else they may reconsider my life.
the building itself is massive - it took a couple tries to get the whole thing in the shot
bonus Latin lesson! the inscription 'M[arcus] Agrippa L[ucii] F[ilius] Co[n]s[ul] Tertium Fecit': 'Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building while consul for a third time'
bonus Latin lesson! the inscription 'M[arcus] Agrippa L[ucii] F[ilius] Co[n]s[ul] Tertium Fecit': 'Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building while consul for a third time'
Madonna del Sasso at the tomb of Raphael (incidentally my favorite Renaissance artist); St. Anastasio by Bernardino Cametti
sweet and beautiful Corinthian Order tackiness
"The eye of God" aka the epic (not used lightly) oculus
All in all, I could not have enjoyed more wandering around the city using the shady back alleys to get everywhere because the main roads are drenched in sun. If you do a casual google of 'Rome weather' you will find that it is an average of 90-95 degrees with almost 80 percent humidity. I am pretty consistently walking around with a sweat sheen and ice cold water is not taken for granted. I certainly wouldn't trade where I am for any other city, but I am looking forward to the winter months. Trying to keep up with Italian style but not wanting to wear a lot of clothes is a tricky balance.
these initials are all around the city and as a Latin student, I would be remiss if I didn't have a picture
Senatus Populusque Romanus, Latin: The Senate and People of Rome
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