Reality Catch Phrase

I am beginning to think the greatest thing about this city, next to the endless history and beauty, is when you meet an Italian person who speaks English. Most Italians I have met either speak no english or just the tiniest little bit, but there are of course a number who are Italian but are probably from the States because their English is perfect. And then there are the people in between, they are Italian and speak English but it is most definitely not their first language. The majority of my professors land in this category and this lack of communication ability is the only thing that has been getting me through 3 hours of class with each one every day. Each class period is like a miniture game of Reality Catch Phrase. Every other sentence the professor pauses and mumbles to themselves, "Come si dici?" while the rest of us attempt to guess what he or she is trying to say! In my photography class, a boy in my program and I made a points game out of it. 1 point if it was obvious. 2 points if the other person guesses but were wrong. 3 points if the professor says the word in Italian and you guess from what it sounds like in English. and 5 points if its a complete guess and you get it right. It is awesome!

This week was relatively uneventful. I got really sick last weekend, which supposedly always hits students right after the homesickness wears off. So it came right on time. We had the opportunity to go to an Opera at the Opera House that was built for Mussolini in the 40's. The Opera House was goregous, but as far as the actual production...I couldn't say. I fell asleep within the first half hour and woke up only during the breaks between acts when they turned the lights on. Everyone said the play was pretty boring so I didnt miss anything, although I think the woman I was seated next to got a little upset when my head started bobbing in her direction because I had no where to rest it during my nice nap. I am making incredible impressions for America all over the place here!! :)

It rained all week here. Such a downer. Apparently this has been the rainiest winter they have had in a long time, but its in the 50's most every day and I think I would choose rain and wet clothes/shoes over negative degree weather and frozen nostrol hair any day!


I am beginning to feel at home here. I am loving the big city atmosphere, although public transportation gets a little old, and the incredible views found around every corner. I went for a run after class yesterday and got lost in the process. It was probably the best thing to happen to me all week (besides the Reality Catch Phrase, of course). I turned when I felt like and ran where ever my legs took me and accidentally ran into the most goregous spot in Rome to date. On the side of one of Rome's hills near my apartment was an incredible fountain spanning the side of building overlooking the entire city and beyond. I could see every monument, ruins site, and the mountains in the distance from this spot. I am not entirely sure if I will ever be able to find it again but I definitely plan on trying.

Tomorrow we are going to Pisa for the day. Yay for the Leaning Tower!!