Sunny day

I am really tired. I seem to consistently underestimate walking distances in Rome and accordingly, wear myself out completely. Thankfully there are water fountains and churches to help me along the way. Class was fun today, as usual. We spent the last half hour working on intonation by making up a few sentences and practicing saying them over and over until they were perfect. Then we acted them out in front of the class, all 5 of us. Our story was about two friends who were supposed to meet for a movie at 7:45, but one showed up at 8:30, meaning they had to wait until the later showing. Our sentences were:

Luisa: OOOhhhh Buonasera! Sei in ritardo per questo spettacolo o sei in anticipo per il prossimo?

Maria: Scusami, non `e stata colpa mia!

It was really fun because we had to say the first line very sarcastically, trying to emmulate the passion in italian conversation. I swear I said that phrase 20 times! We said it faster and with more attitude, until finally we got up in pairs and acted everything out, being very silly. It was really fun. Tomorrow we find out why Maria was so late.

After class I bused to the Piazza Venezia. I saw the Vittorio Emmanuele monument, which is gigantic. It has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and some good views of the Piazza Venezia. I took a picture of the streets by the Piazza because they are busy and crazy and show what it is like walking around central Rome.

Afterwards I went to the Musei Capitolini. It was located right behind the giant Vittorio Emmanuele monument and next to the forum. It was a neat museum, unfortunately I couldn't take pictures in my favorite rooms. They had lots of interesting things like paintings and ancient sculptures, but it was a little confusing finding rooms and exhibits.

Marcus Aurelius, known for his Meditations (and yes, the movie Gladiator)

The She-Wolf and Romulus and Remus, symbol of Rome.

The China room (mom this is for you)

Beautiful setting, check out the chandeliers

One of the most famous sculptures in the museum, "The Dying Gaul" a first century BC copy of a Greek original. Picture doesn't do it justice, but this was an incredible statue, very moving.

After the museum I found the elevator that takes you to the top of the Vittorio Emmanuele monument for great views of Rome. This was part of my planned outing. I'm glad I went today because it was a gorgeous clear day and I could really see all of Rome. I'm also glad I went this far into my trip because I actually recognized several of the buildings. I saw the Pantheon, St. Peters, Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum.

Afterwards is when I got a little walking crazy, I think the sunshine went to my head. I decided to walk down Via Cavour, a major street, to see the church Santa Maria in Maggiore. (not part of my planned outing) This sounds reasonable right? Not so much. By the time I found the church I was exhausted. Thankfully churches offer seating with a beautiful view. So I sat for a good half hour enjoying mosaics and the pretty ceiling.

I emerged and realized I had walked almost back to the train station. So I went to the train station, walked a million miles underground to get to the train, got to my Metro stop, and took the bus home. Whew. I have a list of things I want to see before I go so I am pushing myself a little bit. Now getting ready for a yummy meal with my italian family and then off to sleep!

(also, Happy San Jacinto Day AND Muster to all you Aggies!)