 |
| A pilgrim in awe |
The traveler in me has yet to be disappointed with the eternal city.
Today was filled with orientation in the morning and afternoon
followed by freedom in the late afternoon and evening. In the morning,
on our 15 minute guided walk to the Rome Center campus (where classes
will be held) we passed by several important landmarks, monuments I will
see everyday. We passed Santa Maria de Trastevere, Farnese Palace,
Campo de Fiori and the famous statue of Giordarno Bruno a;so known as
the 'martyr for science', and Chiesa Nuova (New Church, ironically not
actually that new). At lunch we enjoyed pizza and a quick look at Chiesa
di San Salvatore in Lauro.
On our own, we explored Piazza Novona, Chiesa di Sant'Angese in Agone
(Church of Saint Agnes in Agony), Castel San'Angelo, the Vatican and
finally St. Peter's.
 |
| Santa Maria in Trastevere |
 |
| Chiesa Nuova |
 |
| Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro |
 |
| Obelisk at Piazza Navona |
 |
| Fountain at Piazza Navona |
 |
| St. Peter's and Obelisk |
 |
| St. Peter's facade |
 |
| Roommate shenanigas |
 |
| Sunset |
Can you tell by my selection of pictures that I might be Catholic and in love with church architecture? Just a little?
We spent the evening with a great group of new friends eating pasta and
pizza. I tried a fried zucchini flower that tasted amazing but reminded
me oddly of a fried mozzarella stick. At dinner, I just happened to look
over at the table next to us and lo-and-behold I saw Bishop Robert
Barron the Roman Catholic Bishop of Los Angeles known internationally
through his Facebook page with nearly one million followers. He graced
me with a picture (below).
 |
| Lasagna al Forno |
 |
| Bishop Barron and I |
We topped the evening off with gelato that was out of this world at
Frigidarium. I took a picture of the sign because it featured the word
'Maestri' but was too tempted by my cone to take a picture of it before
scarfing it down.
Now, a good night's sleep is calling me.
So, until next time, ciao!
Jacob
--
Read more from Jacob at
http://ablogaboutrome.blogspot.it/
For more on the U of A Rome Center: Summer Campus, check out
http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecampus
