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!

A few thoughts

Some things I have discovered or learned in my two and a half weeks in Rome so far:

• I shouldn't have waited this long to do laundry for the first time. The washer is so shallow and barely holds any clothes. I had to do about four or five loads which equals about two in a normal sized washer in the States. Also, with eight girls in one apartment, there is always someone who has laundry to do. We don't have a dryer so our place currently has drying racks everywhere with all assortments of clothes.
  
• It was very unfortunate that my brand new umbrella broke the first day here. Luckily I have a rain jacket, but it has rained three of the past four days, and I haven't bought another umbrella. Yesterday was a beautiful day and today started out to be one; however, when I got out of my last class, it was pouring. Some friends and I waited for the tram to come and when it finally did, it was packed completely full. There was no way for us to get in so we had to walk the 20ish minute walk home in the rain. I usually walk anyway for the exercise but getting caught in the cold rain was not fun!
• I love not having Friday classes. Four weekdays and three weekend days is great! I had registered for classes at Clemson for this semester (I wasn't sure if I would end up going abroad) and finally got a schedule that had all my classes from Monday to Thursday -- so even if I didn't come to Rome, I wouldn't have Friday classes!
• At the supermercato near our apartment, they have taco kits and ground beef. I want to make tacos so badly. However, I don't think cheddar cheese or shredded cheese exist here. I really could go for a Cheesy Gordida Chrunch at Taco Bell!
• There is so much dog poop on the sidewalks. It's repulsive. I'm waiting for the day that I accidentally step in a pile. Steph did last week and it was disgusting.
• The pizzas here are all square -- I have yet to see a circular one like at home.
• I've been here for more than two weeks and i still haven't seen the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon. I think that will change this weekend though!

Last night, my roommates and I, along with the group of guys we hang out with, went to a club (also known as a discoteca) called La Maison. It was so packed but I ran into Lindsey Puliti -- one of my best friends from high school! She just got here two days ago and will be here all semester. It was so funny seeing her. I think she lives near me in Trastevere so I'm sure I'll be seeing more of her.

Our roommates Lauren, Cara S., and Suzy went to Dublin this morning for the weekend. I'm so jealous -- Dublin is one of my favorite cities. The rest of us just booked a day trip for next Saturday to Venice for Carnivale! I can't wait to take a gondola ride.

If I have any more random thoughts I'll be sure to share them!