a whirlwind of trips and experiences!

A lot has happened since my last post! I am finally getting used to walking around my neighborhood (Aventino) and the surrounding areas (Testaccio, Trastevere, the Jewish Ghetto) like a local. There have been a few very good meals (at Nonna Betta in the Jewish Ghetto, Dar Poeta in Trastevere, and a pizzeria in Naples) and even more amazing sites. I have really been trying to get out everyday and seeing something new, a goal I set for myself at the beginning of the trip.

I recently got back from a weekend trip to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii with my program - what a fantastic time. My favorite had to be Capri, seeing as it was basically paradise with its gorgeous views, our swanky hotel, a phenomenal boat trip with a great captain named Salvatore, a cute beach-meets-quaint little town at Ana Capri, and an incredible hike up to Emperor Tiberius' villa.

 after the hike!

 this is not retouched...

Pompeii was also a treat, despite having been there already!

then of course, Naples! This is where I had the best pizza I have ever had ... well at least recently!!

beautiful mosaics!

 

 The Alexander Mosaic - very famous

 

Prosciutto, arugula, and mozzarella!!!!

ROMA!

 in the Jewish Ghetto (neighborhood)

PASTA! Campo de' Fiore market

ciao! I have been in Rome for four days now, and have fallen in love with a beautiful city. Although I feel like I have already seen so much, with the walking tours for hours everyday and even exploring on my own, there are hundreds of sculptures, buildings, paintings, restaurants, and shops on my list to see. Today I spent a few hours walking around the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere (a neighborhood across the river from the Aventino area), and the Campo de' Fiore (a square near Piazza Nova, the site of Bernini's famous Four Rivers fountain - hello Art History 101). I enjoyed window shopping while eating my Roman-Jewish falafel (I wonder how traditional it really is here...an inexpensive and delicious lunch  nevertheless!), and ended up at the famous market on Campo de' Fiore. Although I expected the hustle and bustle of everyday market life, the amount of produce and jam and homemade specialties was jaw-dropping (see pasta above...so beautiful!). I cannot wait to explore more of the city, and I have a feeling my Early Christian and Medieval Art walking tour tomorrow morning will provide the perfect opportunity!

the art of disassembling a display

goodbye, kitchen display at anthro!