Opera

I had never been to an opera before, so the idea of going to an opera in Italy just sounded like an opportunity that I could not pass up. This opera, was quite interesting. I was surprised at first to find the venue in a small, outdoor courtyard set up with lawn chairs. The woman and man at the front of the door spoke English with no accent when my group and I arrived, then turned around and spoke fluent Italian to the incoming spectators. We walked in and saw the orchestra already set up at the front of the stage, practicing and each tuning their instruments. There was one harp player; I could not stop looking at her sitting there perfectly with her harp placed elegantly on her right shoulder. Of course, having a dysfunctional bladder meant I needed to find a bathroom before the performance began because it was going to be a loooong time before I have another chance. The search for the bathroom was short and easy this time, unlike most of my searches for public restrooms in Rome. Lucky being in a smaller, confined area allowed me to wander for only a couple of minutes before I ended up in the backstage at the end of the hall. On my way down the hall, there was a group of ballerinas seated in a circle around a table with perfect posture. Many others were standing around socializing with each other and already clad in their costumes. I noticed that some of them were dressed in rather simple attire. One person had a large, yellow T-shirt with a black belt and black tights. It sort of made me think that this was not a high budget kind of opera. This is not to say that it was not an excellent performance. The main character was amazing! She projected her voice so easily and clearly while still acting it out as if she was simply talking. As an international opera, I noticed there were many people of different ethnicity (based on their appearance). Overall, it was a great time and I'm so happy I came out to see it!

1st week of Rome

Wow, it has already been a week here in Rome but it feels like only a day. It's weird to have done so much though. The first few days were spent getting familiar with my directions from the Campo de Fiori back to my apartment in Via Dandolo 19. This was a very long trek in the beginning. Fortunately, it feels shorter every time as the days go by. Shopping in the market is like HEAVEN to me. I love buying fresh fruits and veggies. You can't get it like this in Seattle. Well, maybe you can but it would be more expensive too. Thank goodness I have a whole month here in Rome! <-- That's my apartment kitchen So many new experiences and so little time. I have learned to order coffee. Favorite cafe is still Magnolia. Its so close to the UWRC so its convenient, delicious, and familiar since I go there practically every day. Sometimes twice a day. Words cannot describe my experience here. So here are some pictures! MmMm...lovely weather. The clouds are amazing. This is on the way to the apartment going across Ponte Sisto. Those little tents are for later in the night when they have stands set out for a night market! AND that's David taking his first sip of alcohol....ever :) Wine with dinner is the best. Of course there HAS to be good food. This is on the first night of dinner with everyone. Yummm tiramisu was my favorite. Yay, Carmen! Espresso after dinner? Somebody is staying up tonight! <--"AAUUU!" Pretty ladies, plus Roman looking confused. And of course so beautiful looking Italians coming out for some fun. Woot woot! It's the Colosseum and it's awesome. Here's everyone else at the Colosseum... Yes, this pictures so good I had to put it in twice.

Testing

Just trying to figure out how a blog works! So this is my first post ever. I'm anxious to finally get to Rome yay! 2 more days. One difficult thing about packing: limiting myself to 15 kg for luggage and 5 kg for carry-on (which is basically my laptop alone). I have already learned something new from this trip and it is how to pack minimally!