Sunday Funday Runday

Sunday, May 27, 2012. 2221 RT:

Went to bed last night a little bit stressed out. Woke up a little bit stressed out so I opted out of church. Had some coffee, then packed up the camelbak for a nice long run. I hadn't run longer than an hour on this trip so I was due. Headed out to Villa Borghese and did the longest loop I could find. Came upon some great overlooks! Afterward I headed down Via Veneto because I wanted to hit some hills. Turned left at a piazza and popped out on XX Settembre right on Via Santa Susanna. Went back down the hill and headed up the other way and popped out right next to Trevi Fountain! Good times exploring and finding new ways around the city. Ran around a bit more then went through the larger park by the Convent. I didn't know this park went back so far but it was very nice and it made me happy to see so many people out running today. The GPS didn't kick in until I was in the Villa but with some mapmyrun I can estimate my run to have been between 12.5-13 miles; in 90 minutes.

After the run I showered, had some breakfast, and read a good bit of Unbroken. Since it was such a nice day I decided to take a walk. I was going to maybe do some grocery shopping but most everything here closes on Sundays. Dr. Mann took  us all out for some gelato because he is awesome. I tried Baci instead (dark chocolate gelato covered in hazelnuts and chocolate) and it was very good!

Overall today was uneventful sans run and involved a lot of reading, resting, and munching (I was constantly hungry!). We met up this evening and talked about the Sistine Chapel, as we will be going on a guided tour through the Vatican Museum tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it! It will be truly amazing to see the work of Michaelangelo, Raphael, and others.

Tomorrow, in honor of Memorial Day, Caleb and Jessica are making Spaghetti (?)! I have been begging them to get watermelon and if they don't I will leave and not return until I have one in my hand. I don't need burgers, I don't need corn on the cob (though that would be incredible).... I just want some big hunks of juicy watermelon. Hopefully Caleb is taking my pleas seriously because I'm not joking!

I have been in Rome for over a week. Friendships have blossomed, along with drama, but all is well. I was a little grouchy today but that's my own stupid problem. Tomorrow we start the renaissance and reformation: in study and hopefully in my attitude. This opportunity is too fantastic to let slip because of my selfishness.

I miss you all! Please have some good American grill grub for me for Memorial Day; remember I can eat A LOT so don't hold back!

With love,

Dylan

p.s. - The camera should be good to go for tomorrow so I will once again have some pictures to go with the  blog!