Wednesday, May 18
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
First we saw the Mercati di Traiano with our amazing tour guide Rosella, where we learned that it was the first mall and that the large archway entrance basically inspired every mall entrance we have today.
One of the most interesting things about the Roman Forum was the fact that when Hitler had his men dig to find the artifacts in the Roman Forum during his invasion, he wanted them to dig to the ground level of the time of Augustus because felt that he related most to him as a dictator.
Jeanine said, "It didn’t hit me until I was in the Ancient Roman Forum that I felt very insignificant. Insignificant in the sense of being on ground that was formerly built from marsh land into great buildings and columns. At that moment, I felt culturally appreciative to have the opportunity to stand in Ancient Rome as a minute artifact of the future visiting the past."
The Roman Forum reminded Kendal of Disneyland in a way. "Minus the commercialization, of course," she added. "It was majestic in a rustic way, and people came here not to spend money on theme park products, but to genuinely learn about a rich history."
The Coliseum
The word “arena” actually translates in Latin to “sand” and the word is used for places like the Colosseum because they used to have sand cover the floor of the arenas to be able to soak up the blood of the gladiators and the animals that fought inside.
Rosella explained to us how the structure had three rings, and when the structure was damaged, people stole the metal pins that remained and used that to rebuild. She went on to tell us stories about gladiators, how they were slaves and that only the victors would one day have a chance at fame, fortune, and most importantly, freedom.
I didn't know the Romans kept slaves," said Kendal. "It's terrible that they didn't have a choice in whether they took part in the 'games' or not. Of course it was fun for the spectators, but for the participants it was a life or death situation."
" I am still in awe about the architecture and how it still (although partially) remains today." said Kaitlin.
"What resonated with me the most was finding out that the steps of Saint Peter’s Basilica were made with the marble from the coliseum," said Desiree. "I think this stuck with me so much because it really drove home the fact that Rome was constantly being recycled and all of the materials were being reused to make more buildings."
"What resonated with me the most was finding out that the steps of Saint Peter’s Basilica were made with the marble from the coliseum," said Desiree. "I think this stuck with me so much because it really drove home the fact that Rome was constantly being recycled and all of the materials were being reused to make more buildings."
Private Wine Tasting at Roscioli's
Before this tasting, the majority of us knew only the basics of how to hold the wine glass, to stir, to smell, and to differentiate between different mixes. After our Somm Alessandro gave us a lesson, we learned a lot more! Hannah said, "Every meal that was paired with each wine was so incredible, especially the pasta and the pesto. Thanks to this experience, I was able to really learn about my palette and how to express the way things taste and smell." |
Taste and smell are so personal that the only way to truly express them is to relate them to experiences and memories that you’ve had that are really only relevant to yourself.
For Kendal and Kelly, the wine experience was just not their cup of tea. They prefer sweeter drinks, such as those in a cocktail. Carl, on the other hand, was completely turned around once exposed to the world of wine. "Before going on this trip I was not a wine person, but I decided to come in and at least try the different kinds—I’m so glad I did. Now I can tell you the difference between white and red, dry, oaky and other descriptors," he said.
Roscioli's Website:
http://www.roscioli.com/story/
Roscioli's Website:
http://www.roscioli.com/story/
Trevi Fountain
We were left to find the Trevi Fountain on our own and when we did it was just a beautiful as all the pictures portrayed. The fountain recently underwent a 17 month reconstruction which returned it to its original splendor. Although difficult, due to the number of tourists attempting to do the same, we made our way to toss a coin over our shoulders into the Trevi’s waters, which—legend has it—ensures a return to the city for visitors.
http://www.trevifountain.net/
http://www.trevifountain.net/