Alone in Rome

time is almost up

2009-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

My hours are numbered here in Rome, only 2 days till I leave to goto dublin. I havent done a whole lot, mostly been lazy and slept. I went to the top of the dome of St.Peters, which offers a beautiful 360 view of rome. I have gone on some walks; the city has really transformed for christmas. St. Peters has the biggest nativity scene i've ever seen in my life; they even have running water in it. Theres a ginormous christmas tree out in the square too. blinking lights are hung over the streets; the shops decorate their fronts. I'll be home soon enough, eight more days.

Relief

2009-12-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

Just finished the last bit of homework today. All I have left is my final presentation for studio tomorrow, which I've had the work done for over a week so i'm basically done! It feels great to have classes over, now i'll be able to enjoy the remaining time left before I come back.

Here in rome until the 24th, and then to Dublin until the 30th, when I'll be flying back home.

Apparently theres a christmas dinner at the hostel i'm staying at, that should be fun.

Getting there

2009-12-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Things are coming to a close over here. I'm definitely going to miss this place. I really enjoy Italian culture. i've definitely developed an addiction to coffee here(had 2 espressos today, and thats less than usual.) All their strange habits, traditions - both good and bad - i've come to enjoy them.

although I'd say I've only really gotten to fully experience the roman culture, which from what i've noticed is very different from everywhere else in Italy. Its strange to live in such an old place, but feels like such a big city, yet still has a relatable scale to it.

School's almost over. Rolling through finals this week. I finished the majority of the work, which is for studio, the design project. I've still got some papers to write/presentations to prepare, but i'm actually able to take it fairly easy, which is nice for a change. Mostly just trying to stay stress free and enjoy the little time I have left here.

I'm getting excited about going to Dublin. The hostel emailed about a special christmas dinner they're having, should be fun. Also found a pretty cool place to go rock climbing, which I have been dying to do.

Still have tons of things to do, times running out. I'll be home soon. Enjoy some images that I made for my project presentation.

Cant believe its almost Over

2009-12-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

Been super busy! Trips all across Italy, Greece, England. Classes, classes classes. Heres some images from the project I designed. Its super crazy and complex, something I definitely havent tried to do before, but I think it turned out cool. Once I get some better files I'll post those up as well. I also have 2 of my favorite sketches I've done so far. My sketching has drastically improved, and hopefully it only gets better.

I'm pretty exhausted right now, and schools super busy right now, but hopefully I'll get a chance to post again soon!

- Caleb

65 days in

2009-11-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe my time here is over halfway done. I've only got a couple weeks until the final project design is due, then we're going to spend 3 weeks working on the presentation for it. So its definitely been go-time, especially with all the other projects for the other classes that I have to work on.

This weekend should be fun however, Meeting up with Mom and Warren to goto Athens! I'm excited to get to see the acropolis and all the cool old greek architecture. I'm definitely going to try to get some good black and white photos(weather permitting.)

I'll post up pictures after I get back.

Long week

2009-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

These are images from the group project that we did this weekend. Me and a roommate, two canadian students, and 4 italian students collaborated with 4 Italian architects to create this project. They offered the main idea, and we developed it. Its been a very long, frusterating week, but the end result was good, and i'm proud of it.

Slowed down, but speeding up

2009-10-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty chill weekend this weekend. I finally got my digital Camera back. I forgot to take it with me on the excursion to Hadrians villa, which was really fun, so I don't have any photos of that.

I did take some of Rome today though while i was out and about, so thought I'd share them here.

also, I had an experience that really illustrated to me just how much my Italian has improved this weekend. I was having lunch at a pizza place in Tivoli, before we went to villa d'este (A very gorgeous place, that I also don't have photos of.) The guy behind the counter started asking me some things about what we were doing, who we were, and was talking about the things to see in the area. It wasn't a very difficult conversation, but what really struck me was that I didn't have to think/translate into english while having the conversation. I couldn't pick up every single word that he said, but I wasn't struggling to try and translate or come up with a response at all, I just took in what I could of Italian and responded back. I'm slowly getting towards fluency, and its pretty awesome.

Bianca e Nera

2009-10-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

Heres some of the black and white photos that Ive been taking.
Some are from Rome, most are from Ireland.
I might take some more soon.
Definitely when I goto London and Athens Ill take a lot.
Life is still good here. I have a very relaxed weekend
lined up right now, which I am estatic about.
Maybe Ill make a big post.
Or maybe Ill just lie around and do nothing,
we will see.

All Spaced Out

2009-10-10T07:06:00.001-07:00

Its saturday in Florence right now. Just got back from some touring with our art history professor, Emilio, who is probably the most knowledgeable person that I've ever met.

Last night we went out to some dance club called Space; it was pretty fun. Got to be shoved around on the dance floor for a couple of hours listening to american pop music - Apparently its pretty popular here. I'm taking it easy now, i've been worn out over the course of the past week. We've got our midterm review coming up thursday, and I still don't have a solid design down, so i've been busting my butt in studio, plus with all the trips we've been on it doesnt' feel like i've had much time to just sit and relax.

The other day I had an experience which I thought captured the image of Italy that I really enjoy. Me and Addison were walking through the streets in trastevere, and this one shop caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. There was a guy on the steps, gluing on pieces to an unfinished base of a mandolin. We looked in his shop and he had a ton of instruments that he had made himself, and since Addison needed a string for his violin, I asked him if he had it. He said he did but he needed to finish the base first. So we stepped inside and looked around at all the beautifully handcrafted instruments this guy had. It was a very tiny shop filled to the brim with every type of instrument. after being there for 5 minutes in awe, I turned around and realized a cat had been sitting on a pedestal behind us the whole time. It jumped off and brushed past me going out into the street. Apparently the guy feeds the stray cats in the area. It was the unique character of this place and this guy that really seemed to reveal some great character of Italy that I hadn't noticed before. There are still tons of shops where things are still done hand crafted. I really enjoy walking into the meat and cheese speciality shops and getting meat and cheese cut right in front of me, and its so fresh. Sometimes it makes finding things harder, but also makes it that much more rewarding. But if your not really looking for anything in particular, you'll find so much more.

Still Alive

2009-10-07T02:45:00.000-07:00

So I'm still here, just being extremely busy. Been trying to juggle studio homework and trips, which is pretty tough. Two weekends ago we went to Naples and Sorrento. This last weekend we went to Orvieto. This weekend we're going to Florence. Meanwhile I've got to design my project.

My Digital Camera is still missing, maybe it'll show up, maybe not, who knows. If I get some time I'll scan some of the black and whites I took, they're pretty cool. I think I'll take that camera to Florence this weekend as well.

Also planning a trip to London during Thanksgiving break with some of my roommates. That should be fun.

Midterm review next week, Maybe I can do a big post after that. Pretty busy though.

Eurostylin

2009-09-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Been spending way too much money on european outfits and clothes, but its really fun. I've been wearing some pretty outlandish outfits, and loving every second of it. Once I get some pictures, i'll post em up. heres one of me in my sweet fedora I picked up at the sunday market for 10 euro(Talked down from 15).

Experiencing Italy

2009-09-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lapse in posting, been really busy.

Ireland was alot of fun, it was great to get to see mary, jason, and their kids before they left. They showed us almost everything there was in belfast. I think me and addison wore mary out though. The people in ireland were really nice and thought we were entertaining.

yesterday we went to visit some old estruscan tombs nearby. The estruscans were the original inhabitants of the area where rome is now. It was intriguing to see how their culture developed from before they met the greeks to after and how they assimilated into greek culture. The tombs were dug in 5th century bc, so it was impressive to be able to visit these sites and know that they were made by an ancient civilization over 2000 years ago.

Schools been fun, don't really understand the project yet, but its supposed to be some kind of museum thing that represents the culture and history of rome. We've only been working on it for a week, so i'm sure i'll figure more out later on.

we're building a big site model this weekend, so that should be fun. also got some other stuff to do.

I developed some black and white pictures from rome, and they were really beautiful. If I get some time, i'll scan the best ones and put them up here. Maybe today I can pick up the ones from Ireland.

I'll try and post more regularly, but I can't promise anything; its really easy to get caught up in experiencing Italy.

Relaxed in Rome

2009-09-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the kitchen right now, sipping on a glass of "Poggio dei Salici." a Red wine from umbria. Listening to some folk music on pandora. Today is/has been a very nice, relaxing, self-reflective day.

Last night we all went out to pizza fantasy, a place that brian said had the best pizza in rome. I was a bit skeptical because I haven't found pizza like I had from two years ago on my previous trip here, but I was willing to be open. We all dressed up a bit(I got the chance to take out my sweet 10 euro sports coat, which made me look super sexy) and headed out. I had to lead us to the bus stop and figure out when to get on and off, because the place was way out at termini station. We got there and got to the pizza place, which was pretty busy, and there was 10 of us that wanted to order pizzas, but they accomodated us.

I ordered the diavolo, not sure what was on it, but it was exactly what I had been looking for. Also had a piece of margherita pizza from there, and it was spectacular. I will definitely be going back there.

Getting back home was a bit hard, because the busses were switching around, but some dude told us which bus to take. On the bus, I talked with some guy from Cairo, egypt and he told us about that city(I would really really like to go there.) After that we wandered around trastevere and finally crashed at home.

Waking up today, on friday, around noon, felt supremely excellent. The powers working so I was able to take a nice semi-hot shower(way better than freezing cold.) I decided to go and find the rock climbing gym that I've read about online. I packed up my shoes and my camera and headed out. Its about 3 miles south of trastevere, but I found a bus that took me pretty close to the gym. Unfortunately it was closed, but it did look pretty excellent, can't wait to try it out sometime. I finished out the roll I had in my camera and took it to the photo shop on my way back. The first time I went in there it was a big ordeal because the lady was trying to ask me something about how I wanted it developed and I had no idea what she was asking, but we got it sorted out, shes nice to me now and recognizes me when I come in.

The photos I developed last time turned out really nice. I had some from climbing in springdale right before I left, and some of St. peters and things in rome. They were in color, but I've switched to black and white film now, so we will see how those develop;I'm very anxious to find out. I'm taking 3 rolls with me to ireland, so I hope I can get some nice photos there.

The metro system here is actually pretty excellent, you just need to know where your going beforehand, because its easy to get lost if your not paying attention.

Cleaning up my room today so I might find the cord to charge my camera, we'll see what happens.

Arrivederci.

Smooth(er) sailing

2009-09-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

First week of school is pretty much over. It was all orientation, so just learning about how things run and where to go, it was pretty easy. Having to pay alot of money for fees for visa processing, but hopefully soon I can slow down my spending once I get settled in.

Last night I made some really good pizza. Made the dough from scratch and Chase, who's worked at a pizza shop, showed me how to get it really thin. Then I topped it with a thin red pasta sauce, bunch of seasonings, red peppers, tomatoes, chicken, and mozzarella. Delizioso.

Leave for Ireland for the weekend tomorrow with Addison to see Mary and her family, should be fun.

Our electricity got fixed, was able to take a hot shower this morning, which was amazing.

Bought a cell phone for emergencies.

Finding more and more out about rome every day, I could almost find my way around the central areas without needing a map or getting lost now.

But now its siesta time, so I'll update sometime later.

You'll have to drag me back home

2009-09-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been just as great as the first few(minus an encounter with the mafia, but thats over now). We've done ALOT of walking, ate some delicious food, made some delicious food and seen some great stuff.

We've found a few supermarkets around the area and there are several specialty shops around the area and a daily street market so we now have the ability to find whatever food we're looking for, unless its sunday, in which the store are out of alot. So we have been eating food that goes far beyond anything I could even fathom to cook back in the states.

there are 6 roommates, so we each cook one night a week and then we all go out one night, so its a full 7 seven days. What we've had so far: Addison made Penne pasta with a made from scratch alfredo sauce, ridiculously amazing. Then Chase cooked Zucchini Bruschetta topped with fresh grated parmigiana. Tyler made chicken pacatti(sp?), pasta with a lemon sauce and chicken marinated with another type of lemon sauce topped with spicy pea things(can't think of the name), it was great. We've also made very easy and delicious salads all along the way for dinner as well, so we have been eating great at night.

For lunch, if we're out and about we'll just grab a sandwich or some pizza. but if we're at home we make some of the craziest sandwiches i've had. When I go shopping I grab a hunk of freshly baked bread, some prosciutto, some type of cheese(I try to grab something new every time), and some type of sauce to put on it as well. I found this one sauce thats some kind of green tomato jelly, not really sure how its made but its delicious. I also like to sprinkle on a lot of different spices like Basil, parsley, peppers, etc.

On sundays, near our apartment, they have the BIGGEST flea market in the world. Today I bought some sweet euro clothes, a book on picasso(for three euros!!!), and some other things. Its all pretty cheap, and theres so much stuff. It seriously stretches for a mile, lined on both sides with vendors, and someplaces even doubles to two, three rows and veers off in several directions. It took us at least an hour to make it to the end, ridiculous.

Cappuccino, delicious. thats all I have to say about that.

Basically, life is amazing, don't want to leave, theres so many things that happen every day that amaze me that i can't even begin to cover them all, and school hasn't even started yet. I think the next few months are going to go by way, way too fast.

Oh, and i'll get pictures when I can; I lost the charging cable for my digitial camera so I'm relying solely on Kim's film slr she let me borrow. It takes about 4 - 5 days to develop film here. I did pick up some black and white film, we will see how that turns out.

Shopping Spree!

2009-09-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

Went around the local block today and did some shopping, it was alot of fun looking at the different stores.

I found a guitar shop so if I get the urge to play I can always go there, the guy in the shop seemed pretty cool although I didn't say anything to him at the time.It was interesting to go into a legitimate sunglasses shop that had a 300 euro pair of gucchi sunglasses and stepping outside and looking at the gypsies imitation pair that were 5 euros, not much different.

One dude had a huge bin of 3 euro dvds, found Office space in Italian, so I had to grab it.

Then I found this pimpin watch, totally fake, two dials that don't work, things that keep the date that aren't actually real, but the time keeper works, so thats all that matters. It was 10 euros at first, but after I hesistated the guy gave me a price of 5.

Then I found a pretty awesome cologne with a sweet drawing of Mars on it, it was 18 euros, and its a pretty good smell. Its got a stronge sense of ceder in it, with some more subtle things, should set me up for smelling great.

Then I found this really cool sports coat at the bargain bin in the clothes mall for 10 euros!! It fits really well too so I lucked out amazingly. I should be able to dress to impress now.

Picture Tour

2009-09-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Did a little walk around today with my camera. Heres some from my digital. If any of the film I took is good, i'll upload them too.

(St. Peters Front Facade)
(Looking Down at St. Peters)

(Squashed Pigeon)

(Some Random Building)

(Bridge to Hadrian's Castle)

(St Peters Basilica and Square)

(St. Peter's Square Colonnade)

(Bridge over Tiber River)

(St. Peters Square)

(St. Peters Fountain)

(Statue outside Hadrian's Castle)

(St. Peter's Basilica Facade)

(Looking at St. Peter's Square)

(Hadrian's Castle)

Thats a little example of my walk today, we might be going on a night run for pictures tonight, so we'll see how that goes.

Double Time

2009-09-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today was fun.

Woke up to sounds of mopeds driving down our tiny little street, and shopkeepers setting up. Looking out my window I can see and smell the fresh pies put out by the bakery across the street, and they seem amazing.

Had a breakfast of buttered bread with grated parmesan.

Then we set out to try and figure out the metro system and find our school. We purchased our month long metro passes, which covers all forms of public transit in Rome, in a news stand close to our stop. After some small confusion, I realized the lady was telling us that if we were students, they were only 18 euros, versus 30 euros, so we all pulled out our student id's. After that, we hopped on the rail, which took us across the tiber river and within a block from our school. There were two mcdonalds within that block.

Our school is located in an apartment building, so we have to be careful not to piss off the residents living there. They didn't look too happy to see 5 american guys coming up the stairs.

After that we went to the piazza navona, which is right next to the school and cooled off by the fountains. We sat there for awhile, taking in the sights.

Then we walked to the pantheon, which was just as miraculous as I remember it. It's been almost two years since i've been here, and all the buildings seem even bigger than last time. It almost seems too surreal that I'm going to be here for the next 4 months, experiencing this every day.

After the pantheon, we grabbed the most delicious sandwich i've ever had in my life. The guy sliced a piece of prosciutto right of the hunk, topped it with some mozzarella that was dipped in olive oil and basil, put some slices of ripe tomato on it, and tucked it between two pieces of amazing italian bread. As we ate, we walked down to the roman forums and sat in the campidoglio, designed by michelangelo, and watched some protest about citizens rights or something, I wasn't exactly sure what they were saying, but they kept going on about murder, and had a sign up demanding the freedom of some political prisoner. Then we returned home. I took a small nap as the others went to purchase fans from the store where I got mine the day before.

Then we had an absolutely amazing dinner. Josh looked up a recipe for some alfredo fetticini and went to the store to buy the supplies, Chase threw together a very simple, yet delicious balsamic vinegar and wine salad, and Tyler made some good garlic butter bread, even if it was a bit burnt. We all sat down and enjoyed a very delicious meal, and sat around afterwards sipping our wine and chatting. Then me and Tyler decided to go check out the local bar and piazza up the street. We sat in the piazza watching some kids playing a ghetto version of volleyball. I tried asking them if we could join, but they said we were too big, then they turned around and called us "Stronzi," which is italian for fuckers. I called them out on it, and they were a bit embarrased. It was certainly fun though, I definitely am reaping the rewards of investing 3 hours a week for six semesters in learning Italian. It helped us buy things in stores, helped get around town, etc. etc.

Only the third day here and I'm already feeling like my entire life has changed, can't wait to see how four months is.

Made It!

2009-09-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today, I said goodbye to America.

And hello to Rome.

Landed at the airport 40 minutes ahead of schedule, and my roomates were 20 minutes behind schedule, so I had to wait an hour for them to show up, but they finally did and we started walking towards the train, when some guy named Paolo stopped us and asked us If we wanted to take a taxi for only 3 euros more a person. We were kinda scared it was a scam but went ahead and did it, and we got an air conditioned taxi ride very close to our apartment.(as far as the taxi could go,) me and the taxi driver had some good conversations in Italian, even though I didnt understand half of it. He gave me some good advice about how to get out to the sea to go swimming, told me about the traffic in rome, some general chit chat.

So we got to our apartment and called the people and they showed up in 25 minutes with our keys and let us in, its a bit small, but bigger than I expected so thats good. After they gave us the rundown we sat down and rested a bit. Theres no air conditioning so its kinda hot, but its not too bad.

Then the electricity shut off. We were very confused as to why(didn't plug anything in.) We finally found the main breaker switch and flipped it back on, but it kept going on and off, so we just left to go find an atm and some food. Walked across the river and found Palazzo Farnese, a famous edifice designed by Michelangelo. Got some euros and got some pizza. It was pretty delicious.

Then we went grocery shopping. Wine, cheese, and bread are extremely cheap here. I got 2 bottles of wine, a big breadstick, big hunk of parmesean, some dish washing detergent, two peaches, all for 10 euros. The wines made locally in Umbria, and its very delicious. and toxic (12%!)

Theres still more we need to do to get settled in, but at least were here, and surviving.

My room, (roomate arrives sunday)

View from my room

View of interior courtyard.

Delicious Wine, Bread, and Cheese.

Saying goodbye is the hardest part

2009-08-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Over these past few days, it feels like the doctors told me I had a
week to live,so I've been rushing around trying to say goodbye to
everyone before I pass away.

Fortunately, I'm not passing away, just going away for a couple of
months. I've been ignoring the reality that I really will be gone in just
one short day, but i'm finally having to accept it and letting it soak in
as I realize these are the last times I'll be able to enjoy all the
comforts of life that I've gotten used to over here.

On one end, I find it enthralling that I will have to completely rebuild
my life structure in Italy, it will be a chance to have some new and
challenging experiences. Meet new people, go to new places, eat new
food, hear new music. But its still a bit scary to have to fit all you can
into a backpack and leave everything else that you've become
accustomed to behind.

My anxiousness is seeping its way into my dreams. I had several
dreams last night that all had something to do with either something
happening that prevented me from going to Rome, or I forgot/lost
something extremely important which completely ruined the trip.
But my dreams are always far fetched and outlandish, so I'm not too worried.

23 hours, 9 minutes.

Laptop is in!

2009-08-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

My laptop came in. Even though they didn't fully assemble it right(one of the back panels was halfway on, not really sure why) and I had to fix it, it works spectacularly.

Still waiting on financial aid though. They said that my verification somehow "slipped through the cracks" but that I should be awarded my money sometime next week.

I hope so, kinda need it.

t-12 days and counting

2009-08-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I've accomplished more of my goals,
I'm feeling less nervous about rome now.

I got the backpack that will hold all the stuff,
Got my seats picked on my flight,
Got my laptop ordered,
Got my apartment situation figured out,
Found the train to take to get to my apartment from the airport.
And most importantly, Got a ton of money to spend over there.

Might have to go muscle financial aid around, they messed up
my financial profile, got some more money due that they aint
coffed up yet. I'll tell them about all the sicilian buddies I'm
going to make while I'm in Italy, they'll shape up quick.

Real quick.

T- 30 days and counting

2009-08-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

30 days to pack up some belongings and supplies, and make sure everything I leave behind is safe.

I've still got to decide on what luggage I want to use, if I want to use a simple bag, or go get a good hiking backpack.
Still need to decide on which laptop I want to get.
Still need to pack up everything I'm not taking with me.
Still need to pack up everything I am taking with me.

I have a feeling this is going to be a long month, but that it wont be long enough.