A week past half.

Wowza, I'm half way done with my semester already, and that is one of the most terrifying thoughts. I can't believe how fast it's going by, and I sure do miss you all at home, but (and don't take this the wrong way) I don't really want to leave.  Two weeks ago (the first week back from spring break).........

Sunday my sister's friends from St. Mary's University in Winona were in Rome.  Berno was in the Chamber Singers there before she had to grow up and graduate.  Anyway, the Chamber Singers were on tour in Rome, and I was lucky enough to catch their last concert.  I dragged my friend, Lauren, with me and together we headed for Santa Susanna to listen to them perform.  They were magnificent!  I also really liked the church.  You learn something new everyday, because I didn't know that it was the English Speaking Parish.  (It's not that I don't go to mass, I just don't go there for any of you thinking I've become a pagan.)  The inside was a total change and welcome back to Rome from what I had seen in Ireland and Scotland.  (Another perk: free food and coffee after mass!!)

Monday was kind of a dull day.  I  know, hard to believe those exist in Rome, but any energy I had left over from the trip was completely drained out of me.  I made it through classes (barely, thank you Maria Palladino for making me not want to continue learning the Italian language).

After a long, deep sleep I woke up to meet Lauren.  We usually spend out Tuesday mornings/afternoons together.  Tuesday's agenda:  going inside Castel San Angelo.  Way back in the beginning of my travels, semester, time abroad...whatever you wish to call it, I mentioned admiring the outside and it's beauty.  Well we finally dragged ourselves inside.  It's really neat.  Especially the weaponry.  You can also see the path that leads to the Vatican.  (If you've seen Angels and Demons, it's the path in the movie) The path exists to guard the Pope.  It leads underground from the Vatican to the castle.  Sadly, and for obvious reasons, you cannot travel the path.  However, it was really cool to be able to see it.  The view from the top of the castle was also another perk to the adventure.

I had my Food and Wine class at 2:20 that afternoon, and we finally started the section on wine.  It was very interesting.  I laughed when he said that 90 percent of wine is just a socially acceptable drug.  He explained so much, but some interesting facts: (I will save most for when you ask me all about my semester, and I can impress you with my wine knowlege)
*  It takes 1.2kg of grapes to make 1L of wine
*  You  can tell alot by the color and smell of wine alone.
*  Italian wine is better than French wine
* There are four different techniques to age wine
* Being a wine master seems like a pretty sweet job...
I must say I definately felt a little tipsy after class.  We had two glasses in under a half hour.  Both wines we tried were Sicilian wines.  Italian actually seemed bearable on Tuesday, which is highly unusual, rare actually.

Wednesday it rained all day....which meant that calcio was canceled.  Kinda disappointing, but kinda nice.  I was able to catch up on some homework and study. 

Thursday.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND HAPPY 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIFICATION OF ITALY!!!  It's amazing to have studied over 3000 years of history in Italy, but the country has only been unified for 150 years.  It seems that many Italians still refer to themselves by their region or city.  I've noticed this especially in Rome.  I wasn't feeling well so I didn't go out to celebrate either holiday, but it was strange not having a countdown to parade day ( I did wear green though).

I also had my second wine class.  Thursday's wines were Montepulciano from the Abruzzio region.  He tells us the quality and prices at the end.  I liked the cheaper one better; I guess it's good I don't have expensive taste. 

It was a pretty busy, but fulfilling week, and I'm really happy to be getting to know Rome better.  I can get around really well, and have even helped people in need of directions.

Random Facts

1.  Referring back to helping people in need of directions...Some woman asked me how to get to the Trevi Fountain.  This happened right near the Vatican (so kind of a hike, but doable).  Then she asks me if I lived in Rome.  I explained how I was studying here this semester, and she asks how old I am.  I say 21.  Direct quote from lady, "Are you serious? You look like such a baby.  I wouldn't have guessed a day over 12."  Well thanks, Lady.  What's are you doing asking a 12 year old for directions?  I know I look young, but seriously 12? I almost gave her the wrong directions to spite her, but since we were in front of St. Peter's I thought the severity of my sin would double or something...or maybe I would have been forgiven faster?  I'm going with the second one.  Next time I will have to remember that.

2.  It seems to always Rain on Wednesdays

3.  I do not look twelve.