This week I’ve actually had to realize the academic aspect of studying abroad, as I had to finally crack down and do a good amount of studying! First, I had to give a text presentation in English class on the book Daisy Miller on Tuesday, and then I had to take a theology midterm on Thursday.

My English class is all about “reading Rome;” in other words, we cover books and texts that are written about Rome or are set in the city. Daisy Miller is actually an interesting book, as well as a short, easy read; I’d recommend picking a copy up if you haven’t read this story of Henry James. Our class took place inside il Colosseo (aka the Coliseum), because it’s where part of the story is set. So, I gave my presentation and lead the discussion as our class sat on some steps of the Coliseum!

Later in the week, I found myself preparing for my papacy class exam. We had to know quite a good amount of information regarding the development of the Church, important popes and facts about them, some fun papacy and Latin terms, as well as the development of the structure and leadership of the Church. Let’s just say that if you want to know the date or important achievements of any of the prominent popes from the beginning of the Church up until 1300, just ask me. It was a lot to review and learn, but after a couple of study sessions (including one the night before with our professor at his favorite wine bar!), I was ready for the exam Thursday morning, and by 10 a.m., it was finished! I’m quite glad for the week to be over and very excited to have just one week of classes left until we’re finished with our Italian courses (at the end of October), and I get to have a 10 day fall break in Dublin and Paris!!

Posted by Lisa at 09:16 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

One interesting thing you’ll notice if you ever come to Rome is how popular American pop music is! I was hoping to be exposed to some Italian music while I was here, but instead, every time I walk into a coffee bar, restaurant, pub, or store some American song is playing over the speakers. And oftentimes, it’s some of our country’s worst contributions to the music industry. They’ll play pretty much anything with English lyrics, and the variety you here in one place is rather humorous. For example, I was shopping in a clothing store downtown, and they played an American rap song followed by “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” I just paused for a second and laughed at the drastic change. And it’s also funny how Italians who hardly know English will be able to sing along to every word of these American songs, even though they have no idea what the songs are saying. Sometimes it’s comforting and fun to hear familiar upbeat music while shopping or grabbing a snack at a coffee bar, but other times it can just ruin the moment when we’re eating at a cute Italian trattoria, loving how we’re here in Rome, and then some horrible American tune comes on, spoiling the whole Italian feeling. It’s unfortunate, but hopefully I’ll come across some Italian music in other ways.

Posted by Lisa at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)