tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57942650022498067772024-03-19T09:55:22.442+01:00CAS.in.Rome: Jackie DunfeeAn American girl in Rome carefully documenting her daily adventures and encounters throughout the city for your enjoyment.Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-87174953654201184872009-07-15T23:12:00.007+02:002009-07-16T02:30:41.083+02:00Back in America<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Now that I am back home and exhausted, life seems ordinary and back to normal-- almost as if the past two months had never happened. Throughout my time in Rome I chose to focus on the Via del Corso and the people in the streets. I miss the long walks along the Corso going into different stores even just heading to class for the day. I walked down the Corso nearly every day that I spent in Rome and back at home I have no Via del Corso to walk down. There are no sidewalks near my house and the street I use every day has no palaces, museums, or anything of the sort along it to check out. Compared to the people in the streets of Rome, the people back home also look so ordinary. I never thought I would say this BUT I might just miss stepping over beggars to get to class or walking past the men exploiting the history of Rome in their gladiator costumes. No one back home is quite as interesting or exciting to look at. Back to life in the ordinary.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiAA2K9QWzIBP5fuL72TE87jcnv453c4o2w_zRinHqHYMkWpJQbQE_xZZblY5-lUmFcXPMDcyf2XLlecXVoUSfFz_O9h8M-agg_gi6X_xrUK5TW9X9HIMsKd907kQC5srva8XI8jYTnI6/s1600-h/new_york_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiAA2K9QWzIBP5fuL72TE87jcnv453c4o2w_zRinHqHYMkWpJQbQE_xZZblY5-lUmFcXPMDcyf2XLlecXVoUSfFz_O9h8M-agg_gi6X_xrUK5TW9X9HIMsKd907kQC5srva8XI8jYTnI6/s400/new_york_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358822694251432930" border="0" /></a>My experience in Rome has impacted my life. I feel more accepting of other cultures and encompass more pride for my own culture. I am excited to one day visit more countries around the world, maybe Australia or Brazil or even India. The time I spent abroad was eye-opening to a whole new world of opportunities and adventures. I walk away from my study abroad experience with a new appreciation for home and the little things I took for granted before going to Italy, such as toilet seats and free water in restaurants. Besides thanking my parents those who I would most of all I like to thank are Amie, Joe, Sam, Eric, Nicole, and all my professors for aiding me in my adventure throughout Italy and making it into one of the most exciting and unforgettable summers of my life.<br /></div><br /><br />Image taken from: http://www.worldexecutive.com/cityguides/pics/new_york/new_york_1.jpgJackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-23843166992963321012009-06-26T07:45:00.001+02:002009-07-05T18:36:07.519+02:00Ciao Roma!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jGhagN73RBwwmTu6fyGYiy399M7ssAjaevVw9aq4_Q78fddWIAwKu9rZ3IFW6ziTOyS3ze_NdSj5gMcdbR3Ay0akbl-eJYoNqtrUBDrLb1KaVrLavGUAHEal3JAtEnd_hQ7QOjACWO1j/s1600-h/train.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jGhagN73RBwwmTu6fyGYiy399M7ssAjaevVw9aq4_Q78fddWIAwKu9rZ3IFW6ziTOyS3ze_NdSj5gMcdbR3Ay0akbl-eJYoNqtrUBDrLb1KaVrLavGUAHEal3JAtEnd_hQ7QOjACWO1j/s200/train.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351324571655582866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today I leave Rome and begin my journey around Europe for the next seven days!<br /><br />Onto Venice, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, and then home! I am super excited to see the world and am doing it in record pace. I will miss gelato and paninis and walking past the Colosseum on a daily basis, but I am ready. It has been an interesting seven weeks and I have no regrets at all! I would recommend anyone who is interested in history, art, architecture, religion, food or even just travel in general to spend a few days in Rome. It is a great city and will be dearly missed!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Image taken from: http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5377649,00.jpg<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-84048935810270211692009-06-24T13:53:00.006+02:002009-06-25T19:44:46.641+02:00Ciao to the People of Rome!<div style="text-align: justify;">Sadly enough, I think I might actually miss the different characters I have s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb3YoGnmJ_yPo9Mb0HY9et7eaA_iymcv0pHe6Dg4N_ua5r6Uzrn1QO_5Uzg29_WLteycRaRTOCl-EmRNy-cv87mScGkXQsVyXomscslDw0nWxHo3hzjjLE2VySGWv2SrxOJ1XAK05HgQN/s1600-h/perf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb3YoGnmJ_yPo9Mb0HY9et7eaA_iymcv0pHe6Dg4N_ua5r6Uzrn1QO_5Uzg29_WLteycRaRTOCl-EmRNy-cv87mScGkXQsVyXomscslDw0nWxHo3hzjjLE2VySGWv2SrxOJ1XAK05HgQN/s200/perf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351322309221947730" border="0" /></a>een walking along the streets of Rome. What will I do walking down the streets back home without seeing a gypsy on the ground begging for money? Or a group of tourists crowding the sidewalk? Or even hearing the occasional "Ciao Bella!" coming from a creepy middle-aged Italian man? I suppose it is just an adjustment that I will be forced to make, because these characters just can't be found back in my hometown.<br /><br />I would say more than anyone though, I will miss the street musicians. As an avid music lover, the contemporary sound of a man playing an accordian , playing two recorders with his nose, or even the man from day one that I saw lip-syncing to Pavorati is music to my ears. For now though, I must say my goodbyes and maybe I will be back again!<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-89719489040419076352009-06-23T18:32:00.008+02:002009-06-24T13:53:03.925+02:00Ciao Via del Corso!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLKKhuAQYXcfR2eqFE1NY_bik-4dhyzGWkF5gfpcrh4MtySwh9J_0pCjK38UVflzROdzkJUXaerMcIJQ0Wp2QRD4GiTSnW1KZ6Nv8nUItzjYZYw17z7wp0uFqFpLLWuWx1bRpMTbarN3g/s1600-h/blahafd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLKKhuAQYXcfR2eqFE1NY_bik-4dhyzGWkF5gfpcrh4MtySwh9J_0pCjK38UVflzROdzkJUXaerMcIJQ0Wp2QRD4GiTSnW1KZ6Nv8nUItzjYZYw17z7wp0uFqFpLLWuWx1bRpMTbarN3g/s400/blahafd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350858914249290770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today, I took what could be my last walk down the Corso. With only two more days left in Rome, I knew my chances of returning to the Corso ever again would be slim. Since the day I arrived in Rome I have walked down Via del Corso almost every single day. We had class in the Piazza del Colegio Romano (which is right off the Corso) every day during the week. It was not only for class though that I would walk along my favorite street. <br /><br />The girls and I would always go souvenir or clothes shopping in stores such as Zara, Le Group, and H&M. Often we would grab gelato at a local gelateria on the Corso in between classes. I have visited its' several museums, such as the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj. One night I even ventured to the movie theater along the Corso. It is easily accessable to go to Villa Borghese, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps from the Corso as well. Throughout my stay Via del Corso has acted as the beginning point of many adventures I have taken throughout Rome. I will miss it dearly, but my time here is up and I must say my goodbyes.</div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-11962981897682378332009-06-21T21:29:00.002+02:002009-06-21T21:32:58.404+02:00Barcelona v. RomeThis weekend we traveled all the way across the Mediterranean to Barcelona, Spain! I had the time of my life and I am super-excited to travel around Europe starting on Friday!! There were several things I liked about Barcelona that just aren't around in Rome.<br /><br />1. Dunkin' Donuts AND Starbucks<br />2. 50mL Coca-Cola ... $.80<br />3. Cheetos<br />4. TAPAS (mmMMmm)<br />5. great seafood collection ( I tried octopus, sea bass, mussels, and squid)<br /><br />These are just a few things in Barcelona that made me smile. I know a lot of the items are from back home, but it was nice being able to eat something besides pasta, paninis, and gelato for once.Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-79529934774380392322009-06-18T01:30:00.003+02:002009-06-18T14:55:41.301+02:00American Shopping on the Corso<div style="text-align: justify;">What do tourists love more than taking pictures and saying cliche things like "when in rome"?<br /><br />Americans love little reminders of home and seeing that things have been American-ized in other countries. At least I can speak for the kids who study abroad in Rome that I have met when I say this. Where do we all hang out at? American and Irish pubs. Where do we find ourselves eating out at? Pizza places, such a cliche college food. And where do we look to shop? American stores along the Corso.<br /><br />Yeah, shopping in another country seems thrilling and fun, but it can be expensive and unaffordable for someone here long-term. Many of the shops along the Corso charge upwards of $60Euro for just a shirt, which at the current rate does not translate well into the American dollar. It is almost comforting to see American shops such as H&M, Diesel, Sephora, Guess, Levi's, etc. along the Corso--even if they are a little bit more expensive than at home. Living in a foreign country it is nice to see in the least a sign from home, and in a way it seems like an appreciation of American fashion sense (especially in a country where fashion and self-presentation is so important on a daily basis). Now more than ever companies have expanded world-wide and I can say I almost feel relieved by it. I love shopping and there is nothing better than spending my shoppinf money supporting the American economy.<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-66367684634236164132009-06-17T10:43:00.014+02:002009-06-17T21:49:25.180+02:00Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj6l47tFhnUpY5XFgvsKzadCmER-_QUcwP1GBa8pA9JgcSkX0ra-dp336qbaLBzoDKHsyIJn21Jb8dwEiHlxawHIHa9qxogdarSFfxjpAlsklnEnQHSnzMLdi4zwFXqwn86sr3IMYhurO/s1600-h/SANY2890.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRj6l47tFhnUpY5XFgvsKzadCmER-_QUcwP1GBa8pA9JgcSkX0ra-dp336qbaLBzoDKHsyIJn21Jb8dwEiHlxawHIHa9qxogdarSFfxjpAlsklnEnQHSnzMLdi4zwFXqwn86sr3IMYhurO/s400/SANY2890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348385674140072946" border="0" /></a>Welcome to the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Tour de Roma! Today we have a selection of different locales that middle-class folk like us stare at in awe, and meanwhile the affluent and infamous of the world enjoy the luxuries we will see because $100Euro bills are mere pocket change to these people. Throughout the tour we will experience high-end fashion and high-end living at its best. If you have ever checked out celebrity gossip online or in magazines, you might recognize some of these places from pictures of such celebrities as Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, and Justin Timberlake. Do not worry, this is a window-shopping only tour. So do not feel bad if you can't afford a $300Euro shirt, to live in a Palace, or to stay in a 5-star hotel on Via Veneto. We're all in envy together, so let's get going!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Our tour begins at the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna, a popular tourist stop in Rome. Walking down Via dei Condotti we can see on both sides of the street many world-famous designer shoppes. Via Condotti gained its fame when the atelier of Bulgari opened there in 1905. "Today, it is home to the flagship stores of the most elegant design houses, including Valentino, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Bulgari, Chanel, Armani, Dolce e Gabbana, Prada, Ferragamo and Campanile" (<a href="http://italy.luxurytravel.com/destinations/italy/rome/shopping.php">Shopping in Rome</a>, 2009).<br /><br />Next we are going to head down towards the Quirinale Palace, where the President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano resides. Along the way though we will be passing through the Trevi Fountain, Rome's most well known fountain, which has been featured in several movies such as <span style="font-style: italic;">La Dolce Vita</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Lizzie McGuire Movie </span>(both movies star the rich and the oh so famous). We are stopping at the Quirinale President to get to see the view of this prime real estate. How better could someone live besides the president or prime minister of a country?<br /><br />Onto the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Barberini">Palazzo Barberini/Galleria Nazional d'Arte Antica</a>, on Via Delle Quattro Fontane. This palace was financed by Pope Urban VIII and designed by the famous artists Bernini and Barromini (<a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/rome/A20676.html">Frommer's</a>, 2009). "<span class="body">But worth the trip itself is the <b>Nile Mosaic</b>, a well-preserved ancient Roman work and the most remarkable ever uncovered. The mosaic details the flooding of the Nile, a shepherd's hunt, mummies, ibises, and Roman warriors, among other things. The museum collection is mainly from the 13th to the 16th centuries, with works by Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Lorenzo Lotto, Andrea del Sarto, Perugino, Canaletto, Raphael, and Caravaggio" (Frommer's, 2009). A nice palace turned must-see museum, admission is not too expensive, but owning any of the artwork will break your bank account. </span><br /><br /><span class="body">Where will you stay on your trip to Rome? Well no other than a 5-star hotel, right? You only come to Italy once so go big or go home (with money). The next two stops are two of the most-famous 5-star hotels in Rome. The Splendide Royal on Via Porta Pinciana and the Westin Excelsior on Via Veneto will offer you a stay in Rome like no other. The prices can be high, up to $2100Euro per night for the presidential suite (Expedia, 2009). </span>Check out this review and you'll see what I mean.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fodor's review of the Excelsior says, "Once a herding pen for princes and maharajahs, the Excelsior today is the hotel of choice for visiting diplomats, celebrities, and, well, American business conferences. Every corner is lavished with mirrors, moldings, Oriental rugs, crystal chandeliers, and huge, baroque floral arrangements. Guest rooms have elegant drapery, marble baths, top-quality linens, and big, firm beds. While traditional, refined, and luxurious, the cheaper rooms here don't really offer a lot of bang for the buck, so spring for the better ones, or settle elsewhere" (<a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/rome/review-33204.html">Fodor's Online, </a>2009).<br /></div><br /><br />Last but not least, we must see where the rich and famous spend nights in the VIP Room drinking champagne. We head down Via Boncompagni to <a href="http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/rome/jackie-o-rome.htm">Jackie O' Bar</a>. Coming to this bar "expect fine drinks to come at a cost and a general air of moneyed refinement" (World's Best Bars, 2009). It is as exclusive and VIP as the Paris Hilton's birthday bash, so don't expect to get in unless you are dressed to the nines and your name is on the list. It's okay though because there are lots of cheap, fun bars in Campo d' Fiori and Piazza Navona for you to hang out in.<br /><br />This concludes our tour, I hope you enjoyed the walk of where you may get to shop, live, and party if one day you end up wealthy and notorious. Ciao!<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Piazza+di+Spagna,+00187+Rome,+Italy&daddr=Via+condotti+36,+00187+Roma+(RM),+Italy+to:palazzo+quirinale+rome+italy+to:Italy+(Palazzo+Barberini+%5B13%5D+Via+Delle+Quattro+Fontane+(Roma)+064824184)+to:Via+di+Porta+Pinciana,+14,+00187+Roma+(RM),+Italy+(Splendide+Royal+5+Star+Luxury+Hotel+Rome)+to:Via+Vittorio+Veneto,+125,+00187+Roma,+Roma+(Latium),+Italy+(The+Westin+Excelsior+Rome+-+5+Star+Luxury+Hotel)+to:Via+Boncompagni,+11,+00187+Roma,+Roma+(Latium),+Italy+(Jackie+O')&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=41.90353,12.485255&sspn=0.014725,0.038624&ie=UTF8&ll=41.90353,12.485255&spn=0.0092,0.01129&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Piazza+di+Spagna,+00187+Rome,+Italy&daddr=Via+condotti+36,+00187+Roma+(RM),+Italy+to:palazzo+quirinale+rome+italy+to:Italy+(Palazzo+Barberini+%5B13%5D+Via+Delle+Quattro+Fontane+(Roma)+064824184)+to:Via+di+Porta+Pinciana,+14,+00187+Roma+(RM),+Italy+(Splendide+Royal+5+Star+Luxury+Hotel+Rome)+to:Via+Vittorio+Veneto,+125,+00187+Roma,+Roma+(Latium),+Italy+(The+Westin+Excelsior+Rome+-+5+Star+Luxury+Hotel)+to:Via+Boncompagni,+11,+00187+Roma,+Roma+(Latium),+Italy+(Jackie+O')&geocode=&hl=en&mra=ls&dirflg=w&sll=41.90353,12.485255&sspn=0.014725,0.038624&ie=UTF8&ll=41.90353,12.485255&spn=0.0092,0.01129" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small><br /></div><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-14132730226325218092009-06-17T01:32:00.001+02:002009-06-17T22:53:04.822+02:00Dog WalkersEveryone loves their pet dogs and what better way to exercise both you and your dog than to take a walk down the street? People walk their dogs in every town and city around the world, especially when it is really nice outside. There are some international differences though between dog-walkers in Italy and those back home in the United States.<br /><br />Many of the dogs in parks and on the streets of Rome are not on leashes. Weird? Back home there are little things we like to call lawsuits that happen all over from unleashed dogs biting passer-byers, especially little children. It just is not safe back home to have a dog off the leash. Here is a <a href="http://www.who-rabies-bulletin.org/">map</a> of rabies across Europe though. I do not see one speck of green on that map to show rabies in Italy. Maybe that is why people allow their dogs off the leash. I know that I was quite frightened as I took a run through a park when a dog came chasing after me. It was not until I completely stopped running that the owner did anything to make the dog get away from me. Seems strange, but it did happen.<br /><br />The weirdness did not end there. Usually when I walk down the sidewalk I avoid one of two things, puddles or sticky gum. In Italy I have added a new avoidance to my list-- dog feces. The dogs of Rome are allowed to take dumps on the street without any punishment to their owners if the owners do not clean it up. I know for a fact that this is not the case back home in America. There are fines against leaving dog feces on the sidewalk. It perplexes me why leaving it on the sidewalk is not a problem. I guarantee thousands of people walk the streets in Rome every day, and the poop is usually smeared so I know people are stepping in it. Is there a complaint box somewhere? If so, where can I file a complaint??Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-86497394727648438202009-06-15T01:16:00.010+02:002009-06-15T18:22:50.789+02:00Tourist Traffic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMa9XToQI1UMavJJ-2R_u-sXv1oI-sxdQ6wRYqkYNbyN1G0RxZURMPswPvAi_BUc7nMBUi1g2jYlkcIXr01b0rdX-GIdvQDHU7Bcq1GuxDXCOUE6THq4yOkuS40a-41Cq3uOJVe0MtaQT/s1600-h/SANY2441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMa9XToQI1UMavJJ-2R_u-sXv1oI-sxdQ6wRYqkYNbyN1G0RxZURMPswPvAi_BUc7nMBUi1g2jYlkcIXr01b0rdX-GIdvQDHU7Bcq1GuxDXCOUE6THq4yOkuS40a-41Cq3uOJVe0MtaQT/s320/SANY2441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347588422503195186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETVMIFbAhF3a8ZVYBbPZ_Qdd76fAnAsq13suq7CM2dfB4sMX0co444KGWuhvtZJdKzmixjcANDCTjI9VZRA0Gk668gW3rkLRzhNqgT0BggB2ZRSYU4zIJdoS4_8q5YnL22zBHDSa-2CTl/s1600-h/SANY2442.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETVMIFbAhF3a8ZVYBbPZ_Qdd76fAnAsq13suq7CM2dfB4sMX0co444KGWuhvtZJdKzmixjcANDCTjI9VZRA0Gk668gW3rkLRzhNqgT0BggB2ZRSYU4zIJdoS4_8q5YnL22zBHDSa-2CTl/s320/SANY2442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347588430131631266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The temperature outside is getting hot, Hot, HOT!!<br /><br />Summer is getting near as the days go on, meaning more and more sunshine every day. Funny how the place of the sun in the sky has an affect on the traffic patterns of people on the sidewalk. Yesterday while walking down the Corso, I quickly became irritated by how slowly the people in front of me were walking and noticed that there was an overflow of people on my side of the street. I looked right across to the other side to notice that only one old man was walking down the street. Before thinking twice I quickly crossed and after about 50mt realized why no one was on the opposite side of the street-- the sun rays were burning the back of my neck to a crisp. I looked back across to the other side of the street and noticed how cool and shaded the area was. I had never noticed this type of traffic pattern in people before. Now that I have noticed it though I see it everywhere. I just haven't figured out yet if it's worth sweating down the sunny side of the street to avoid slowing walking behind tourists on the shady side.<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-75708536740648053062009-06-15T01:13:00.009+02:002009-06-15T20:09:39.005+02:00Tourists Eat Here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5p41UT2z3ShnNMA4gQMXZUP4Gty23RGES_VWzNKh1AXQu7wumumFMN6c7YGBS8_x-7pPDPOcmrfSdA8ps1TDEhhuB3C85HW9YLVNLw3jZFTOveO5T57eTMqOM7E1jJcyZ1qDWgyp1j8-/s1600-h/SANY2451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5p41UT2z3ShnNMA4gQMXZUP4Gty23RGES_VWzNKh1AXQu7wumumFMN6c7YGBS8_x-7pPDPOcmrfSdA8ps1TDEhhuB3C85HW9YLVNLw3jZFTOveO5T57eTMqOM7E1jJcyZ1qDWgyp1j8-/s200/SANY2451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347616233794157938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dsqJqiJHnMUPL5S3jSoHVACghPlICPaIxdq02IIysJUM-MaM1t5UYNuBWo4EqEhLNnhaY0J0E_KMKIqpjxKx0faQtA27ecRm16eB1bI0mXRLJyvuBzYgx6GQk1svjB6obbH9aAH3T2KE/s1600-h/SANY2476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dsqJqiJHnMUPL5S3jSoHVACghPlICPaIxdq02IIysJUM-MaM1t5UYNuBWo4EqEhLNnhaY0J0E_KMKIqpjxKx0faQtA27ecRm16eB1bI0mXRLJyvuBzYgx6GQk1svjB6obbH9aAH3T2KE/s200/SANY2476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347615776555770322" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">What do tourists crave the most while walking through or shopping down the Corso? Gelato? Pizza? Paninis?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course not! We tourists crave McDonald's and Burger King! In true American fashion, McDonald's and its rival Burger King can be found just around the block from every busy area. Nothing like being in a foreign country to make you crave America's finest fast food burgers. Maybe it's a feeling of comfort we get from even just seeing those golden arches. I admit that I have eaten McDonald's more times in Rome than I have in the past year at home.</div></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-47142422356339123662009-06-14T18:08:00.007+02:002009-06-14T18:28:22.124+02:00Disney Store in Rome<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5hYqdja1tTjMTj3kCizthITzPZaJ2hiuEfLX0EUXEe9qmlEzarwJ0m17vJL47xavm8QTFcQ5rXmwSOPF42fg9L_ejmA-pepTI9JwMqDG12fhztYaGSuvgYS2nGUd6ZtG1owtAK0nKuzf/s1600-h/SANY2474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5hYqdja1tTjMTj3kCizthITzPZaJ2hiuEfLX0EUXEe9qmlEzarwJ0m17vJL47xavm8QTFcQ5rXmwSOPF42fg9L_ejmA-pepTI9JwMqDG12fhztYaGSuvgYS2nGUd6ZtG1owtAK0nKuzf/s200/SANY2474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347219954796799794" border="0" /></a>Who is everyone's favorite mouse? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E Mickey Mouse, of course! Naturally walking by the plethera of shops on the Corso, it only makes <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9PwGGa6o9PZsdeshgdS6-TRjqh5Gh9SGEISRshRW7jUyho69g5wt0tZY9NXTPi_FJo9i4xYUO8YM5G9STnWvkWgtKUc8apv9iRPfGQIYfIDqBxb-rvSf39142XIc55SwXh5b7prMLJoI/s1600-h/SANY2471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9PwGGa6o9PZsdeshgdS6-TRjqh5Gh9SGEISRshRW7jUyho69g5wt0tZY9NXTPi_FJo9i4xYUO8YM5G9STnWvkWgtKUc8apv9iRPfGQIYfIDqBxb-rvSf39142XIc55SwXh5b7prMLJoI/s200/SANY2471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347218950429587442" border="0" /></a>sense to see the Disney Store, reeling in customers and kids who love famous characters like Donald Duck and the Little Mermaid. In Disney fashion, the store has been designed and decorated to mimic the architectural style of Ancient Rome. As a play on history and a play towards tourism, there are statues of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy around the store, as well as a dome and oculus that mirrors that of the Pantheon. It is well-designed and appropriate to the historic look o<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb1CkUQC_2m-EajjNd8TZ0P4b3PJBNLPDUBb-nw9Kt3-sUFnhvi9wUpVDRmoVzoAU_CAzwwfqcvH0wfOPiZN4DtmaksSzawznXeAMbImJdPG0Md2zBE4ysbI6NJqSWP-RTheWyeEdH-bw/s1600-h/SANY2469.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb1CkUQC_2m-EajjNd8TZ0P4b3PJBNLPDUBb-nw9Kt3-sUFnhvi9wUpVDRmoVzoAU_CAzwwfqcvH0wfOPiZN4DtmaksSzawznXeAMbImJdPG0Md2zBE4ysbI6NJqSWP-RTheWyeEdH-bw/s200/SANY2469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347219594687294450" border="0" /></a>f the city. As an advertising major, I think it makes sense for Disney to tap into the culture and style of tourism through Rome. For me personally, it was just interesting to see how Disney would adapt its the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbPO4N4Wlf77Bqfpj4pr_krgQKIlisoWYzQFQ_MDEd64naiFiaMBb9hxFLIHIqcs-myuDsERQqWcoiA2m0YzN-lwwpM0tFBPbouNpO7-4bTY4jDjGGysltB1ZMuN1vauiGwuk8rKW7HFy/s1600-h/SANY2467.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbPO4N4Wlf77Bqfpj4pr_krgQKIlisoWYzQFQ_MDEd64naiFiaMBb9hxFLIHIqcs-myuDsERQqWcoiA2m0YzN-lwwpM0tFBPbouNpO7-4bTY4jDjGGysltB1ZMuN1vauiGwuk8rKW7HFy/s200/SANY2467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347220496331273266" border="0" /></a>mes and look to fit into Rome. Guaranteed though is that the theme runs from the faux cobblestone floors to the Pantheon-like dome on the ceiling. The lady at the register was not too pleased that I was taking these pictures, and she politely asked me to stop... but I managed to snag a few to show you what it actually looks like.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://eja.e-a-a.org/2006/03/19/archaeological-pastiches-in-romes-disney-store/">Insight on the Architecture of Disney Store</a><br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-54167862911671002262009-06-13T23:17:00.003+02:002009-06-15T21:38:26.655+02:00Random Procession in the Streets<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIt_jeqMGzHkHNz2o5WGff9zP4O0ZwSKNqFA5t6mciU_y6BPXFd59VX4XaNoMnOOIRsLH7WHMs0w56Grco2KOoxiOOFMfCmGaQQt1rM-bDY_Idg5FA4Wsh66xyx2KNqF6vfUNykL3FwMe/s1600-h/SANY2416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIt_jeqMGzHkHNz2o5WGff9zP4O0ZwSKNqFA5t6mciU_y6BPXFd59VX4XaNoMnOOIRsLH7WHMs0w56Grco2KOoxiOOFMfCmGaQQt1rM-bDY_Idg5FA4Wsh66xyx2KNqF6vfUNykL3FwMe/s200/SANY2416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346926159223098018" border="0" /></a>Walking home from the Termini today, there was some sort of procession on Via Merulana. I'm not exactly sure what the procession was for but it involved an alter of some sort, as well as several priests and monks. It consisted of about 100 people, priests and monks first followed by what I guess you could call civilians. The group was relatively small, but was led by a police car in the front, and behind was a full lane of traffic. I attempted to research what type of holiday or event it could be for, but there was no information available. I think it was some sort of memorial service for a saint of the church or something along those lines, only because priests and monks were involved. This assumption only comes from knowing how religious the people of Rome can be, and how many have strong ties to the church. Other than that idea, I really am not sure of what was going on, but it was interesting to see!<br /><br />The streets of Rome are always a happening place. I am not sure whether it is just life that can be found in any major city or at this is just life in Rome. I have never lived in a place where every week certain streets are shut down for parades, festivals, markets, or even tourists. The narrow streets throughout the city always seem crowded. It is unusual for me, but interesting to see different events going on all around the city streets. <br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-5859352060937189272009-06-12T18:08:00.008+02:002009-06-14T19:19:18.513+02:00Boys Town of Rome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx13FUNJPrvFEslkVePzD9xoI8uKb2L2IGEwnusQjpQBkPkR8OBggaEggsUz_so0iIjaQv27ViHc6Cs3m4uOWEjbP2JXWs1OYUjaHfRMR6WLjPbbhfOKKQnY-lNrPadggnG5d7H9qeDmyL/s1600-h/SANY2392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx13FUNJPrvFEslkVePzD9xoI8uKb2L2IGEwnusQjpQBkPkR8OBggaEggsUz_so0iIjaQv27ViHc6Cs3m4uOWEjbP2JXWs1OYUjaHfRMR6WLjPbbhfOKKQnY-lNrPadggnG5d7H9qeDmyL/s320/SANY2392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346475737302716146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today we took a journey to the city limits out to the Boys Town of Rome. This is a town run and resided by orphaned boys from around the world. The boys we met today hailed from Egypt, Morocco, and Afghanistan. It is now an American funded charity (the president of the organization explained that over 90%) which was created by an Irish priest in 1951.<br /><br />The city is set-up to help underprivileged boys succeed in school and in life. The boys attend school and have jobs in the community, as well as chores around their living quarters and which includes cleaning and cooking. The boys are given the opportunity to acquire the life skills that they might not get otherwise. Sometimes it is easy to forget that others, especially children, are affected by circumstances outside of their control. In my opinion, the Boys and Girls Towns of Rome are a great alternative to orphanages or letting children otherwise live on the streets. It was nice seeing the philanthropic touch of Americans around the world first hand. I would recommend visiting the site yourself because it really makes you think about the privileges and opportunities you have had throughout your life that maybe other children never had. <br /><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.boystownofitaly.org/">Boys Town</a> here!<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-24516230001096243692009-06-11T17:26:00.004+02:002009-06-11T23:31:21.062+02:00Where are the Supermarkets?<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWqcnruqiIPvm_o39feoFVwgHk0dqMVpWyGA2sGWOEWdxFh0AMIYTZ1jlcYv8JK4h7h09dWk-Px77BUpKLwxeAtTA72sqlMZjApcaExEC9DbGF3PXlk1-9Rt9gREqnJzj5qy3r_dPZZOv/s1600-h/fooooddd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWqcnruqiIPvm_o39feoFVwgHk0dqMVpWyGA2sGWOEWdxFh0AMIYTZ1jlcYv8JK4h7h09dWk-Px77BUpKLwxeAtTA72sqlMZjApcaExEC9DbGF3PXlk1-9Rt9gREqnJzj5qy3r_dPZZOv/s200/fooooddd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346180563725764482" border="0" /></a>The Via del Corso has been a main street throughout Rome for centuries. There are three palaces and various other residential apartments above the clothing stores and restaurants that line the streets. Where are the supermarkets? Where is Di Per Di (a supermarket that can be found throughout the city)? Does it make any sense that no supermarkets can be found along this street? Then again, it is less than obvious that there are any living quarters whatsoever on this street. Perhaps having a supermarket would make the street seem a little less touristy and a little more "lived-in" than the city wants it to be portrayed as. I think this is just one of the possibilities. Regardless, there are shops nearby in Piazza Navona and the Pantheon that I have found. It is just strange to think that there is not one grocery store that can be found down the Corso.<br /><br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-37177631214947023362009-06-10T19:07:00.004+02:002009-06-18T01:17:05.530+02:00Tourists<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmSk6vloBNLdTg2IAD9mMOU-IBBQa5Pv7kFMEQsr7uEBLca-35NLtZv_11BeNO2vfA8H4CRK8CF1Y64itoxGzTKAyy9dZD36yS9-NGPLZS_WvJhIs5Lwph75chRJYnKAL-xkn_FU89KzW/s1600-h/us.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmSk6vloBNLdTg2IAD9mMOU-IBBQa5Pv7kFMEQsr7uEBLca-35NLtZv_11BeNO2vfA8H4CRK8CF1Y64itoxGzTKAyy9dZD36yS9-NGPLZS_WvJhIs5Lwph75chRJYnKAL-xkn_FU89KzW/s200/us.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345749997091182418" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Rome is a city that is practically filled to the brim with tourists.<br /><br />With a plethora of historical sites, museums, palaces, and ruins to check out it only makes sense that the tourist industry in Rome is booming. But what exactly does this mean for the city? It means fools like me are wandering around hopelessly trying to navigate the streets in an attempt to find the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum. The attractions in Rome are spread far and wide throughout the city, not in one central historical part of town as one might expect. It is easy to walk into the middle of tourists snapping the cliche pic, as seen below (taken in Pisa not in Rome obviously). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswGuhrHz9ljMjnKSNlBETj3liRxyXibTD0ptWXDl3tJgoplZx-2hFcZ4H1858dWj_e9_pnefqnEEW1pJAoqeRpPRkYO8-04XUKb7Gc4Klc54t9mJgut9J1m7KfA0FjV-0Bxdvwlee-3vf/s1600-h/SANY2251.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswGuhrHz9ljMjnKSNlBETj3liRxyXibTD0ptWXDl3tJgoplZx-2hFcZ4H1858dWj_e9_pnefqnEEW1pJAoqeRpPRkYO8-04XUKb7Gc4Klc54t9mJgut9J1m7KfA0FjV-0Bxdvwlee-3vf/s200/SANY2251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346075374899639954" border="0" /></a>Due to all the tourists, many of the shops and restaurants are aimed at offering foreigners the authentic Italian experience of pastas and mini Colosseum replicas. Although I walk by these places and think "who would want that?" obviously these places exist because other tourists buy into the products. Are these tourist attractions in Rome really much different than the tourist attractions in any other country? Isn't the tourism industry built solely upon giving the "authentic" experience of life in another country? I think back at home we just don't notice that the same annoying street vendors and same terrible "authentic" food stores exist because we might avoid tourist areas altogether. Maybe getting the truest Roman experience requires a tourist to go to somewhere off the map, somewhere out of the center of town. <br /><br />Sometimes when I go for a run, I just pick any street and I have seen a different side of Rome that I don't around the Colosseum area where I live. People are sitting outside, relaxing and enjoying the night. Windows of houses are open and it almost seems more lived-in than around Via Labicana where I live. I think it's giving a try to head out to a part of town without any big historic monuments or famous restaurants and maybe you will find a part of Rome that you didn't know existed. <br /><a href="http://www.enjoyrome.com/"><br />Become a Tourist of Roma Just Like Me!</a><br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-52686644601005747542009-06-08T21:58:00.002+02:002009-06-08T22:16:36.487+02:00Competitive Shopping<div style="text-align: justify;">Finding the best prices in shops on the Corso can sometimes be a difficult task. All along the streets are many different shops that range in price from $10Euro a shirt at one of the peddler stands to over $500Euro a shirt at Fendi. On the bright side. there are clothing stores scattered the whole way down the Corso providing shoppers with vast opportunities to find the perfect outfit. With such a large range in prices, one would imagine there is fierce competition between stores for customers. As an advertising major, I look at the location of stores, the clothes on the mannequins, and the names of the shops and try to figure out what the stores are trying to advertise to me. Doing this I came across a somewhat strange combination of these while walking down the Corso.<br /><br />The other day, I was wandering down the Corso and noticed a very peculiar sight-- the Adidas and Nike stores were not only on the same block, but were RIGHT NEXT TO EACHOTHER on the street. How could this be possible? The two biggest competitiors in athetlic gear worldwide, with stores side-by-side seems unheard of. My next thought was NEVER in the States would this happen. There is no chance. I can almost guarentee that there are some sort of laws and standards against it. Maybe the logic behind it is to be blatant about the competition between the two while forcing consumers to immediately make a decision between which store he or she wants to shop in. I'm not exactly sure of the logic of doing it, but it's my best guess. So if you are looking for some fitness gear in Rome, you won't have to travel too far down the Corso.<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-59554723099065813052009-06-08T21:31:00.003+02:002009-06-08T22:17:19.048+02:00Lively Neighborhoods<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv4eAOaOX2TOFUKm5OTqRMNhSqqxM2YFLqKK0tzBWKHTxNxPgnVaVmkdyit_rX9obUYueBdJC6AKLi0m7_M1qDBYTXZBhxB3cjhabadfNqQFa4nGz4Jhz6kcbeuWiBp_5FdXfn6oODpMw/s1600-h/14881915_6b8c1e4335.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv4eAOaOX2TOFUKm5OTqRMNhSqqxM2YFLqKK0tzBWKHTxNxPgnVaVmkdyit_rX9obUYueBdJC6AKLi0m7_M1qDBYTXZBhxB3cjhabadfNqQFa4nGz4Jhz6kcbeuWiBp_5FdXfn6oODpMw/s400/14881915_6b8c1e4335.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345048332433144978" border="0" /></a><br />Via del Corso has a very lively neighborhood, which is why I picked it as my location to observe while in Rome.<br /><br /><br />The Corso is a straight road in the center of Rome, that goes from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. The street is lined with several restaurants, gelato shops, clothing stores, museums, palaces, pharamacies, and even our school the Sede di Roma. None of the cities major tourist attractions are on the street, but the centralized location between many of the famous sites creates a heavy flow of tourism traffic in the area. The infamous sights that lie just a short walk from the Corso include the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. There are a few not as famous palaces, museums, and galleries that are on the street, such as the Galleria Alberto Sordi. It's a great buffer area between historic sights that allows tourists a break to shop and eat in the city. Several other parades and events occur down the Corso during the year, also drawing bigger crowds.</div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-66619376307893448872009-06-04T13:04:00.006+02:002009-06-04T19:01:46.436+02:00Lovers in Rome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPEBGOYb8aGr1V_n602Gf5x5waDNqwsj5s-n4FzyK_97xPeFe7SPQtBFNkh-g2s_n3jcIXX8dciJkXVbcVSUVIxoACrkNYcw-piQ_CZGPLLOiqcICPaBCtAlKNwPbUZ1AjZHjVJ-aFmMQ/s1600-h/SANY2011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPEBGOYb8aGr1V_n602Gf5x5waDNqwsj5s-n4FzyK_97xPeFe7SPQtBFNkh-g2s_n3jcIXX8dciJkXVbcVSUVIxoACrkNYcw-piQ_CZGPLLOiqcICPaBCtAlKNwPbUZ1AjZHjVJ-aFmMQ/s320/SANY2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343506303302557730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The lovers of Rome are vast and plenty. Turn a corner at any time of day, anywhere in the city, and you can find two infatuated lovers staring deeply into one another's eyes. Whether it be on the grass in the park, outside of the Colosseum, waiting for the Metro, or even at the grocery store the romantics of Rome pay no attention to the idea of Public Displays of Affection! This idea not only extends to the locals of Rome, but also to tourists across the city as well. It must be the atmosphere of the city on a warm Spring night that brings out the affections of all the Romeos and Juliets. Maybe it's just a feeling or idea of togetherness and the ability to last forever that the ancient ruins thousands of years old portray to the romantics. Either way, if you are looking for a romantic trip to Europe, Rome may be the place for you.<br /><br /><br />Finding <a href="http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/rome/romance.html">Romance in Rome</a>!<br /><a href="http://www.awem.com/reviews/romance-of-rome.-game-preview.html">Romance of Rome Video Game</a>!<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-71300818728887332172009-06-04T12:36:00.013+02:002009-06-04T17:03:59.636+02:00Stop & Smell the Roses<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicABcZd_QjPazuv-xmJ-9KOK4xq2LpGD76lZ6MZrnwvvPRoIfP8oObneYsA_msqQAKjL5OgNDU9TedGOySkhAUdJI_CLkN07GqyBr_ManQHR4CZ6QYCYQTziFMhN0JPxIQN-Ez1Npmnq1U/s1600-h/SANY2037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicABcZd_QjPazuv-xmJ-9KOK4xq2LpGD76lZ6MZrnwvvPRoIfP8oObneYsA_msqQAKjL5OgNDU9TedGOySkhAUdJI_CLkN07GqyBr_ManQHR4CZ6QYCYQTziFMhN0JPxIQN-Ez1Npmnq1U/s200/SANY2037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343468521620898402" border="0" /></a>Today our walk through the Aventine hill lead us to a beautiful rose garden known as the Roseto Comunale. Mia explained that this rose garden contains hundreds of different kinds of roses and had used to be a Jewish cemetery<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iW0L6LG-plEn8uY0etPRPScUw7t3jmERTPwAjS5rNpprVv4S0IVlJeBR7P-qNcwDuCWgS0vqx6DLCrLEmpNrOGCrgWP2iIh5HnFbwjkKyhk4ymEDzbIdElwAuPUhVAJZzv930bcn0xse/s1600-h/SANY2049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iW0L6LG-plEn8uY0etPRPScUw7t3jmERTPwAjS5rNpprVv4S0IVlJeBR7P-qNcwDuCWgS0vqx6DLCrLEmpNrOGCrgWP2iIh5HnFbwjkKyhk4ymEDzbIdElwAuPUhVAJZzv930bcn0xse/s200/SANY2049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343471759988290130" border="0" /></a>The tranquility within the rose garden created a pleasant atmosphere to get lost inside one's mind. One could barely hear the rough rumbling of traffic from inside of the garden. The cool morning breeze drifted through the rose bushes, bringing out the sweet scents from the rose petals. The New Haven rose, in my opinion, smelled the best with its fresh, delicate, but not overwhelmingly perfumed scent. Although some of the roses had already died because of the heat of the season, the picturesque rows of roses remained distinctively lovely.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvTv_F7QO0N-AbZd79eOzqbJ02gTYYdxaG7-Js1r6-AZdxlGHfY1AqVcVGMKy0WcYVnjjWLamC04BNJT7NwTNapoMVgofohK5tsQ4BUgKFzXaQv758f_OHpcrAUUdMVLv57LYPUHaQdAU/s1600-h/SANY2042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvTv_F7QO0N-AbZd79eOzqbJ02gTYYdxaG7-Js1r6-AZdxlGHfY1AqVcVGMKy0WcYVnjjWLamC04BNJT7NwTNapoMVgofohK5tsQ4BUgKFzXaQv758f_OHpcrAUUdMVLv57LYPUHaQdAU/s200/SANY2042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343470136201809122" border="0" /></a>More information on <a href="http://www.inforoma.it/feature.php?lookup=roses">Roses in Rome</a><br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-87646862416221141742009-06-02T11:06:00.008+02:002009-06-02T18:16:55.631+02:00Festa della Repubblica<div style="text-align: justify;">Today marks the annual celebration of Festa della Repubblica in Italy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBr1c2pjLJTRDHitiouaQKrD3NmlfzINBrvRwLZ45VQ6HCCby-vZua6SZzzc38darItCKES_qCkM_VZ4WYkSmqvm4qhWCzGUwzaOBNy2Ln9nueMqiM70qtb3wvzL8GXbt38D5lfZoWnhlw/s1600-h/SANY1979.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBr1c2pjLJTRDHitiouaQKrD3NmlfzINBrvRwLZ45VQ6HCCby-vZua6SZzzc38darItCKES_qCkM_VZ4WYkSmqvm4qhWCzGUwzaOBNy2Ln9nueMqiM70qtb3wvzL8GXbt38D5lfZoWnhlw/s200/SANY1979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342764097411254178" border="0" /></a><br />In 1946, after years of governmental turmoil and World War II ended fascism, the people of Italy voted to become a Republic and exiled the monarchs that ruled the country who were known as the House of Savoys (Festa della Repubblica, 2009). Since 1948 a parade has been held every year on June 2 to celebrate the creation of the Italian Republic. We caught the parade as it proceeded past the Colosseum on Via del Fori Imperiali. "<span style="font-size:100%;">All Armed Forces, Police Forces, the Fire Brigade and the Italian Red Cross, along with some military delegations of the NATO and of the European Union, take part in the parade and in the deposition of the laurel wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" (Festa della Repubblica, 2009). It is much like the celebration of Independence Day in the United States. Not being a citizen of Italy, nor have any Italian blood made the parade not a especially meaningful to me in regards to Italy (though I did think about how I will make it home right before the Fourth of July), but it was interesting to see the different factions of the Italian military. </span><br /><br />Here is a view of last year's parade:<br /><br /><object width="375" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/978rp1qyTjU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/978rp1qyTjU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="375" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br />Information gathered from:<br /><br />"The “Festa della Repubblica” is the Italian national holiday." <u>Welcome to Italian Week 2009 in Brisbane - THE ITALIAN FESTIVAL</u>. 02 June 2009 <http: au="" html="">.<br /></http:></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-83034930594857260872009-06-01T17:04:00.000+02:002009-06-01T18:52:33.959+02:00Street Vendors<div style="text-align: justify;">Street vendors are all over the tourist areas of Rome. In true touristic fashion, these vendors are extremely over-priced. The vendors do not even attempt to give a sales pitch for their products, because they know just by being located along Via del Fori Imperiali they will sucker hungry and thirsty tourists into buying their paninos, pizza, Pringles, Peroni beers, Ritz crackers, and Coca-Cola products (yes, you can buy beer right off the streets in Rome). If you find yourself along any of the tourist areas or main streets avoid these stands. Try looking down an alley or side-street where the prices are lower and the food is better quality. It is cheaper to look around a bit and prices can be unreasonable if you only go to the first spot you find. Last week we were near the Vatican and went to the first ristorante we found, and ended up paying $10Euro for pizza and $5Euro for a 500mL Coke--both tasted terrible.</div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-78618950939535026842009-06-01T01:03:00.004+02:002009-06-01T01:38:39.686+02:00Cinema Metropolitan<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsrVaLeCGidYqur8dbF9KPyjR6aDdmYYwpxYqYJOafHlcqtGU60MmA_LSfswls9TLG_gHxs_SKffI5NZulLbCgpm9LymWfU8E6lyEb9sp5RFSipObmEU-_WNjkqBDvdVXaLpb5vrkfH5N/s1600-h/SANY1955.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsrVaLeCGidYqur8dbF9KPyjR6aDdmYYwpxYqYJOafHlcqtGU60MmA_LSfswls9TLG_gHxs_SKffI5NZulLbCgpm9LymWfU8E6lyEb9sp5RFSipObmEU-_WNjkqBDvdVXaLpb5vrkfH5N/s200/SANY1955.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342134427936914114" border="0" /></a>Tonight I went to the Cinema Metropolitan to see <span style="font-style: italic;">Angels and Demons</span> with a few of my friends. The theater is located at the north end of Via del Corso, right near Piazza del Popolo. The movie was excellent and it was neat to see a movie that was actually filmed in Rome. Everytime a new location popped up on the screen I became excited because I have visited a lot of the sights. There were scenes at Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, Santa Maria della Vittorio-- to name a few.<br /></div><br /><br />The movie theater had the most comfortable seats I have ever seen in a movie theater, and was relatively small with only four rows that had 15-20 seats in each row. The theater also offered paninis, beer, mixed alcohol drinks, and gelato at its concession stand. Prices were relative to those that can be found back home. If you are looking for a little piece of America in Rome, I suggest visiting a movie theater that plays American movies in the original version! It was a great time!Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-12639984390080265912009-05-31T16:29:00.006+02:002009-06-02T18:33:38.544+02:00Giro d'Italia<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj7Hn4wouGRHPqrH4XZDXHNJKKypiko_s-XLDj5klPJdyr0uHEM6GWKOcj6Z02dfMuCq4YpKRB5Qu_XvMhO4Vdx4dCZvcVoNpZYaJ-9EbYCG_Bx_VxAS61hUR0orFF3juw3mDXImT01cM/s1600-h/Giro21map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj7Hn4wouGRHPqrH4XZDXHNJKKypiko_s-XLDj5klPJdyr0uHEM6GWKOcj6Z02dfMuCq4YpKRB5Qu_XvMhO4Vdx4dCZvcVoNpZYaJ-9EbYCG_Bx_VxAS61hUR0orFF3juw3mDXImT01cM/s320/Giro21map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341999702744317394" border="0" /></a>Today marked the last leg of the 100th Annual Giro d'Italia cycling race.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giro_d%27Italia">The Giro</a>, as it is known, is a three-week long road bicycle race that happens in May every year. The race is part of the Triple Crown of Cycling events, along with the Tour de France and the World Cycling Championship (Giro d' Italia, 2009). There are 21 stages throughout the race, one per day, and this year began on May 9, and finished today.<br /><br />This year the race began in Venice, and the last leg of the tour ended through the Roman Forum right down the street from where I live! The total distance of the race this year was 3395.5 km, equivlant to 2109.9 miles! It was exciting to see all of the fans and cyclists around the streets today. As you can see a main straightaway of the race was right down the Via del Corso and the streets were packed from the Piazza del Popolo to the Piazza Venezia! The Via del Corso is a busy street as it is, so I'm sure that having the road blocked off for the race created traffic problems across the city, but on the flipside shop-owners received the most benefit from the fan-base that was drawn to watch the race from outside their shops.<br /><br />This year's winner was Denis Menchov of Russia.<br /><br /><br />For more info on the race & picture of map taken from: http://www.bikeraceinfo.com/giro/giro2009.html<br /></div>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-29135982200080560442009-05-30T14:25:00.003+02:002009-05-30T18:25:08.295+02:00Key to my HeartOne of my best friends from home, Laura, keyed me in on a different kind of tourist site in Rome: the Milvian Bridge. Today we visited this bridge (a 4 mile walk from where we live!) to check out what it is about.<br /><br />A little bit about the bridge. Lovers go to the Milvian bridge, place their names on a lock, and throw the key into the Tiber. A New York Times article from 2007 states that doing this is a way of "ensuring that the love lasts forever and cannot be broken." The ritual began after the book <span style="font-weight: bold;">I Want You</span> by Federico Moccia had his fictional character do the aforementioned at the bridge. Soon locks were popping up and being chained all over the bridge.<br /><br />I must admit, it would have been a little more romantic to see if I had gone there with a lover. I did put a lock of my own on the bridge though, with my initials and my friend Laura's as well as PSU 2009 (because hey it's the Penn State thing to do right?) I hope to come back someday and see my lock still there!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBhmtlPkFc6vXskVHPyNvY9fVvJE1HedHlKtgSltSjnVbsoqJszIHRuY-aAu7qHvZ270iZJ9OKmgAfhvcSuG9mjR7elAsZEQLoJfAmFyhWTjR3pCJ2REPs2BuhsHWtrlTbGIobhEyRFJ4/s1600-h/SANY1914.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBhmtlPkFc6vXskVHPyNvY9fVvJE1HedHlKtgSltSjnVbsoqJszIHRuY-aAu7qHvZ270iZJ9OKmgAfhvcSuG9mjR7elAsZEQLoJfAmFyhWTjR3pCJ2REPs2BuhsHWtrlTbGIobhEyRFJ4/s200/SANY1914.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341653543560284514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://eternallycool.net/?p=373"><br />Key to my Heart</a><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/06/world/europe/06rome.html?_r=2&oref=slogin">NYT Article on Milvian Bridge</a><br /><a href="http://www.lucchettipontemilvio.com/">Create a Virtual Padlock here!</a>Jackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794265002249806777.post-65508869095216620062009-05-29T14:21:00.005+02:002009-06-04T16:10:20.728+02:00Palazzo Doria Pamphilj<div style="text-align: justify;">Last week we visited the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj on the Corso. This palace is<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSl8mJdUWMLwyuaiIf1wgGpW5Rg4-oG3bGjPGNWAM0HVWfyW6I3M4dy_INTsWAKnZycO2KZnl4YADtaaMMrK5w9BOOZXzVi_2PSK9krUaJ7b6pbBLHUOAV5EKGRN43KkAeZglJcw4nd4K/s1600-h/blah.htm"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSl8mJdUWMLwyuaiIf1wgGpW5Rg4-oG3bGjPGNWAM0HVWfyW6I3M4dy_INTsWAKnZycO2KZnl4YADtaaMMrK5w9BOOZXzVi_2PSK9krUaJ7b6pbBLHUOAV5EKGRN43KkAeZglJcw4nd4K/s200/blah.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342040861424191538" border="0" /></a> the home of the Pamphilj family and houses portraits of many of the great names throughout the Renassiance (DK Publishing, 47). This palace is one of three palaces among the main stretch of Via del Corso. As a center road in the city, it is logical that the street houses palaces to display the wealth of the citizens in Rome for all to see.<br /><br />The art is not extremely impressive, but the portrait of Pope Innocent X Pamphilj by Velazquez is the most significant piece in the collection as was explained by the audio guide during the tour. The furnishings of the palace are fancy in style but must have been better suited for the time period it was decorated. Unfortunately, the rules of the palace did not allow me to take any actual photographs or else I would have evidence of (in my humble opinion) that the better part of the palace is not quite so aesthetically pleasing, it's a bit much to look at all at once. There are two courtyards within the walls of the palace, and in Rome courtyards have been symbolic of which social class one is part of. With that and the location on the Corso, the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj insights on how royalty of the 17th century lived. Some of my classmates enjoyed the palace and thought it was beautiful, but it is a matter of taste and you can never know until you check it out yourself!<br /></div><br /><br /><br />Image taken from: http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/1422/11370956.JPGJackie Dunfeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06270810694214543058noreply@blogger.com0