Orientation Day: June 1

The traveler in me has yet to be disappointed with the eternal city. Today was filled with orientation in the morning and afternoon (bleh!) followed by freedom in the late afternoon and evening. In the morning, on our 15 minute guided walk to the Rome Center campus (where classes will be held) we passed by several important landmarks, monuments I will see everyday. We passed Santa Maria de Trastevere, Farnese Palace, Campo de Fiori and the famous statue of Giordarno Bruno a;so known as the 'martyr for science', and Chiesa Nuova (New Church, ironically not actually that new). At lunch we enjoyed pizza and a quick look at Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Chiesa Nuova

Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro

On our own, we explored Piazza Novona, Chiesa di Sant'Angese in Agone (Church of Saint Agnes in Agony), Castel San'Angelo, the Vatican and finally St. Peter's.

Facade of Chiesa di Sant'Angese in Agone

Obelisk at Piazza Navona

Fountain at Piazza Navona

St. Peter's and Obelisk

St. Peter's facade

Roommate shenanigas

Sunset

A pilgrim in awe

Can you tell by my selection of pictures that I might be Catholic and in love with church architecture? Just a little?

We spent the evening with a great group of new friends eating pasta and pizza. I tried a fried zucchini flower that tasted amazing but reminded me oddly of a fried mozzarella stick. At dinner, I just happened to look over at the table next to us and lo-and-behold I saw Bishop Robert Barron the Roman Catholic Bishop of Los Angeles known internationally through his Facebook page with nearly one million followers. He graced me with a picture (below).

Lasagna al Forno

Bishop Barron and I

We topped the evening off with gelato that was out of this world at Frigidarium. I took a picture of the sign because it featured the word 'Maestri' but was too tempted by my cone to take a picture of it before scarfing it down.

Now, a good night's sleep is calling me.

So, until next time, ciao!
Jacob

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