Jet Lag

Friday, May 18, 2012. 2030 Rome Time:

After a long flight and several movies, we landed safe and sound at Fiumicino Airport at around 0900 Rome Time. We hopped off the plane, met our transporter, and shuttled through the city down Via Nomentana to the convent where we will be staying. We unloaded/unpacked, and met Kristin and Caleb for a short briefing and lunch. Kristin is the coordinator for the campus and stays here 10 months out of the year. After some panini with various meats and a piece of fruit, we headed down to the bus stop and headed into the city.

We first visited the Piazza Navona. I do not know much about the Piazza but Dr. Mann told us that a circus used to take place there and it has become a cultural landmark. The water gods in the fountain are the main piece of the open area however as a backdrop they have the Basilica of St. Agnes, who was martyred in the circus that once took place on that ground. The architecture is unreal! We took a short walk to the Pantheon and I can honestly say nothing could have prepared me for it. It had to be the most immaculate and beautiful structure I have ever seen. It's size and detail are unreal and it is truly breathtaking. After walking around the Pantheon the group met up for some gelato! I was adventurous and had Spumoni and Nutella flavors. Very good! We continued our walk to the Trevi Fountain; again, truly breathtaking. This city is surreal; I feel like I have been in a dream since we drove through the ruins of the old wall. After some pictures and of course a wish at the fountain, we went into a church which was also adorned with great beauty and masterpieces of art. We walked past the Victor Emmanuel memorial to our bus stop and made our way back to the convent. After some grocery shopping we headed out for pizza at the Pizzeria San Marino. Delicious! I ordered Pizza Al Tonno which was basically a margherita with tuna on it. Very good but I have to admit I probably could have eaten three!

This day was incredible and I am thankful to Dr. Mann for keeping us active and on our feet to fight the jet lag. I will surely sleep sound tonight and I am already looking forward to more experiences!

Dylan