Monday, June 13, 2016

Back to School

Today was an orientation day at the American Academy in Rome. I'm still jet lagged and I'm tired from walking a lot more than I usually do, but I'm having a fantastic time. How can you not, when your school looks like this?


We did a lot of introductory stuff today, including taking our first peek at the library (24/7 access? I CAN'T WAIT) and also at the AAR's archaeological study collection. We got to touch and attempt to identify several items, including an ancient Q-Tip, perfume bottles, a giant hunk of metal that was used as currency, and a loom weight. There was also some other cool stuff, such as a sling stone with a nasty message on it:



A rather charming dancing Lar (household god):



And an oil lamp that depicts a guy getting caught cheating at a board game:



Not only are the artifacts amazing, but the entire AAR campus is beautiful and full of interesting people. I met other scholars and teachers today, but I also met an architect, a landscaper, and a composer. Plus, the food—which is locally sourced and organic—is phenomenal. And after all of the tours and delicious food, I spent my afternoon sipping Prosecco in this beautiful garden:



Tomorrow is our first field trip, so we'll be meeting up to take a bus to the Capitoline. I'm learning a bit more about this city every day, and I'm excited about what I'll learn tomorrow. 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

When your dad and I were there, we went to some high-up, former royal gardens full of orange trees. They were blooming and it's the best scent I ever smelled. Look for them! - Mom

Auntie said...

Loving the blog! Sounds like fun...well all except the studying part :) - Auntie