Marymount University is absolutely incredible. We saw the school facilities on Friday, but today was the first day we really got to see Marymount in action. We got a mini tour from our supervisor, who shared a bunch of Italian secrets with us (like how they are avidly against not wearing a jacket... oops). We also finally got to meet our cooperating teachers and the students. Both of my coops seem like incredible people. Gina is from England and has a charming little accent (I'll be teaching 6th and 8th grade drama with her) and Marsha might be even loopier than I am (and that's pretty difficult to top). Drama is going to be a lot of fun; it seems to be a bunch of ice breakers, physical and mental games and developing acting skills. Today we did an improvisational exercise which had me nearing tears with laughter. My students in regular English will be a bit more strenuous. Because they can all speak at least one other language, Italian, they have a habit of not using English as their primary method of communication. I'm already developing bartering plans for ways to get them to use only English in my classroom. Perhaps my students can teach me a 5 minute mini lesson in Italian each day to get their language fix (and help me as well) and then they can't use the language for the rest of the period. If they follow through, they can quiz me at the end to see what I remember from the lesson. Best of both worlds?
I am truly excited to start working at Marymount. They seem to run a really tight ship for each and every grade, but I can already see a beautiful rapport between teachers and students at this school. I can't wait to start developing my own relationship with these students, challenging them and learning a lot about myself/my teaching through the process.
We accomplished so many exciting things this weekend as well. We tried to do some of the touristy things, as it was our first weekend in Rome. We walked over to Rome's center to see the Colosseum again, which was just as stunning the second time around. Unfortunately, we missed the tour of the inside, but we will definitely be going back sometime soon. A group of us walked around near the Colosseum and discovered a number of absolutely beautiful churches in the area--most notably the Basilica Santa Francesca Romana, formerly known as the Church of Maria Nova (shown below). Each and every church has more history and gorgeous architecture than the last. In Maria Nove we were actually able to explore underneath the altar of the church and see the actual remains of Saint Francesca. Needless to say, there was a clear heavy presence upon entering the room underneath the altar.
After returning home, we made the executive decision to test out the bus system and go to the Trevi Fountain (Fontana de Trevi). Only a small group of us had the energy to go, but it was well worth the trip. First of all, the public transportation systems here are SO easily navigated. They're simple to use and incredibly convenient. We rode the bus right to Trevi and found a delicious little side street restaurant. It was here that I finally got my Melanzana all parmigiana (Eggplant Parmigiana) This may have been the best meal in Rome so far (even though I've probably said that at least one other time). I also split a tartufo with Dom for dessert and it was so delicious. We walked around a bit more, toward the sound of water, and were immediately in awe of our discovery. The Trevi Fountain is SO beautiful. I know my pictures will not capture the sheer magnitude of this monstrous piece of art, but I'll include one for good measure. As legend dictates, you are supposed to throw a coin over your right shoulder into the fountain in order to ensure a trip back to Rome, which all of us did. Guess I'll be back sometime!
The next day was a bit more restful. It was 62 degrees and sunny outside, so we were sure to spend as much time outdoors as possible. A group of us went for a 5 plus mile run along the river, which was so much fun, and then sat on our rooftop terrace while lesson planning and prepping for our first week teaching. Everything has been so wonderful so far and I'm so excited to see what else is in store this week! Here are some pictures:
Really nice picture of the Colosseum with the sun setting behind me. I can't wait to get inside and see more! Apparently ancient Romans used to flood the Colosseum and perform naval battles called naumachiae. I can't even imagine how intricate the inside must look. More pictures to come!
This was just one of the dozens of pictures I took in some of the churches around Rome. Note the elaborate ceiling-this picture does not do it justice at ALL. Even the chairs are beautiful, blue velvet seats and gold backs. Each of those archways on the left and right had beautiful paintings done by different artists which depict various biblical scenes.
This might not look like much, but it was the most incredible eggplant parmigiana I've ever had. It literally melted in my mouth as I ate it. Couple it with a glass of the House Red Wine and followed by a delicious tartufo... perfect meal.
Here is just a snippit of the Fontana de Trevi. I am sincerely hoping the right shoulder coin toss is not merely a superstition, but a way to guarantee my trip back to Roma. I'd go back every time just to throw in a coin if that were the case!
Funny stories of the weekend:
The crazy lady on the bus stop
Champagne/near mugging incident (don't worry, everything was fine!)
Missing the bus home from Trevi and chasing after it
Improv class with Ms. Ferrarin
The Eurydice suicide letters in 10 grade honors English
Words of the Day:
exit: uscita
image/picture: immagini
sit down: sedersi
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