It really is the good life.

Look at me, blogging already.  You all really should be proud.  I mean really, this is quite impressive.

Everything has been going swimmingly thus far and life in Roma continues to be an adventure.  We are often so busy that by the time we get back to our apartments, I eat dinner, pretend to do homework, and then reside to my wonderful bed for some much needed sleep.  Time is really flying by and in under a month I'll already be home.  flkfjdskgkdfjgkfdgh.  That actually describes my emotions quite accurately.

For our first weekend away, we went to Subiaco, Italy.  This a annual event that this program always goes on due to the fact that there's the St. Benedict monastery.  We also visited the St. Scholastic monastery, where of which we were provided an amazing 3 course lunch.  Each of these places were absolutely gorgeous.  St. Benedict's is built into the side of the mountains and the view is just breathtaking.  It was great to be in the actual place where St. Benedict lived and prayed; it really put into perspective what my college is based on and built after.

Such a beautiful place

Beautiful city

St. Benedict Monestary

Look at how cute we are!

The following day, Kate, Laura and I went to english mass which was oh so appreciated.  We've been to masses in French, Italian, Greek, Latin.. Spanish.. ugh.  It was so nice to actually understand!  Following that, we went to the huge Sunday market our director, Greg, recommended.  Seriously, it's so huge.  And it be quite honest, a lot of it is odd.  If you need some undies (sick), of all assortments, this place can help you out.  I mean how not creepy is it to buy your personal items from a vendor yelling, "1 EUROOOO!"  in your face.  Don't worry, I didn't buy any, or anything else for that matter.  We enjoyed exploring and may venture back again before we leave.  I mean, it is cheap.  Following, Laura and I spent the afternoon exploring the streets of Rome.  Her and I really enjoy walking without an agenda.  It isn't any wonder that we often migrate toward one another, Kate included.  We enjoy having no plan and just seeing what we find.  It's always a great way to spend an afternoon. 

The beginning of the week was filled with class excursions that I particularly liked.  For theology, we toured through 3 churches, my favorite being Santa Sabina Basilica.  It's quite old and not in the best condition, but it's location and historical background make up for it.  Here, the Pope says Ash Wednesday mass every year.  Our professor, who works for the Vatican, attends annually and said that even though it's packed, it's an amazing service and one of his favorite churches in Rome.

On the following day, Greg took us to San Carlo Basilica.  It being one of his favorite churches, he wanted us to go and reflect on its style, architecture, art, and particular characteristics.  A tad bit too much gold for my taste, but the Stations of the Cross were some of the most beautiful I've ever seen.  After that, our group went for gelato.  Awww, the joys of gelato.  This place, hidden amongst the sides street, was delicious, but odd as well.  I had cinnamon ginger, which was oh so good, but they also had flavors like bleu cheese, pepper, and mustard.  They were tempting to taste, but I just couldn't do it.  Maybe next time.

Following that, my roommates and I went to Piazza Navona, which is one of my favorite squares of Rome.  One of the girls had been recommended a restaurant called Monte Carlo.  You all should go, it's cheap and delicious.  Margherita pizza for 4 euro baby.  Better believe it.  Great food, even better company.  I truly love my roommates, they're so great.  Following that, we went back to the square and meandered around listening to musicians and looking at art.  Wonderful evening, indeed.

The proceeding morning, a few of us managed to get up and go see the sunrise at the Spanish steps.  Turns out that us Americans are actually the only ones that call them that.  They have this connotation merely for the fact that they link to the Spanish embassy.  They were actually constructed by the French and the church at the top is French.  So really they're really the French steps.  Maybe I should break the social norms and call them that.

Anyway, they're packed.  All the time.  Another fun fact about Rome, when you sit down to eat somewhere, there is usually a charge to do so.  They call it a "service" charge, but really they just want you to pay for the view or that precious little seat.  So having this ginormous staircase to sit on for free is something everyone takes advantage of.  Well, at sunrise my friends, they were completely empty.  NO ONE THERE!  We didn't see the sunrise (not elevated high enough), but hey, they were empty.  That's awesome enough in itself.  Now, to make our morning even better, may I introduce you to Tokyo man.  

When we were at the top of the steps, simply minding our own business, this cute little man comes up to us and asks for us to take his picture.  Of course we agreed, that wouldn't be a problem!  He was so grateful, bowing and repeatedly saying, "Thaaank you, thank you!!" But after we did that.. he requested a picture of us.  We thought he offered to take our picture, but oh no, he just wanted a picture of us on his camera.  So we all pose and thus automatically end up being his "American friends".  By this point we were all laughing because this man was just way too awesome.  Gets even better.  He then hands the camera to Laura (he really wanted her to take the picture) and motions to the rest of us to be in his picture.  Oh but that's not all, he wants us to squat.  Yea, squat.  So here we are, all staggered about super hero style with our arms extended and thumbs up.. squatting.  Oh the joys of 7am.  This guy made my day, actually week, most definitely.

The empty Spanish (French?) steps!

I could continue writing, but I feel as if Tokyo man needs to be the end of my post.  Plus, I'm really hungry and tired of typing.  I will write again soon, I promise.  I hope everything at home is going wonderfully for everyone.  I am missing you all very much and looking forward to being with you all again.  This week we head to Florence for our Thanksgiving break.  Although I'm beyond excited, I will miss Thanksgiving at home immensely.  Enjoy all the delicious food and football for me!  And being away from school =)

Love & Godbless you all!