Dinner at Sarah's

Short Update today, sadness :(.

We actually only checked out one place (Catacombs of the Basilica of Costanze) and were not allowed to take photos. Although the content was great, it not something I can easily share. The trip was fun however, and we even got to ride the bus again which was a good time. Their bus system is much more efficient then in the US, you buy a ticket ahead of time board any bus (and they come often to) then put your ticket through a machine and board, fast, simple and cheap (1 euro only).

Also Sarah (Stroupster) invited us to her room tonight to help out with dinner and eat it as a group. We’ve been wanting to kick I with her food wise for sometime but she had always been busy. For desert I made a flan from scratch and am crossing my fingers everything will come out well. We’ve been cooking and eating as a group about 4 times now. The first night I made pasta, the next pineapple chicken, then since we could only get tomatoes we made pasta again and last night I made bacons, chicken, broccoli fettucini alfredo. Jared been cool enough to make some great bruschetta for every meal and everyone in general has been really cool. I’ll list everyone thats helped as a shout out and grazie for their work. If I forgot something let me know:

1. Sarah Lee

Clean up and Powering through her final.

2. Hai Nguyen

One of the best Sous chefs, diced bacon and garlic, did grocery runs, cut fruit and overall helpful.

3. Vidang Nguyen

Clean up

4. Donna Onevanthana

Clean up and helped with grocery shopping

5. Reyna Rollolazo

Clean up

6. Sara Scanez

Clean up

7. Danielle Talley

Sous chef, cut up fruits and helped with bread prep

Fatoumata Trawally

Clean up

9. Jonathan Wagner

Great job grocery running

10. Jared Watson

Great Chef and food connoisseur, made Brushetta and stuffed zucchini both delicious

11. Va'eomatoka Valu

Best cheese grater bar none, did grocery runs and helpful in the kitchen

Funny story about getting the flan ingredients. Although open air markets are fun they don’t always carry the ingredients you need. Today I had to get ingredients for flan but they had none in the market. So I decided to walk to there super markets which are like our corner stores since they are so small. After walking 3 miles and visiting 4 so called super markets I finally found a market with my lat ingredient, condensed milk. Well as I was checking out two old guys (60-70 years old) started yelling over who was inline first. Instead of just saying w/e its only one spot so forget it. They began going crazy and swing at one another in the store. Finally, me and another guy got out of line pulled them apart and gave them our spots in the front of the line. It surprised me how childish they were over who not going to be last. Either that or they do this to get to the front.

So I’m back from the dinner, it was a great time. The food was good, the people were great and the music was fresh. My flan went well, I was worried since I make flan differently and it lacks the eggy taste normal flan has (not a fan of the eggy taste). We also went on another gellato run and it was delicious as always. Pictures are shown HERE and photos of the Dinner are above.

Day 5 & 6

Double Update

This is a double update since the first day on this update was not very varied. Although the content took the entire day we only visited a few places.

To begin with our first day we headed out to one of the most impressive and symbolic building of Rome. The Flavium Amphitheater or better known the Colosseum. The story of this building began after Nero let Rome burn and turned all that burned property into private space. Vespasian (69-79) sons wanted to erase the memory of Nero and return the land he took back to the public. They began building the Colosseum and only got to the third tier until Titus (79-81) took the rain and finished it in 80 AD. Then after Titus was killed Domitian(81-96) AD finished it to the shields. This amazing structure was built for the masses to enjoy watching gladiatorial fights and in order to enter you needed something called a tessera. The tessera told the plebeians were to sit and was there entry through the colosseums vomitorium. The seating was ranked, so you would have the virgin vessels, Caesar and senate near the front, followed by those wealthy enough to be considered knights (means rich enough to own and care for a horse), then followed by the lower class males and lastly the females.

Now you may be asking how did the Colosseum get its name if it was originally called the Flavium Theater. Well the story go’s as follows. Originally there was a Colossus near it that was built by Nero who wanted to compare himself to the sun god Helios. This massive 35 meter statue was considered an Icon for Romans and there saying was that as long as the Colossus stood Rome would not fall. Well it turned out that the colossus did fall and to commemorate it they named the Flavium Theater the Colosseum. Therefore, the world Colosseum doesn’t describe the building but instead is the actual name of the building, so any similar building are not called Colosseums because there is only one Colosseum.

Now lets talk about the fun part of the Colosseum, Gladiators. There is actually 4 types of gladiators and when you became a gladiator you specialized on that type of gladiator. Below I’ll describe the gladiator type and who they fought, contrary to popular belief gladiators only fought certain gladiators not just everyone.

Gladiators:

Thracian

Lightly Armored

Armed like Thracians

They carried a small shield and curved sword

Fought: Myrmilliones and Samnites

Samanites

Heavily Armored

Inspired by Hoplomachoi

Had full shield and large swords

Fought: Myrmilliones and Thracians

Myrmilliones

Had Fish Fin crests

Carried oblong shields and gladius sword

Fought: Samnites, Retiarii and Thracians

Retiarii

Lightly armored

Had a net and long trident

Fought: Myrmilliones

Also unlike popular belief gladiator vs gladiators wasn’t to the death most of the time. Like wrestlers of today, they were mainly entertainers and were considered stars in their time. This was because you had to buy a gladiator and it cost money and time to train them, not worth it if they were just going to die. The main time someone died is if they were criminals condemned to death or when they did venation's, which means fighting animals. Also fun fact, there were some women gladiators.

To finish up day 5, we went to my fav ancient Rome sculpture the Moses by Michelangelo also that night we went to the spanish steps. Oh and once again we made dinner. Pictures are shown at the LINK.

Day 6 was actually a free day, we went to the best museum yet the museum Borghese. They had some very impressive sculptures by Bernini and diffrent paintings. Unfortunately, we could not take photos. The most impressive was Bernini’s David and Apollo and Daphne.

Also Sarah Lee and I went into a pond, we found 3 euro shoes, visited churches, saw a talented musician, saw a talented spray painter and got really bad service at a restaurant. Then of course we finished our day eating gellato. Pictures are at this LINK.

Long Walk At The Roman Forum + Bonus Writing

Today was a fairly short location wise. We went to the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. However, the Roman Forum has so many things it took the entire day.

We began at the Basilica Aemlia which was originally Basilica Fulia and changed by Lucius Aemlias Paullus in the 2^nd century AD. Next to this basilica we have a portius of Caisus and Lucius and then next to that the Venus Cloacina. The Cloacina is actually really interesting it is considered the great drain of the forum and was constructed by the etruscan kings. This allowed the Romans to move water and drain the swamp for the forum.

Then we went to the Lapis Niger, which is a black and shaped like the mathematical sign PI. It is thought as strange by the Roman people so they just kind of left it there and never messed with it.

Afterwards, we headed to the Curia or the place the senators of Rome met and then the Arch of Septimus Severus. Then it was followed by the Concordia Augusta which is a T shaped tranveresed temple dedicated by Tiberius to Augustusen Concord in 10 AD.

Continuing on our path we came to the Temple of Titus and Vespasian and the Precinct of the Harmonious Gods. The Precinct is a trapezoidal structure built from 118-138 AD by Hadrian and rebuilt in 367 AD by City Prefect as a defense of Roman Religion.

This then led us toward the Temple of Saturn which has a deep background. Although little is known about Saturn himself, the Romans had a festival on December 17^th called Saturnerilium were people drank, gave gifts to each other and masters and slaves reversed roles. Many scholars believe that this may be a reason christmas is in December since having christmas so close to the Roman holiday would make converting Romans to Christianity easier since they wouldn’t miss on the Roman celebration.

Equally as interesting was the Miliarem Auream and Umblicus Urbis Romae. The Miliarem Auream is considered the golden mark of Rome were all reference points to Rome are taken from and the Umbilicus Urbus Romae is the center of Rome.

As we walked away we reached the forum pavement which has various stories of a guy called Iacus Curtis who supposedly was a sign that changed the outcome of a battle that Rome was about to fail. The first story was of a knight(he was the knight) who fell into a lake, the second was of a Roman Knight that fell into a chasm and the last is of a Roman consul who consecrated the sight after lighting struck and created a circular depression.

Then came the Basilica Sempronia, the temple of Castor(temple where they had dentists and lawyers under) and the Lacus Luturna which had some myth I forgot since our teacher go’s so fast :(

We then hit the up the Temple of Dues Julius (place they cremated Julius), the Aedes of Veste (roman building rebuilt by a woman) and the House of Vessels were 6 virgin vessels were kept. As we continued our day we also passed by the Temple of Deus Antonimus and Deas Faustina (Built in 140 AD) and the Temple to Romulus from the 4^th century AD.

After all this walking we finished up the day by visiting our last 3 stops:

Basilica of Maxcinges:

This basilica is 142 feet high was started by Maxcinches in 306 AD but was killed before it was completed by current co-emperor. It was then completed and finished in 313 AD by Constantine.

Arch of Titus:

Arch dedicated by Demition that shows a triumph of the Romans and Demition being Dues.

Circus Maximus:

An ownage building founded in the 6^th century that held 250k people. They had gladiator fights and chariot races and was 540X80 meters large.ALso had two obelisks and a spina in the middle.

Pictures Can Be Seen HERE

Also I have gotten an email question as to my essay that I wrote for this program so I am adding it as a bonus below.

Diversity in education has been one of most influential aspects of my undergraduate research career. Through my varied educational background and the influences around me I have grown from a student to an innovator. In my undergraduate investigations I have always crossed fields and brought a more human and artistic environment to the distant, mechanical field of engineering. For me this opportunity offers me a gateway to further bolster the connection of the world around me and strengthen my educational career and professional studies.

Like the Roman arch, whose strength lays in the construction of an odd number of bricks held together by a keystone. An innovative and ingenious researcher strengths lays in a number of odd classes held together by the keystone of their studies. This is because diversity in education allows for greater inspirations and connection of ideas. One of the key deterrents of creativity in modern education is the encapsulation of fields, which limits our scopes within our area of study, when in reality every field of study is connected and supplements each other. For example, one of my greatest inspirations has always been Roman architecture and art. I have used its powerful imagery and symbolism in posters, presentations and grant writing to edify a human understanding about complex ideas. I believe this course will further broaden my ideas, empower my writing, and allow me to breath in new experiences that will connect the world around me. This would be invaluable to my current course of study and future professional investigations as a researcher because it would open my scope outside my field of study and enrich my proposals, dissertations and future writings.

Furthermore, this opportunity opens a chance to understand culture at a more international level. This to me especially important because of my Hispanic origin.

Even though the Spanish conquistadors where the first to influence my native land of Mexico, it is the Roman foundation that can be traced down through my native language of Spanish. Rome was the birth place of Latin which is the core and roots of Spanish. By understanding the birth place of the foundation of Spanish I can further comprehend the core influences of Spanish speaking cultures along with a more global understanding of the origin and prominence of Romantic languages. This is highly valuable to me because I believe language is the most integral part of a society; language connects ideas, values and aspirations, along with reflecting the inner most attributes of a culture.

Along with the modern and ancient cultural experience that visiting Rome would bring; the most impacting part of this trip would be witnessing the works and creations of some of the greatest thinkers in history. Italy was the birth place of the renaissance, both Rome and Florence are flourished by works of great mathematicians, artists, philosophers and scientists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli and Luca Pacioli to name a few. The renaissance stands as a landmark of the rebirth of novel and original ideas based on combing educational diversity and empirical evidence. Rome represents an experience to surround myself with the works of the polymaths I look up to and to gather inspiration from their achievements.

As a future scientists this experience would be inestimable. Understanding culture especially the foundation of Romantic languages would provide a strong background on human culture and global influence. Lastly, as the legacy of Rome and the great leaders of the renaissance have shown innovation and creativity can only be achieved through academic diversity and our capability to express that ingenuity through they keystone of our study. For me this trip signifies an opportunity to achieve a cultural and intellectual well roundedness that will influence my impact on society through my works.

Rome Night 3 Turnips and Opera

Day 3

Day three was a very different day. Instead of museum visiting we went to Ostia Antica, for a very rare opportunity to look into the homes of ancient Romans. But lets start at the begging, we headed off from our apartments toward the Tiber River. We boarded our first bus in Rome, which then followed our first metro trip in Rome. On the metro Jared and I decided to talk to a few Italian girls near the front, to test out our Italian and have a good laugh. Things were a bit weird but Jared told them we were gay and then Sara S(Yes many Sara\hs in our stories we have 3 in our group then the Sara on the bus) saved us with her "how to mac on ladies italian translation" books. We asked them if they like radishes, fishing, turnips and if they could hug us. You know the typical questions you use to get the ladies ;)

Any who, I have tons of pics of the Mythrean houses and many vids of hanging out and Sarah’s lecture. I compiled them all into two vids for the day.

Pics are on my Picassa Pages “Rome Night 3 and Rome Day 3” right HERE

Then that night we went on our nightly gellato run (Giolitti world famous gellato place) with the girls and watched an opera singer near the pantheon. Then ended the night at the Trevy fountain which in my opinion is the most beautiful places in Rome. Pics and vids on the opera singer are here to.

Rome Fun 1

Sarah's Lectures 1

Opera Guy Very Impressive

Day 2 Yes I am a day behind

Apologize for skipping a day its been very busy lately but that means there is a lot to write. Additionally I have 2 sets of videos that I will post one from my camera and another from my friend Sara. Right now though I’ll post on my camera until Sara lets me get here vid files. She has some really funny clips of events that happened today.

For day 2 we visited the sites near the center of Rome I will list them as we went to them and there are many pictures I will attach. Although, there is many more photos I’m just putting a good collection I took. The rest and the ones of others students I will post when I return to the USA.

To begin we stated at the campus amrtius heading toward the jewish ghetto. We were taking this path to head toward our first main attraction the porticus of octavia. The porticus of octavia is a narrow porticus built in 146 BCE by Metellus and rebuilt by Augustus somewhere from 25-27 BCE. We learned Augustus was a strange man who believed he was the first among equals and tried to make himself the second Romulus. He also sent poets who were bad to jail for sucking. Along with other more historical quirks such as not naming anything he built after himself and being one of the few educated men of his time that did not enjoy writing.

Afterwards, we saw the Theater of Marcella which was built by Caesar but not named after him because he was killed :( (Dyeing sux). We made a short stop here mainly to learn a bit on building materials like travertine and Tufa. From here we went to the Temple of Apollo Medicus Sosianus, which means Apollo the Healer and was built at 431 BCE, then rebuilt again at 335 BCE since the Gauls kept attacking it and then again restored again at 179 BCE.

These road tours were actually just sidesteps to the forum holitorium which contained three main buildings:

Name: Janus

Built: 260 BCE

Juna Sospita

197 BCE

Spes

259-249 BCE

Following the same path we saw the Auguraculuam which is a bird watching place. Interesting story about this, it turns out that the Gauls went to attack the Romans once and the watch dogs didn’t bark but the geese made enough noise to warn them. So to be grateful to the geese for saving the day they made a holiday were they carried them around in a lavish manner while having crucified dogs behind them.

Then we visited to small temples the Fides which means faith and Ops which means abundance. These segwayed to the main temple, the Jupiter Optimus Maximus which means Jupiter the Best and the Greatest. This temple was made in an etruscan style and stood for 1200 years. Most of the photos are of the above location and the temple Jupiter Feretrius which means Jupiter to Strike.

After all this we finally headed back home. However, We had invited all the girls over for dinner and only about an hour to cook. So we spilt up into groups to buy products at the store while I bought the main ingredients for the main course and started prepping the main food. I had Jon cut up the meat, Toka in charge of the cheese, Hui in charge of the garlic sauce and fruits and Jared in charge of the bread. We all had a good time and I’ve added videos about it below. Some of the videos are really funny, we even ended up singing the berries and cream song from the starburst commercials.

All the Pictures I made Into a Mosiac.

http://picasaweb.google.com/pharoramses/RamsesEduardoAlcaide?authkey=Gv1sRgCPH4l-2u2eTPtQE#5314652599919448754

This is the link to a blown up version

Market

Market

This is technically just an expansion of the last post. We haven’t gone to sleep yet since its morning here in Rome and there is so much to still see. Compared to my first Ideas of what Rome would be, I would say I was only right. I Imagined streets with small cars, scooters and amazing architecture while driving to our location. As for differences I would say the main was is realizing how much more busy the streets would be. It seems like our class and I are always about to be hit by a car, van or scooter. Although I knew the streets would be busy, it feels like walking is a mix between survival and enjoying the scenes. Another difference is their overall way of life. Breakfast's are small, just a pastry and a latte nothing big like eggs, sausage, or pancakes. Secondly, the people, they walk a lot more especially before dinner and they seem to go out at night all the time. For example, last night we all went to sleep and at about 3 am we all woke up to Beyonce blaring at the market next to us. Additionally, the markets we've gone to are open air and the instead of grabbing your items you point and they grab them. Similarly with the money, you put in a tray and they hand the change to you in a tray.

It’s 7 a.m. Seattle time and 3 p.m. In Rome, so its a bit tough staying awake but when the night comes and we go to sleep it’s going to on intense sleep. Thus far today, we went to spent to much time looking for a working ATM machine, went to the market, ate Italian pizza and enjoyed Ukulele music while checking out the great view from our room. I’ve attached two videos to make up for lack of writing. One is of the view of our room and the other is of Toka and his Ukulele. I’ll get to more writing after I get some sleep tonight.

If any one has any questions or comments let feel to leave them and I will make sure to answer them. I’ve gotten a few by email but mass answering is much preferred.

Flight to Rome

Flight

8:45 am Seattle

Just leaving Seattle and am currently on the plane. I am very excited to be going to Rome, although feeling the cabin pressurize is not the most comfortable feeling. We are first headed toward Philadelphia and we will have a one hour layover. A funny event that occurred to me this morning is that I called my boss from Alaska Airlines to let him know I was in SeaTac since he is there usually from 5 a.m. till 6 p.m. and I wanted to say hello. However, I forgot that today was Sunday and his day off(Lack of sleep does that to you). So I woke him up and he wasn’t to happy getting a call that early in the day.

The group I met up with to go to Rome is a great group and are all really fun. This is a good first impression from everyone. I am including some pictures of them and me. I will write more during the flight as things change.

On the second the plane It’s 7:45 p.m. Seattle time and we left at 8:45 a.m. And I gotta say I’m getting a bit tired of the whole sitting thing. I do however, have a very good plane buddy. Her name is Sarah Lee and she is a great conversationalist. I think we talked for nearly the whole plane ride and only now since every one is asleep (except me) have we stopped. It has really made the plan ride a lot shorter even though it’s still a long flight.

I think its really funny how they always sell things on the Skymall magazines that are completely useless and would never sell if you weren’t flying with nothing to do but look at useless items and make believe that you need them. For example the Shoulder Dolly, yes its cool idea but unless your a mover how often are you really going to be moving washing machines. You would at most get one good use and then it would just turn into some random belts you have in your garage. Also the Neck Pro Traction Device, you are suppose to put your head in this harness you hang on your door to “significantly reduce neck pain”. Not only would you look weird if any one saw you using it but would be awkward to explain and demo to anyone with there head on straight. You know the guy in that picture was probably rolling on the floor laughing after they took that photo. And how can we forget the SkyRest, a huge blue pillow that would take up your entire fold down tray and make you look like nut. At least the guy looks peaceful. Also I found a picture of Big Foot and a sign to tell dogs not to poop, which I’m adding below. As you can see plane ride is fairly long and I’ve had to resort to reading SkyMall which is never a good thing. We have three more hours to go, so I’ll see what I can do until then.

4:30 Seattle Time 7:30 am Rome time

We are just arriving to Rome and looking out the window of our seats its finally setting in that we are actually here! Although I’m hungry, sleep deprived and got to the point where I was actually reading the SkyMall magazine. It’s all worth it, to touch down on the other side of the world with a whole different culture and a brand new experience.

The Night Before

This is the night before the big trip, I must say I am very excited! I just spent the day getting ready and hanging out with some friends from home, but even with all this reality its still hard to believe that I’m actually going to one of the most beautiful places in the world. I just finished with my day and am about to go sleep, packing and saying goodbyes is a time consuming task. Just to make sure everyone knows my mom didn’t pack for me I attached some pictures. Now on to the real work.

There are three main works of craftsmanship and art I am most anxious about seeing first and foremost there is the Sistine chapel. In my opinion it holds Michelangelo’s greatest achievements. The symbolism buried in his work there, such as theCreation of Adam and the images of The Last Judgment are still impacting when you find them even after 500 years. For this reason I have even used the Creation of Adam in a research poster before. Although it was edited to relate to the topic at hand.

I’ve attached that at the bottom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Chapel

Another work that I am interested in seeing is Moses once more by Michelangelo. Although The David is what most people think of when they think of Michelangelo’s marble sculptures I have always thought that Moses is his most impressive work.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_(Michelangelo)

Lastly, I am very excited to see the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Ever since I was a kid my cousins adoration of roman architecture and gladiators has always caught my interest. The Colosseum is actually were in my opinion Roman art was shown at its best. Mixing the architectures style of all the past influences in Rome. And the Circus Maximus, well I mean Ben Hurr thats just awesome!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_Maximus

In art you must know what you are looking at and why, if not the David just becomes another rock to the beholder. That’s why everyones experience will be different. Although I’m not sure how I’m going to feel when I see these works of art. From my knowledge of Rome I image for me its going to be an overwhelming feeling that will leave me breathless as I look at the true images of what these artists did. I have seen the images online and in videos before but I believe that seeing it through the lens of the camera, as incredible as it may be, is nothing compared to seeing their work in person. And many people have told me same.

Ramses Alcaide

To give you guys an idea of what I’m doing school wise over there and the reason this blog is up I am adding a copy of our work below along with our itinerary.

*WORK*

Classics 399

Rome OMAD 2009

Monuments of the Self

In our trip to Rome, I want you to explore not only the history, culture, and monuments of the ancient (and at times, modern) city but also the effects of this exploration on your sense of self and personal and cultural identity. In order to do so, I ask you to create three distinct “monuments” of your own.

1. The Journal. I want you to keep a journal that will provide the building blocks for your final essay (due in Spring, date TBA). This is a private journal, and I will not ask to see it (if you want me to, I will—but I do not ask this). For the journal, I want you to do the following:

a. Between now and your departure, I want you to describe—for yourself—what you expect to see and experience in Rome. Identify (using ancient City as your guide, if you wish) the specific monuments and places you believe you will see, and then describe the feelings you imagine will come over you as you first see them. You do not have to describe every monument or site you think we will see—just pick the ones you feel especially strongly about.

b. During your flights to Rome, articulate your feelings and experiences. How is the flight? How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Bored? Unsure? How will it feel to arrive finally in Rome? Getting into the van? Arriving at the Campo de’ Fiori? Is there anything you are nervous about? If at all possible, I would like you to have your journals out as you start to land, and describe your thoughts on first seeing Italy as you approach it.

c. On the evening of our first day, describe your impressions and whether or not these impressions matched your expectations. Did the city look, sound, and smell as you thought it would? What is your apartment like? What does if feel like facing your first night in this apartment, in a city thousands of miles from Seattle?

d. At the end of each day thereafter, name the places and items you saw in the day and briefly describe what impressed or surprised you the most. You may wish to include the following:

i. What did I learn about Rome and Italy (or the Italians) that I did not already know?

ii. What did I learn about my own culture, community, or country that I did not already know?

iii. What changes do I notice in my way of understanding my self or my education?

e. On the flight back to Seattle, review your entries and try to summarize the entire experience.

f. Three weeks into the next quarter, reread your journal and account for the similarities or differences between what you expected, what you experienced while there, and how the entire experience seems to you now that it has passed. Write an essay on the basis of your experiences as recorded in your journal. Fundamental points should include (1) how your expectations did or did not match your experiences (be specific), (2) what changes in your attitudes you can identify, and (3) what changes in your attitudes you can’t identify. Rome is almost certain to change you; I would like to hear how it has or has not. The essays should be between five and six pages long.

2. Monumental Sketches. While in Rome, return to three of the monuments we have visited and draw a sketch of them (I recommend pencil or pen, but you can use whatever medium you wish)—please note that these do not have to be high-quality art; just take your time and do the best you can. As you are working on your journal, select one of the drawings and describe the experience you had encountering it in this way—drawing it. The drawing and your account provide a graphic and verbal monument of your encounter. You will turn in both the drawings and your written account. The written account should be between one to two pages long.

3. Photographic Account. As you are working on your journal (i.e., when you return), select a photograph of yourself taken during the trip (ask a classmate, or me, to take one), study it, and describe what you see: both your memories of the day it was taken, and how you see the person there encountering that day. What does the photo reveal about that individual (you)? Is that person different now? How?The written account should be between one and two pages long.

*ITINERARY*

OMA ROME PROGRAM 2009!

Required Books:

Blue Guide: Rome and Environs. Macadam.

The Ancient City. Life in Classical Athens and Rome. Connolly and Dodge.

Streetwise. Rome

Daily Plan:

Note that from Tuesday, March 17^th on, we meet downstairs at the Pio at 8:30; “walking class” lasts from about 8:30 to about 1:00 (or so); afternoon classes run from 4:00 to 5:30, in a third floor Pio classroom.

Sunday, March 15^th

Students depart from Seattle on US Airways, flight 752.

Monday, March 16^th

• Students arrive in Rome. A private van will take you from the airport to the a small piazza by Sant’ Andrea della Valle: from there, walk to Piazza del’ Biscione, where I shall meet you! I will then take you upstairs to get you situated in your apartments.

• Rome Center Orientation: noon

• Orientation and walk around the city

• Dinner, paid by OMA

Tuesday, March 17^th

• Overview of the Seven Hills of Rome, trip to Capitoline Hill and Museum

• Possible afternoon trip to Montemartini

Wednesday, March 18^th

• Visit to Ostia Antica: appointment at houses confirmed for 10:30 (Sheryl)

Thursday, March 19^th:

Forum Romanum and the Palatine Hill

Friday, March 20^th

Circus Maximus, Colosseum, Imperial Fora

Saturday, March 21^st

Free day

Sunday, March 22^nd

Campus Martius

Monday, March 23^rd

Catacombs at Basilica of S. Costanze

Tuesday, March 24^th

Baths of Diocletian, Caravaggio walk

Wednesday, March 25^th

• Vatican Museum

• "Last Supper," paid by OMA

Thursday, March 26^th

Students depart at 10:20 in the morning; a private van will take you to the airport.

In Preparation for Departure and First Days

As you prepare to depart, please read the following:

Blue Guide, pp. 60-74

Ancient City, pp. 105 – 169

During your first days in Rome, please read:

Ancient City, pp. 170 – 251

*RESEARCH POSTER*

First Post

Alas, the Rome trip is not all fun and games there is homework and we are being graded. Part of deal is taking a class in Spring and keeping a diary of our feelings, experiences and expectations before, during and after Rome( I decided on a blog we are in the 21st century after all). What this means is for those of you wanting something to read, curious about what I'm doing or are family checking up on me, get ready to be part of this experience as well. From beginning to end. I'll be posting what I've been up to, interesting events during my day, along with posting pictures and videos of my trip.

I mainly wanted to setup this page today and will begin writing more deeply on the days to come.

Ramses Alcaide