Saturday, August 31, 2013

A Bernini Walk


Hi! Today we went on a very long walk through Rome to find Bernini's sculptures and buildings. That man did a lot in 82 years (1598-1680)! 

Here are a few:



These bees are found in the Palazzo Barberini. Bernini used the bees 
to represent the Barberini family. 


We also walked to the Trevi fountain. This is Bernini's
 most famous sculpture and also the most famous fountain
in Rome. You are supposed to throw in a coin if you wish to 
return to Rome.  



This isn't a great picture, but Bernini designed the front of 
what is now the Italian parliament building. 


Bernini designed this elephant and it was later
completed by his apprentices.  


In the evening we went to the fountain in the Piazza Navona. 
Each person represents one of four rivers. The Nile, Danube, 
Ganges, and Rio De La Plata are included. 


Anyone have a favorite? Maybe one that I didn't include?

See you soon,

Luisa

Friday, August 30, 2013

The Foro Romano and the Palatino

The Roman Forum took us almost all day to walk around. It served many purposes over the years, but it was basically a town hall, meeting place, and town center. Now, there are very few buildings that are still intact. Much of the marble used to make to make the forum is scattered around the grass.                
                                                                                                                                                                                  

This is where Caesar's remains are. 

This marble is what remains of a column. Everyone just uses them as benches now. 

 The Vestal Virgins lived in the House of the Vestals. They promised chastity from the age of about 6 to 36. They were a group of six women from prominent Roman families who worshipped the goddess Vesta.

PROS:

They could eventually marry after thirty years.

They lived in a very beautiful convent.

CONS:

The punishment for women who allowed the sacred fire to burn out was a flogging.

If they broke their vow of chastity they would be buried alive.


I don't think I would have wanted to be a Vestal Virgin. I'm terrible at making a fire.













I'll see you soon,

                  Luisa



Thursday, August 29, 2013

The Colosseo and More

We went to the Colosseum on our first semi-full day in Italy (we woke up at 1pm!).                       Lil' Facts:                                                              ~ It's huge! At one time it could hold around 60,000-70,000 people.                                          ~ On the day of its opening, 5000 animals were slaughtered inside the Colosseum.                        ~ The Colosseum could be flooded for naval battles                                                                    ~ Before a losing gladiator was killed, the audience could throw a handkerchief in the air to ask the winner to show mercy.                             ~ Regardless of a woman's wealth, she was forced to sit with the plebs in the top levels of the Colosseum. This was a sign of women's lack of power in society.             
 

Luisa - Part Girl and Part Ancient Roman 
 WWI Memorial



After a long (semi)day of walking, I ate pizza! We found this restaurant in Trastervere and I had my first Italian pizza. It definitely will not be my last.







G'night!

 
       ~Luisa

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Goodbye Connecticut...(a few hours later)... Hello Rome!


Hi there! I'm finally in Rome! The flight was long, but I made it!

Here are a few photos:




We got to JFK kind of early, so we spent a lot of time waiting to board. 
This is a photo of our plane before boarding at 6:50. 


Turkish Air was awesome! Although the seat were pretty cramped, 
we each got a television and a fun pack of Turkish Air goodies. 
My Turkish Air Haul: earbuds, slippers, an eye-mask, a toothbrush 
w/ toothpaste, a blanket, a pillow, and lip balm. Nacho enjoyed his flight.  


We arrived in Istanbul and had to speedwalk to our gate. I had very
 little time to enjoy Istanbul, but I snapped this photo of an ice cream freezer. 


Dad and I seem very excited for the 2:30-3 hour plane ride. 
We weren't. 


We got to put our bags down in the apartment at about 5:00 P.M. (Rome time) 
This is my room! It's a bedroom/closet hybrid!


Mom and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and we found these water fountains everywhere.
They never stop squirting water! Crazy! 


I hope you enjoyed these pictures! 

~Luisa


Monday, August 26, 2013

To Rome With Excitement

Hello! Welcome to A Virtual Postcard!

This blog is a spot where I will try to regularly post pictures from my travels.

Tomorrow I leave for Rome where I will spend about five months exploring the ancient home of the Romans and the birthplace of the Renaissance. I've got plenty to see and do, so I will be recording my experiences here.

See you soon!

Photo: http://www.travelroma.com/img/gallery/hotels-in-rome/fontana-di-trevi-rome-001.jpg