Days In Ariccia...

I’m sorry it’s been a few days. Here’s a quick catch up…

After a restful Sunday, we went to dinner at a little porchetta/panino stand right up the street. It had outside seating and heaters. I tried some cheese that our waiter assured us had been aged for 1000 years. It was very tasty. I’ll try to take a picture of it next time, because I will definitely try it again. We also tried some other aged cheeses with honey, sounds weird… but so good.

On Monday the sun finally came out! We went to the market that happens every Monday. There were booths of fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives, pasta, cheese, clothes, shoes, cosmetics…. you name it. And it was so cheap! I got 4 apples… I bought the kind that looked dirty and imperfect because Cinzia said they are the ones that are homegrown without pesticides. I tried one today and it was delicious. So my 4 apples cost me 1 euro. I also bought 300 grams of albicocci, or dried apricots. Next we went to Vila Margherita, where Marco and Mary Lou live and also where Dr. B from Auburn lives. Mary Lou taught us conversational Italian and Dr. B served us soup for lunch. After lunch we watched an Italian version of Pinnochio, a very famous tale in Italy. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling well Monday night so I stayed in and rested. I had to miss out on the procession and celebration for St. Apollonia. There was free homemade pasta and fireworks. Sad I missed it but glad to be feeling better today.

Today we started class with Francesco Petrucci teaching us about ancient Greek and Italian architecture. Francesco has the best sense of humor. Our classroom is next door to his office. Today, our classroom was very very warm. When we went into his office, we saw that he had written a sign that said “Sauna” and put it on the door leading to our classroom. He also said he was just wearing his pink polka dot bathing suit tomorrow. Ha ha. After lecture he gave us a tour of the next floor of the palace. I cannot believe how large the palace is. And we are going to live in it!
Next, Marco taught us about the beginning of the Roman Empire. This is great because soon we will be visiting more of ancient Rome. Then we had our lunch break. I got a toasted ham and cheese panino from a bar across the street from the palace.

Then it was back to the palace for more class. We had the introduction to the history of philosophy and mythology with Maurizio’s wife, Rosella. Then, Maurizio talked to us about what to expect for the coming weeks. We are going to Rome on Thursday for our Ancient Rome scavenger hunt. We are going to stay through the weekend because there is going to be a general strike on Friday the 13th. This means that most of the transportation throughout Rome will not run on Friday until 5pm. That’s ok though because we don’t need it.

Tonight a few girls and I went to another great pizza place. I got suppli as an appetizer. Picture a fried mozzarella stick but also with fat rice and marinara already inside. Hard to explain, but really good.

I am exhausted so I will try to get some rest before another day of class tomorrow and a quiz on transportation and getting around Rome.

A presto!