Struggles all day, every day to understand the deeper meaning of things other than just being satisfied with a translation.

High of 57 degrees today.

My favorite spot to study at Brandeis is upstairs in the SCC. I go for the tables in the middle, two tables, and prop up my book holder and whichever science textbook I happen to be reading that day. I can sit there for hours, scribbling intensely in my notebooks, occasionally looking up at anyone making an obnoxious noise. That room is always packed, and it's prime studying grounds at 'deis, which is why I make sure to get there early and stake my territory. If you see a black book holder, a grey & purple bookbag, & a blue asian looking pencil case - yeah that's my table, no touching.


Now that I'm in Barcelona, what new studying grounds are available for me here? It was a high of 57 degrees today, still is, so I frantically looked for a park, a garden, a bench at least to sit and read! Frustrated, I decided to settle for one of the Farggis on Passeig de Gràcia. After ordering my usual cafe con leche and croissant, I look outside and there are no free tables on the sidewalk. Ugh. But once I finished my meal, I stalked outside to investigate the scene once again, and success!, a free table. 

So, at Brandeis my coveted spot is a table/lounging chair in the SCC. At Barcelona, it's a table on Passeig de Gràcia, under the sun, in the middle of the city. Life is pretty damn good. 

I can also just pull up a chair next to my balcony & read if I choose to. Also, I am master of self-timer. 

MI SCUSI!

Rome was, to say the least, everything I hoped it would be and more. I can die happy knowing that I've seen Michelangelo's Pietá and Sistine Chapel in person. After taking an Italian Renaissance Art class at Brandeis, I began to compile a list of works that I wanted to see, and those were at the top. Unfortunately, the David and Bernini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa are in Florence and a bunch of other works are in the Lourve, but that's for the next trip! I get all giddy just thinking about Paris, but when will I see Florence? =(


Well, I'm going to try to sum up Roma as best as I can - AND WHAT THE HELL FACEBOOK WON'T UPLOAD MY PICTURES. Okay, calm down, I'm sure there's some explanation for this...Anyways, on to Roma.

Day 1:

• After waking up at 4:20 in the morning, Kathryn and I trudged down to El Prat Aeropuerto to catch a 7:10AM flight to Roma. One thing about that airport, it's HUGE but it is beautiful. And the "moving sidewalks", as Kathryn likes to call them, make life so much easier. So do the large chicken statues at the entrance. =l
• We got hustled our first meal in Rome. Figures, but my sandwich was soo delish & so was the capuccino. 
• The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica was so opulent and impressive. Wasn't Jesus poor though? Whatever, I won't get into that. But I'm glad someone had enough money to fund Raphael & Michelangelo. 
• Our tour guide spoke about the importance of appearance in the Roman society. You had to look well kept, meaning you had to bathe, get your hair done, work out, and look good. So I'm thinking, we can't blame the guidos for being the way they are. It's just in their freaking genes; they're wired to GTF (gym, tan, laundry - for those of you who need to watch the Jersey Shore). 

• That night we explored as many piazzas and fountains as we could. The Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza del Popolo - amazing! Rome is beautiful at night, sans the creepy alleyways, and our dinner was superb.

Day 2:

• The three other kids (two girls + one guy) in our hostel room were jackoffs. Kathryn and I had forgotten our flip flops so she asks this girl if we could borrow her flops, and we get such a stank attitude from her.
• 2.50 euros for breakfast?! Success!

• One word: Colosseum. I get it now. It's everything it's hyped up to be. No disappointment there whatsoever. And you don't need a tour guide, so don't ask for one. I think you can appreciate it without being on a tour for an hour.
• The various remains of Roman buildings, like in the Fori Imperiali or the Roman Forums were gorgeous. It might've just been the beautiful weather, but who cares!

Day 3:

• We finally, finally had a taste of italian gelato. I'm not gonna say it was life changing, but it was definitely the best ice cream I've had so far. I had two scoops: coffee & hazelnut chocolate with chocolate chips. Ugh, take me back I want some right now.
• Piazza Navona really is a charming sight. I wish I had enough money to sit in one of the outdoor patios and eat expensive italian food. Haha. It's incredible to me how talented the street artists were in Italy. Really, really impressive, but I guess when you live in the shadow of the big three it's kind of hard to sell.

All in all, Rome was a great success. I'm in love with the city and I can't wait to return. x)