Sciopero!

I have a few minutes between classes so I thought Iàd (yeah... Euro keyboards at school, havenàt quite mastered them yet) get in a quick update. Yesterday was the second day of classes, obviously, and it was a pretty long day for me because I had my 2 hour Italian class, a 3 hour Masterpieces of the Vatican class that I thought I was going to drop but now am reconsidering, and then I sat in on another 3 hour class (photography) that I still intend to keep. The second two classes were almost entirely outside and interactive, so it wasnàt too bad though.

The Masterpieces of the Vatican class was fascinating. We didnàt go to the Vatican, but Maurizio (our little old professor) took us on a tour of Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Piazza San Eustichio. Just like Claudio, he was very obviously an expert in his field. Piazza Navona, in ancient times, was actually a stadium where games similar to those that took place in the Colosseum were played. It was also where St. Agnes was killed, and the huge church that forms one side of the Piazza is dedicated to her. Because of its violent past, when the modern Piazza was constructed it was a dedication to peace. The fountain in the middle (which, unfortunately is covered with scaffolding right now... I asked Maurizio when it was supposed to come down and he sighed, and in very Italian fashion responded "It was supposed to come down in May.") symbolizes the four main rivers of the four known continents at the time (Europe, Africa, Asia, and America) with a dove/olive branch over top.

The Pantheon was absolutely amazing... I couldnàt believe there was so much to it that I was unaware of. It really is a perfect symbol for Rome itself. Everywhere you go here there are remnants of the three primary influences of Roman culture; its ancient pagan roots, the dominance of the church during the rule of the Papacy, and its Imperial days. Aside from its doors, the Pantheon (or Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyrs, as itàs less commonly known) is stripped of all of its original bronze shell, which went to St. Peteràs Basilica during its construction. Where pagan idols once stood are now Catholic statues, frescoes, and paintings. Though he has his own massive monument in the middle of Ancient Rome, Vittorio Emmanuel IIàs tomb is in the west wall of the Pantheon, while his son is buried across from him. And in the daytime it was obvious at how it was the model for our own dear Rotunda at UVA (the Piazza where the Pantheonàs located is the Piazza di Rotonda, actually, and thatàs what it used to be called). If you couldnàt tell, I found the structure fascinating.

After Masterpieces of the Vatican I had Photography which I think is going to be a pretty interesting, if not overly challenging, class. We spent almost the entire three hours in Piazza Navona taking pictures and trying not to sketch out the people we were instructed to use as subjects. Halfway through we heard the melodies of "Blue Suede Shoes", and a float carrying the Italian equivalent of Elvis and his band drove by, slowly circling the Piazza. You really never know whatàs coming next here...

We were expecting a little excitement this morning because our first Sciopero was announced. A sciopero is a strike, and they are apparently really common for transit in Italy. Todayàs was supposed to start at 8 30, so we got up early to ensure weàd be at school before that time. The Metro was absolutely packed, the bus actually was better than it was yesterday, and we got to school 1/2 hr early only to find it had been called off. Ohhhh Italy.

We had planned to go to Cinque Terre this weekend, but couldnàt find any hostels. Now weàve decided on the Amalfi coast for this weekend, and hiking in Cinque Terre next, which should make for a nice birthday weekend. And possibly a sobbing bank account. But hey, Iàm in Europe.

Ciao for now... I need to do some grocery shopping.