Time to Study

Even though the thought of going to class is not usually a happy one I'm pleased to say that my classes at the rome center are going well so far. I have Italian 102 which is basically like any other language class I've ever taken, but I actually get to use what I learn everyday. It's great to walk into the grocery store and be able to ask for something, or order dinner at a restaurant without looking like an idiotic tourist. I will admit I'm still pretty bad at speaking italian, but hopefully I'll get better. My professor is really enthusiastic, and is also serving as my Ricci mentor. His enthusiasm in class and for my project is great, and I'm sure will help keep me excited and on task throughout the semester. He also has a great connection at the Vatican for me to talk to! Although my ricci project is making me nervous hopefully I will get started and all will go well. I also have theology of pilgrimage with the wonderful Fr. Bohr. A huge chunk of the grade for that class is writing a journal about our pilgrimages to sacred sites in Italy and other European countries which is completely perfect since I'm already doing that in this blog. It also ties in amazingly well with my sacred space research project. Even though I've only had one class with Fr. Bohr I can already tell that it will one of my favorites this semester. Plus for some of our classes we will be going onsite to see some churches in Rome!

The Spanish Steps

My introduction to voice class looks like it will be really fun, which is what I was hoping for since I will be spending so much time doing research. The professor is an well known opera singer who has sung at most of the major opera houses in Europe. Aside from her absolutely gorgeous voice she seems really nice, and I'm excited to have some time to enjoy singing some Italian songs. My baroque art class is going to be the challenging one, because it is an art history course and I have never taken art history before and the professor is already throwing around lots of impressive architecture and art terms. Art history really isn't my interest, but every other class will be onsite which makes it exciting. Next week instead of going to class we will be meeting at St. Peter's basilica!

The Trevi Fountain

Even though classes have started I have continued to try to see some more of Rome outside of the walls of the JFRC. I got to see the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The Spanish Steps weren't anything spectacular in my opinion, but I think I will have to go back in the day time (since I was there at night). The Trevi Fountain did not disappoint. It was massive and before I could see it I could hear the roar of the water. It was beautiful, impressive, and packed with tons of people. Even though I didn't stay out long it was nice to see some of the famous sites of Rome.