On Friday, my roommates and I decided to explore some more of Rome since there is always something new to see. Steph and Sydney were on a mission to find a place they could get their noses pierced, and Cara wanted to see the Vatican since she was in Florence the weekend before when we all went. Korissa and I joined Cara because the Vatican is just so amazing that we didn't mind going back again; however, we didn't do the Vatican Museum because it takes too long and costs money so we just went into St. Peter's. Before the semester is over I want to go up to the dome because apparently it's awesome.

After exploring the Basilica, Korissa, Cara, and I wanted to do some shopping, and we heard that there was good shopping near the Spanish Steps. I didn't buy anything, but I probably should have because I didn't bring nearly enough "going out" clothes! We passed by the Pantheon and went inside for a few minutes. It was a rainy day out (I finally got an umbrella) but it had just stopped raining -- my Rome guidebook says that when you're in there while it's raining, the rain falls through the oculus (the hole in the dome) and splatters on the marble floor then drains. It also says that watching the snow fall is even better. Of course I recognized things from Angels & Demons (thank God I read that book before I came) like the tomb of the artist Raphael.

Korissa and I outside of the Pantheon

Once we left the Pantheon, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain. At this point it was dusk, and I think that made it absolutely amazing. It was so beautiful and so graceful (Tara: I know you're going to make fun of me for being corny but that's really the only way I can actually describe it). Of course I made a wish which means I'll one day return to Rome. St. Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain have definitely been my favorite sites so far.

Korissa and Cara ate gelato at this place next to the fountain a few weeks ago so they took me there for a pre-dinner snack. Cara said the mint chocolate chip was good so I got a scoop of that and a scoop of coco. The mint chocolate chip was too minty but the coco was amazing! Coconut gelato is definitely my preferred flavor. At this point, our legs were exhausted from walking all over the city so we headed home.

Making a wish in the Trevi Fountain

Korissa, Cara, and I at the fountain

Saturday, the five of us wanted to go shopping again. Sydney and Steph walked all throughout Trastevere (the part of Rome that I live in) unsuccessfully looking for a place to get their noses pierced and said there were a lot of good shops past our house. We found a store of just random stuff, kind of like a dollar store, and got some stuff we've been looking all over the place for. Cara got a hair straightener, and we all got HANGERS! I was so excited when I saw this because my closet was a complete mosh of clothes and desperately needed to be organized. We spent the whole day going into various shops and making a few purchases. Again, I didn't buy anything because I was really not in the mood to try on clothes, and I hate shopping with other people because I feel rushed when looking around. That night we went to On the Rox which is my favorite bar here. This Sunday they have a Super Bowl party which I'm really excited to watch.

Sunday morning we woke up early to go to the Porta Portese market which is right outside of our apartment and huge. They close down the streets every Sunday morning and vendors set up tents with random stuff they are selling. They had some awesome boots which I really wanted to get but I felt awkward trying them on (plus I was with Steph and, like I said, I don't like shopping with people). I did buy a bracelet for 1 euro which was my only purchase. Cara wanted bargained with a man for a 15 euro belt and got it down to 3.30 euro. Next time I go I'm on a mission to get some new shoes!

Nothing really eventful since then has happened -- besides stepping in dog poop on the sidewalks. They really need some sort of law to change this. I shouldn't have wrote about it in my last blog entry, because I think that I jinxed myself!

I'm determined to become a better cook by the time I leave Rome. Not because I'm in Italy though, but because my roommates are such good cooks. Last night Korissa and Cara made everyone gnocchi from scratch. It was delicious. I think Steph is cooking tonight. I'm going to have to make dinner at some point which will be interesting because the only thing I can really make is rice.

We also booked our flights to Greece for Spring Break. I can't wait; I know it's going to be gorgeous. Before I go, I'm going to have to ask Morgan about her trip there last year and get some advice. We are going to Venice for the day on Saturday for Carnivale and may go to the catacombs on Friday!