Twellman Retires

Thanks, Twellman!

RRRR - An update! *gasp*

I promised a new update a while ago and never got around to it. Sorry about that.

Things have been going well. We're adjusting nicely, and though there are things we miss about home (not having to walk everywhere, Wal-Mart, stoplights/signs), there are definitely aspects of Rome that we like a lot.

Let's start with the likes. This city is fascinating. As someone who has always dreamed of being an archaeologist (a dream I am finally starting to realize will never be fulfilled), I am in heaven. Thomas was only able to go to class with me for one week, but after one of those classes that he attended with me, he dragged me in the opposite direction of home. I was tired and just wanted to get home to relax. We rounded a corner and my jaw involuntarily dropped. In front of me was a gigantic building with huge columns and a huge domed roof... it was the Pantheon.

I lived in Vienna - typically considered one of the grandest cities of them all - for four months, yet the Pantheon is the grandest, most wonderful structure I have ever seen.
The pizza is spectacular, the gelato is exquisite, and Roma games are a blast.

Now for the dislikes. Italian is kicking my butt. I also hate the drivers here. They're all crazy and you have to run out in traffic in order to cross the road. Also, the roads here are horrible for my weak knees and ankles.

Some of the roads/pathways are even worse than this, with the stones being all different heights. My poor ankles are really sore after a long walk :( I'm getting used to it, though, which is a good thing.

Historical Roman Fact of the Day: Women in ancient Rome were typically not given personal names, instead receiving only the feminization of the family name

Rachel's Random Roman Ramblings: Something New

Well, I'm going to try this out to see how I like it compared to Xanga. Feel free to check out http://bregalad.xanga.com for the first 3 installations of RRRR.

Anyway, we start our Italian courses tomorrow! Yay! I'm excited to be able to start to communicate, even if it is at a very basic level. Thomas is going to take classes with me for the first month, then I'm on my own. Thomas also starts his school courses tomorrow.

Google has a new calling thing that's like Skype, except it's free to any landline in the US, so we're able to call home for free. Yay!

Ok that's all for now. I'll try to post something longer, with pictures, tomorrow after class!