WE FINALLY HAVE THE INTERWEBS!!!

well, tomorrow makes a week that we've officially been here in Roma. It's very gorgeous and stunning, and it's pretty much living history every corner you turn...the perfect place for art or history majors!!!

We got in our apartment, and quickly figured out room arrangements...it's a very nice apartment! the only bad thing was is that the internet wasn't up and running...we could connect to the router just fine...so here it is, 6 days after we've arrived...and WE JUST GOT INTERNET!!! WOOOO! we had to yell at the apartment people a couple times to get us up and running properly; they probably thought that we were dumb Americanas or something...but guess what??!!! amanda actually knows what the hell she's doing!!! lolz! it's great being the geek in the squad! everyone has come to me for computer assistance!

it's very picturesque here!

Today was the first real day of school, starting off by orientation at the Lorenzo De' Medici facilities, where we briefed on the many opportunities for study, travel, language instruction, cultural courses, etc. Our first outing took us to nearby Santa Maria Maggiore, a church begun around 700 AD, which is still used on a daily basis.

After lunch at Lorenzo De' Medici, we went on foot in spite of the rain to see Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the only Gothic church in Rome, where we saw works by Michelangelo, Bernini, & Lippi. In front of the building is a charming statue of an elephant by Bernini with an Egyptian obelisk on its back.

Immediately adjacent to this church is the Pantheon, which we experienced in the rain, watching as the rainy mist came through the oculus at the top. The tomb of Raphael is located in the Pantheon, along with various kings and illuminaries.

One of the great joys of exploring Italy is rewarding yourself with the best Gelato on the planet, which we did, to cool off after Vatican explorations.

Even though jet-lagged, you still need to eat! Our first group lunch took place at a little restaurant across the street from our apartment. Splitting up the "Conto" or bill was quite a challenge, since few people had the right change. Although very tired, everyone had a great time.

This is the view we have of St. Peter's when we step outside. We are just 2 blocks away, and spent some time the first day exploring the area around the Vatican.

Today we visited the student apartments in person and coordinated with the real estate manager and a representative of the Lorenzo De' Medici School, with whom we have a cooperative relationship.

This picture shows the view from the front balcony of the apartment. We are very near to St. Peter's, which is a safe neighborhood very busy with tourists and visitors.

The pictures following illustrate the interior of the apartment, showing the bedrooms, kitchen, and our living room/meeting room. The apartment has 2 full bathrooms.

The Front Door

This is how the front entrance of the apartment appears on the street. We will be living on the fourth floor. The surrounding street contains many restaurants and shops of all kinds, including a very good supermarket, all within an easy walking distance. 

Immediately outside the front entrance is a bus stop which will take you to within a very short distance of the Lorenzo De' Medici School, where supplemental courses on Italian culture and language will be given. The bus also goes directly through the Centro Storico, or Central Historic district, where many of Rome's buildings, ruins and art collections can be found. The apartment is ideally located for ease and convenience of daily activities.