It has been an exhausting couple of days of sightseeing! Saturday we went to the Coliseum and to the Roman Forum, which was crazy to see in person after learning about it since I was a child! It is an incredible feeling to be standing in these places which have truly stood the test of time. The way back to campus was a different story. The school bussed us downtown to sightsee, but we had to find our way back on our own. Well, let's just say that the public transportation in Chicago is a lot better than it is here. After being helped by some 15 year old Italians, we made our way back to campus. 

Today (Sunday), we went to Tivoli, and saw the Villa d'Estate. To be honest, I'm not sure whose house it was, but it was very old and big, and had some awesome gardens with some amazing fountains that were all powered by water pressure alone. It was very cool to think that someone lived there at one time. 

For lunch, all 200 or so JFRC students went to this "hole in the wall" restaurant, which turned out not to be such a hole in the wall. Basically the whole restaurant was a giant cave filled with passages that kept leading to more rooms, which are believed to be Ancient Roman Baths. The owner told us the whole story which made the whole dining experience that much better.

Tomorrow classes begin, which in some ways I am looking forward to. I like having a routine!

Until next time!

 The Roman Forum

 The Coliseum

 One of the many fountains at Villa d'Estate in Tivoli, Italy

The restaurant that we ate at in Tivoli.