Some Random Pics Since Mom, Dad and Adi got here. More to come.

Day 28 Tuesday August 2

Today was the last day of the Fordham Study Abroad program. This morning we went out for breakfast and did some last minute shopping near the Spanish steps. Afterwards we packed up our rooms and later went for dinner at the Hard Rock, our new favorite hang out. Tomorrow the Donnelly clan arrives!

Day 27 Monday August 1

This morning we went for another American breakfast on Via Veneto. Afterwards we headed over to Santa Maria della Vittoria where we say the marble sculpture "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" by Bernini. On route to our next stop we passed Borromini's Church of San Carlo alle Quatro Fontane as well as church by Bernini. Afterwards we stopped at the Trevi Fountain to throw a coin in to assure we returned to Rome. We then made our way to Piazza Navona where I did my presentation on the Fountain of the Four Rivers. 

After class we stopped at Scholars for a quick bite and then went to the Spanish Steps for a pub crawl. We started at Highlander Pub where for 25 Euro we got all the Carlsberg beer and wine you could drink and all the pizza you could eat. We than made our way over to Bloom Night Club and finally ended the crawl at La Maison by the river.

Beer Chug Champion of the Pub Crawl....

Day 26 Sunday July 31

This morning we went for an American breakfast on Via Veneto. We had eggs, bacon, toast, Cappuccino and Juice. Afterwards we went shopping and later that night had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. We had a delicious dinner and made friends with a couple at the bar from Framingham, Mass. After dinner we went for drinks at On The Rocks and later to a night club down the street.

Day 25 Saturday July 30

This morning we got up at 4 am to go to a 24 hour burger bar. After burgers we took an early train to Volmontone to go to Rainbow MagicLand amusement park. We had a really great time riding the roller coasters and water rides. After the park we stayed at Termini (the train station) for a bit and had dinner and went shopping.

Day 24 Friday July 29

This morning we visited the Via Veneto and the Crypt of the Cappuccini. The crypt was made entirely out of human bones and skulls and was so cool! Afterwards we stopped at Cafe Suggestum and did a little shopping in the area before making our way over to the Villa Borghese. Bernini's, Rape of Persephone, was my favorite piece in the collection. It depicts Persephone being seized and taken to the underworld by Pluto. I thought it was cool how Bernini made Persephone's hand push Pluto's face, creasing the skin as well as made his fingers sink into her flash. It looks so realistic. If you look up close you can also see marble tears that look like their dripping down her face. After exploring the rest of the gallery we decided to explore the rest of the Borghese grounds and spent about an hour in the park. Later I went to the Merulana Cafe for a late lunch of Fettucine al Ragu. That night we got some take out raviolis from the Cafe Argentina which we enjoyed on the college's roof top.

Day 23 Thursday July 28

This morning we visited the Church of Sant' Ignazio, a jesuit church which rivals the Gesu. In the vaulting of the nave and apse are beautiful paintings which apply the quadratura technique, which uses painted architectural elements to provide illusionistic decorations on the walls and ceilings. We also visited Santa Maria del Popolo. On the North transept are 3 popular works of the art. The two on the side walls were produced by Caravaggio and depict the Crucifixion of Saint Peter and the Conversion of Saint Paul. In the first Peter is shown nailed to the cross but what is most interesting is the way the 3 executioners were able to elevate it. In the Conversion of Saint Paul our eyes are drawn to the horse who steps over Paul. These two pieces are strong examples of naturalism. In the center is the Assumption painted in a much different style by Annibale Carraci. Also found in the tomb is the monument commemorating Theresa Peizer. After class we stopped for pizza and later that night went to Lime Bar and La Maison's "Pool Party" by the river.

Day 22 Wednesday July 27

This morning we took the bus to Tivoli to see the gardens of Villa d'Este. We first stopped for lunch and then made our way over to explore the gardens. Unfortunately it was pouring almost the whole time but we were still able to explore the garden grounds in our stylish ponchos. Afterwards we came back to the Irish College and later had dinner at Triangle Bar.