Day 5: Rome

Gelato flavors tried: cantaloupe, pink grapefruit
Favorite flavor so far: pink grapefruit
Least favorite so far: pistachio

I created a photo album for my trip, if you're interested:
http://picasaweb.google.com/102469990350567583784/Rome2010Part1?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ__7ouy9N_N-gE&feat=directlink

Today we had our first day of class! We visited the Roman Forum and walked among the ruins. We saw several arches (including the Arch of Titus, where David gave his presentation) and learned about the many layers of history (literally) that exist in the Forum. The vast majority of the marble used in construction during the Republic and the Empire has been carted away, leaving only marble that was buried. Regardless, the Forum is still a magnificent locale. Unfortunately, the weather, which had been so promising in the morning, turned menacing. It kept sprinkling and spitting and gusting, but thankfully it never actually rained, which was good because I didn't bring my umbrella with me.

We picnicked on the Palatine Hill (we had made caprese - tomato, mozzarella, basil - sandwiches), and then we headed downhill to the Colosseum. Despite its bloody history, it remains very impressive. The size of it is astounding, especially considering that the architects didn't really know whether or not it would stand without falling. I can only imagine what it would have looked like when it was all covered with marble! There were a lot of people around by that time, but we could still elbow our way to get a view of the center of the main ring.

We stopped by a highly-recommended gelato place called Geolitti on the way back. Very excellent! There are forty or more flavors, and they pile the cones high, with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Very good! We'll have to go back soon.

Grocery shopping, reading, dinner, blogging. I think this is what my days will be like for the next four weeks.