My flower project expressing Internal and External

This project was an interesting experience because at every memorable moment I would try to remember my feelings, what I smelled, what I saw, and what I tasted. I liked taking mental notes and then writing down my experiences in an artistic way. I felt the flowers on top really represented the show Italians put on for the public with the way they look and the way they act. I put my external experiences on the outside of the box on the flowers and then wove with string into the box with leaves hanging off the end of the leaves in a messy fashion because I thought that my internal is not perfect and all the things I felt were meshed all together—nothing is in perfect order. I thought this project definitely represented my inner and outer self.

I Have A Map

I Have A Map...like that helps me. First of all, I don't even know where I am at home. I know a few streets and that’s about it...sad I know. Well I thought Rome would be a great way to burst out of my bubble so to speak and finally start using maps. I have been trying to use these Rome maps but my friends and I still get lost everywhere. I think we are cursed or something...like one of my friends said, “Someone up there does not like us.” I really hope that’s not true. Well I hope that things will be going our way. Tomorrow we I am going to Paris, another interesting adventure with maps and transportation. I guess it would be much harder without a map but we have been taking advantage of the taxi system. When they went on strike for the day it was a tragic day for me and my roommates. I really hope we do better in Paris! Well I am off to pack!

Lost in Rome as Usual

Rome is an amazing city, don't get me wrong. One of the ONLY things I can't stand about it is that I am ALWAYS LOST here. I wish there would be some unbelievable map that can just tell me where to go no matter where I am (I am sure our modern world already has them but are too expensive to even look at). O who am I kidding...I need a driver to pick me up and follow me everywhere I go so then I would not only come on time to everything but be the first one there. Plus I have major issues using a map. Those maps are crazy with bus lines, trams, Metro stops! Ahhh! I am going insane over here just trying to follow it. Basically the ending to the story about being lost is I never get to my destination at the planed time. O and you think a taxi would solve all my problems...NOPE. When I don't need a taxi they are everywhere. When I do need a taxi, they are always taken, or we can't find the taxi stand to catch one, or they don't come to the taxi stand at all...that’s Rome for you...gosh I am tired from all the transportation. Sleep time! : )

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

A little Private to Public please!

There are many different ideas that come to mind when thinking of the transition from public to private and vice versa. For me, the example that most stands out in my mind is the huge transition I made when moving to Rome for 6 weeks with 2 people that I barley know. I am the only child in my family, therefore my wants, needs, likes, dislikes, and living lifestyle in general is centered around me. Going aboard to Rome was not only a chance for me to feel and see a foreign country better but also a chance for me to learn to live on my own without the constant help and support of my parents. My whole privet life was at home. Now, my privet life is on show for two people I barely know. I know one of my roommates for about 1 and ½ year and still feel as though everyday is a learning experience. We are all single children in our families and all have to put out our privet ways of life in “public” for each other. I am not used to share anything with anyone. We plan who showers when because hot water is an issue an issue in our apartment.
I am very proud of myself and them, because we are all shoved into this environment in which we have to understand each other’s needs and wants. Every person has their own individual pet peeves and ways of going about life. I hope that by the end of my trip I will have no doubt in my mind that I can survive on my own. If I will rely on my parents just a little less when I come home to Philly, I will consider this trip as a success in every way.

When looking at this adorable couple kissing and cuddling in the park I knew this was the best example of privet to public transition. Their feelings for one another were privet but where in a public area for all to see. Their openness next to a beautiful fountain just reminds me how romantic Rome can be.

While passing on a little street, I noticed this gate around a beautiful building that was gated off from the street. It made me think, the owners of this home wanted to keep their lives privet but this gate let public eyes look into their little “sanctuary.” Anyone…like my camera can take any moment and save it for themselves.

There are many different ideas that come to mind when thinking of the transition from public to private and vice versa. For me, the example that most stands out in my mind is the huge transition I made when moving to Rome for 6 weeks with 2 people that I barley know. I am the only child in my family, therefore my wants, needs, likes, dislikes, and living lifestyle in general is centered around me. Going aboard to Rome was not only a chance for me to feel and see a foreign country better but also a chance for me to learn to live on my own without the constant help and support of my parents. My whole privet life was at home. Now, my privet life is on show for two people I barely know. I know one of my roommates for about 1 and ½ year and still feel as though everyday is a learning experience. We are all single children in our families and all have to put out our privet ways of life in “public” for each other. I am not used to share anything with anyone. We plan who showers when because hot water is an issue an issue in our apartment.

I am very proud of myself and them, because we are all shoved into this environment in which we have to understand each other’s needs and wants. Every person has their own individual pet peeves and ways of going about life. I hope that by the end of my trip I will have no doubt in my mind that I can survive on my own. If I will rely on my parents just a little less when I come home to Philly, I will consider this trip as a success in every way.

Some pics I thought showed public and privet in Rome are:

Ahh...Rome's "Broken Technology"

Rome is strange enough as it is, especially when compared to Philadelphia. I thought Rome was going to be some heavenly, beautiful, crystal clean, and modernized place. Well I got 2 out of 4 right. Crystal clean…definitely not and modernized…haha. Ok well maybe to some extent, but with everything that does not work or takes 20 minutes to understand how it works defiantly takes the fun out of the whole Rome experience I was expecting to have…none the less any experience is better then sitting at home in Philadelphia doing the same thing everyday.


My experience in the restaurant Jonathin’s Angels, described as one of the best little restaurants/bars in Rome, was quite an interesting one. I was out with some friends, enjoying the night life of Rome when we decided to sit down for a drink at Jonathin’s Angels. Well, after a lot of water (haha) and some wine, I decided I defiantly needed to check into the bathroom. As I stroll into the room with the bathroom, I wake into this gothic like room with many pictures or the most random things, dark lighting, this aroma that basically takes over you (not in a good way), candles everywhere…ok it defiantly reminded me of a sacrificial room. I wanted to go to the bathroom…not get tortured. Then you see a weird tub like fountain with god knows what because you can barley see and smell. When I finally turned to the left I saw a hole in the ground with a type of toilet seat to maybe stand on and to aim??? I am still not sure because let me tell you…I definitely did not take my chances with that bathroom…I fall everywhere as it is.


Another example of just how comfortable Rome is…is my apartment. I decided with my friends to rent an apartment because it would be better in all aspects: space, privacy, air conditioning, two bathrooms, and general comfort. When we first arrived we thought it was perfect and so was the landlord. But when taking a second glance…things in the house are extremely old, my air conditioner does not work (which is horrible because the heat is coming!), lamps are not working, dressers do not open because they are too old, TV has 3 channels, and all the other problems come as we keep living…so I will update later. Ahh what is a girl to do…but I do love having this apartment and feeling as thought, even just for 6 weeks, that I am totally independent. You don’t get that much of that feeling when your best friends are your parents and when you’re the only child that is considered the oxygen of the family.
: )