Today was the last day of school for April. We wrote our final exam - it didn't go too great, I don't know if I passed it! Doesn't matter though, I never came to Italy to write exams! I have found learning the italian language challenging to say the least. I think its a combination of the speed at which we learn things, and the fact that its so different from english. In the last 2 months of school we have learnt various tenses - present, past, future and the imperative, as well as the pronouns, prepositions and possessive words. The encouraging part of it all is that I understand everything they have taught us, its just that there are so many rules and exceptions to the rules that I have a massive "checklist" in my brain that I need to run through prior to trying to say anything! And every week the checklist seems to get longer! So the challenge is to not sound stupid by talking too slowly! I guess over time it will come a bit more naturally. I wont be attending school this month, as I leave Rome on the 15th. If all goes according to plan I am looking to return to school in September. This should hopefully give me a good opportunity to work on what I have learnt and too practice this with my Italian speaking family up north.
The children return from Sicily today, and they are on holiday for the rest of the week, so I am hoping we might squeeze in a trip to the beach if the weather is good.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pompei
Today was the school trip to Pompei. Pompei was destroyed by an eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in AD79 when it was completely covered by 60 feet of ash, and was forgotten about. It was then rediscovered in 1748 (by accident I believe) and the excavation works began. The city has been well preserved and gives a good idea of what a typical Roman city looked like at the height of the Roman empire - at the time of the eruption the Colosseum was already under construction in Rome.
A teacher from my Italian school gave us a tour of the ruins, and had some interesting stories to tell. It was obviously all in Italian, so we had to concentrate hard! A few that I will share - the picture below shows 3 large stones placed in the middle of the road - this was an ancient "zebra crossing" that people used to cross the road when there was heavy rains, so as not to get their feet wet (again this shows how the Romans were pretty smart with water).
The next shows a roadsign. As Pompei was a busy town close to the port, they would have lots of visitors, who in turn, had "needs"! Since this as AD79 there clearly weren't any neon signs giving directions, and so this was a subtle way of pointing the patrons in the right direction....
This last one shows the main square with a view of Vesuvius on the background. We were told Vesuvius used to be double the height!
Overall I enjoyed the trip. It was nice to have a knowledgeable tour guide, however sightseeing with 50 people does waste a lot of time, always waiting for people to catch up who have stopped to take pictures etc. On the way home we stopped in Caserta, to have a look at the Palace there. The palace was constructed in the eighteenth century for the king of Naples. It is another World heritage sight. We visited some of the 1200 rooms inside the palace! Here is a picture of one, they all pretty much looked the same, paintings on the ceilings and lots of gold!
So that brings to an end the week long cultural week in Italy. It was a fantastic opportunity to visit so many sights at no charge! If I am still in Italy next time they have another cultural week I will be sure too take advantage again!
A teacher from my Italian school gave us a tour of the ruins, and had some interesting stories to tell. It was obviously all in Italian, so we had to concentrate hard! A few that I will share - the picture below shows 3 large stones placed in the middle of the road - this was an ancient "zebra crossing" that people used to cross the road when there was heavy rains, so as not to get their feet wet (again this shows how the Romans were pretty smart with water).
The next shows a roadsign. As Pompei was a busy town close to the port, they would have lots of visitors, who in turn, had "needs"! Since this as AD79 there clearly weren't any neon signs giving directions, and so this was a subtle way of pointing the patrons in the right direction....
This last one shows the main square with a view of Vesuvius on the background. We were told Vesuvius used to be double the height!
Overall I enjoyed the trip. It was nice to have a knowledgeable tour guide, however sightseeing with 50 people does waste a lot of time, always waiting for people to catch up who have stopped to take pictures etc. On the way home we stopped in Caserta, to have a look at the Palace there. The palace was constructed in the eighteenth century for the king of Naples. It is another World heritage sight. We visited some of the 1200 rooms inside the palace! Here is a picture of one, they all pretty much looked the same, paintings on the ceilings and lots of gold!
So that brings to an end the week long cultural week in Italy. It was a fantastic opportunity to visit so many sights at no charge! If I am still in Italy next time they have another cultural week I will be sure too take advantage again!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tivoli
I went with my friends to Tivoli today. It is a town outside of Rome, with the main attractions being ancient villa's. The most famous of which is Villa d'Este. It is a Unesco world heritage site, and in fact was awarded the European Best Park award in 2007.
There is a very clever use of water in the gardens, with over 500 water jets in fountains and pools, and multiple water troughs. The river was actually rerouted about a kilometer to provide water for the fountains. Unfortunately pictures can't convey effectively the beauty of the gardens. Apart from the water features, there is also plenty of flowers, fruit trees and other sculptures. This is the row of fountains, there are over 100 fountains in this row alone!
This is a view of the main fountain - I forget the name....
After Villa d'este we walked through the town of Tivoli to the other side and visited Villa Gregoriana. This was a fantastic park with both natural and man made waterfalls. We took a long walk through the forest and got some fantastic views of the waterfalls.
Tomorrow its off to Pompei..
There is a very clever use of water in the gardens, with over 500 water jets in fountains and pools, and multiple water troughs. The river was actually rerouted about a kilometer to provide water for the fountains. Unfortunately pictures can't convey effectively the beauty of the gardens. Apart from the water features, there is also plenty of flowers, fruit trees and other sculptures. This is the row of fountains, there are over 100 fountains in this row alone!
This is a view of the main fountain - I forget the name....
After Villa d'este we walked through the town of Tivoli to the other side and visited Villa Gregoriana. This was a fantastic park with both natural and man made waterfalls. We took a long walk through the forest and got some fantastic views of the waterfalls.
Tomorrow its off to Pompei..
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Ostia Antica
Last night was the Ben Harper concert for earth day. There were some support acts and then Ben Harper....although it was good music, it was a bit of a disaster from an organization point of view - there was no real crowd control and it didnt really feel so safe the whole time! But it was free, so cant complain. After the concert I went with my friend to a place called Giolitti - a 19th century cafe that is famous for its Gelati (ice cream). I had limoncello flavour....it was excellent!
Today Tara, my Australian friend and myself tried to go to the Galleria Borghese, but unfortunately its entrance with reservation only, I guess because its not only very popular but also small. So we decided to head off to Ostia Antica on the outskirts of Roma. It is the ancient port city of Rome, where goods that came in via ships were transported up the river on barges to supply central Rome with supplies. However over the last 2000 years the sea has retreated several kilometers and the river has changed direction! Apparently it died completely as an inhabited area some 1000 years ago. For me the highlight was that there were no real restriction as to where one could walk, and so we could meander as we pleased. I particularly enjoyed taking in some sun on the theatre.
If you look carefully you may see me in the picture! The kids have gone off to Sicily to spend some time with their grandparents, so I have some time off for the next week or so...
Today Tara, my Australian friend and myself tried to go to the Galleria Borghese, but unfortunately its entrance with reservation only, I guess because its not only very popular but also small. So we decided to head off to Ostia Antica on the outskirts of Roma. It is the ancient port city of Rome, where goods that came in via ships were transported up the river on barges to supply central Rome with supplies. However over the last 2000 years the sea has retreated several kilometers and the river has changed direction! Apparently it died completely as an inhabited area some 1000 years ago. For me the highlight was that there were no real restriction as to where one could walk, and so we could meander as we pleased. I particularly enjoyed taking in some sun on the theatre.
If you look carefully you may see me in the picture! The kids have gone off to Sicily to spend some time with their grandparents, so I have some time off for the next week or so...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Cultural week in Italia
This week it is cultural week in Italy - every year they decide on a week to try and encourage people to have cultural experiences in their cities. To do this they make the majority of museums and attractions free of charge. Excellent!
Yesterday I went inside The Colosseum. I had visited it before in 2003, and so I wasnt planning on going in again, but hey, its free, so why not! If anything I was more impressed this time round.
This morning I met some classmates at 09:00 and we went to visit Castel Sant'Angelo before school. Another impressive structure - it is possible to get onto the roof which provides some pretty cool panorama's of the city, and of St Peters specifically.
And then this afternoon I took a walk around the Roman forum. Its a bit of mess, structures falling down all over the place, but you get a good idea of how it all started for the earlier inhabitants of Rome.
So tomorrow morning I am meeting up again with classmates to go have a look at the Musei Capitolini, then Saturday morning we will head half an hour out of Rome to Tivoli, apparently there are fantastic gardens there. And Sunday I am off to Pompei with my class from school - really looking forward to that!
So its a busy week for me! Will try write again later this week to let you know how it goes - it wont be Wednesday night because I am off to a free concert in Piazza del Popolo - Ben Harper is playing in an earth day concert.
Yesterday I went inside The Colosseum. I had visited it before in 2003, and so I wasnt planning on going in again, but hey, its free, so why not! If anything I was more impressed this time round.
This morning I met some classmates at 09:00 and we went to visit Castel Sant'Angelo before school. Another impressive structure - it is possible to get onto the roof which provides some pretty cool panorama's of the city, and of St Peters specifically.
And then this afternoon I took a walk around the Roman forum. Its a bit of mess, structures falling down all over the place, but you get a good idea of how it all started for the earlier inhabitants of Rome.
So tomorrow morning I am meeting up again with classmates to go have a look at the Musei Capitolini, then Saturday morning we will head half an hour out of Rome to Tivoli, apparently there are fantastic gardens there. And Sunday I am off to Pompei with my class from school - really looking forward to that!
So its a busy week for me! Will try write again later this week to let you know how it goes - it wont be Wednesday night because I am off to a free concert in Piazza del Popolo - Ben Harper is playing in an earth day concert.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
South Africans living abroad voting Day
I went along to cast my vote today. I was concerned my name may not be on the list as I had received no confirmations, but when I arrived all was in order. Had a bit of a chat with the electoral officers (all staff of the South African embassy in Italy, which has its headquarters in Rome). I was about the 25th person to vote that day. They took my details as they have added me to the South Africans living abroad database - important for when disasters such as the earthquake last week happen, so that they can account for everyone, and if necessary provide some assistance. Also they have invited me to some freedom day celebrations! This will be held at the Ambassadors house here in Rome, and they will forward me the details soon. So if it suits me I will go along - have a beer and some South African style food on the governments expense...why not??!! Oh, and those South Africans reading this who may be interested to see what kind of offices your tax money is buying here in Rome, have a look at the picture - its fantastic offices, in a pretty good location!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Pasquetta in Frascati
Today as is traditional for Romans on Pasquetta (Easter Monday) I went into the countryside, and visited Frascati, a small town 24km south east of central rome. It is located on a hill which provides distant views of Rome. Its also famous for its white wine, naturally called Frascati.
The town centre has the average small Italian town feel, just the way I like it! It was great to get out of Rome for a couple of hours. I went with a friend who has just returned from a trip to Cairo, Egypt and Istanbul, Turkey so it was great to hear his stories, and those are definatly two locations I will add to my travel wishlist!
Oh, and had my first proper sit down meal since I arrived in Rome - I am after all an unemployed student! Had an amazing pizza and a bottle of the local Frascati white wine (would be wrong not too). It was a good wine, probably even better when the weather gets even hotter.
The town centre has the average small Italian town feel, just the way I like it! It was great to get out of Rome for a couple of hours. I went with a friend who has just returned from a trip to Cairo, Egypt and Istanbul, Turkey so it was great to hear his stories, and those are definatly two locations I will add to my travel wishlist!
Oh, and had my first proper sit down meal since I arrived in Rome - I am after all an unemployed student! Had an amazing pizza and a bottle of the local Frascati white wine (would be wrong not too). It was a good wine, probably even better when the weather gets even hotter.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tre metri sopra il cielo
I went out with some friends from school last night. We went to a rather fancy cocktail bar first, and sat outside in some comfy loungers (the weather is now warm enough to comfortably sit outside at night). Then we met up with some local's that a friend of mine had met when we had been out for my birthday. They took us to a pretty cool bar where we had a couple of drinks. We asked them if there was anything off the beaten track that they recommend us seeing - and they told us the story of the padlocks at the Ponte Milvio (a Ponte is a bridge)
If I understood correctly it goes like this - a book was written in which two lovers lock a padlock to the bridge and throw the keys into the river, as a sign of their neverending love. The book is called tre metri sopra il cielo (three meters above the sky) - and was recently made into a film, and so began the urban legend. That if you place a padlock on the ponte milvio and throw the keys into the river the lovers will spend their lives together forever.
So they took us to see this, and there are literally thousands of these padlocks attached to some railings (apparently purpose built - previously lovers would attach these padlocks to a lampost, but it fell down under the weight!). A friend took photo's so as soon as I get them I will post them on this blog.
Tomorrow is Easter, so happy easter to you all. Hopefully the city quietens down a bit after Monday, its been a bit crazy with holy week.....
If I understood correctly it goes like this - a book was written in which two lovers lock a padlock to the bridge and throw the keys into the river, as a sign of their neverending love. The book is called tre metri sopra il cielo (three meters above the sky) - and was recently made into a film, and so began the urban legend. That if you place a padlock on the ponte milvio and throw the keys into the river the lovers will spend their lives together forever.
So they took us to see this, and there are literally thousands of these padlocks attached to some railings (apparently purpose built - previously lovers would attach these padlocks to a lampost, but it fell down under the weight!). A friend took photo's so as soon as I get them I will post them on this blog.
Tomorrow is Easter, so happy easter to you all. Hopefully the city quietens down a bit after Monday, its been a bit crazy with holy week.....
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Il Terremoto!
So just as I was saying things weren't so exciting, we have an earthquake! Well it wasn't quite in Roma, it was mostly situated in the town of L'aquila in the province of Abruzzo. However I was woken up in the early hours of Monday morning from tremors here in Roma. It lasted about 10-15 seconds and had enough force to shake my cupboard doors open! I must say, I never even realised Italia was in an earthquake zone, so at first I wasn't quite sure what had happened.
We have had another couple of tremor's since, none quite as big, but it is rather concerning. Hopefully it stops soon!
We have had another couple of tremor's since, none quite as big, but it is rather concerning. Hopefully it stops soon!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Nothing interesting
So I haven't written for over a week – no real excuses, its not like I don't have the time!
I guess its because nothing of any great interest happened. I am in a bit of a routine at the moment : school on weekdays, and relaxation on the weekends. Things are progressing slowly at school, I am into my second month, which meant an exit exam for the first month, and a new teacher for the second month. As it turned out I have ended up in a small class of 7 people, with all the students who I completed month 1 with. I am happy with this because firstly the class is small in size, and secondly we have all studied month 1 together so we are roughly at the same level.
Things with my host family are good too – in my opinion the kids seem to be improving, and also remembering what I teach them which is encouraging. I cant believe it is almost 2 months since I arrived! The weather is warming up nicely, and today was the first day I could comfortably go out in shorts and a t-shirt.
Nothing exciting planned for this week either, the routine continues for the time being! 3 more weeks of classes, and then I will have 2 weeks off school before I fly to London for a couple of days, and then to Zurich, Switzerland to meet up with my parents.
I guess its because nothing of any great interest happened. I am in a bit of a routine at the moment : school on weekdays, and relaxation on the weekends. Things are progressing slowly at school, I am into my second month, which meant an exit exam for the first month, and a new teacher for the second month. As it turned out I have ended up in a small class of 7 people, with all the students who I completed month 1 with. I am happy with this because firstly the class is small in size, and secondly we have all studied month 1 together so we are roughly at the same level.
Things with my host family are good too – in my opinion the kids seem to be improving, and also remembering what I teach them which is encouraging. I cant believe it is almost 2 months since I arrived! The weather is warming up nicely, and today was the first day I could comfortably go out in shorts and a t-shirt.
Nothing exciting planned for this week either, the routine continues for the time being! 3 more weeks of classes, and then I will have 2 weeks off school before I fly to London for a couple of days, and then to Zurich, Switzerland to meet up with my parents.
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