Roman Palimpsest

Hmmm.

What an interesting concept. Its the title of my Art History class.
Wiped out and written over. History. Rome. All in one. It will be
interesting to try to keep up with Lila. I expect that unless you are
a genius and running marathons and have the hearing of a dog, then it
is going to be difficult to catch everything in her lecturs. Just
today with only 3 students there were passages that I was unable to
catch due to the background noises of Rome. But I have a feeling that
I will absolutely enjoy the class. This is what I wanted. I wanted
to dig deep and delve into what is here. Emerse myself into the
histories, the art, and the passions of Rome and Italy. The
independent project will be interesting. I am looking forward to
finding a topic. This semester is what I feel grad school should be
like. Grueling, challenging, stimulating, and an absolute riot.

Rome Week 1

Dear family and friends,

So the first week of Rome has been an adjustment period. To all the
noise, people, traffic, time zones, my bohemian apartment, and the
being back in the midst of Italian language.

I feel as if I have gained not one roommate but three. Our garden
entrance is shared by the apartment next door where there are two
really great guys. Oscar and Robert. So far Robert is still at home
in America working and visiting family though he returns soon. Oscar
has kept it lively around here with his insanity and outrageousness.
I have a feeling this semester will be very interesting.

We moved into the studios last night. They are going to be very big
with only six of us. But the greatest news about the studio is I have
my own electrical plugs, walls, and the best of all....HEAT!!!!! It
was actually warm in there. What a luxury. There is no computer
access there that I know of. But the university has a BIG computer
lab with the most up to date equipment and I have my laptop with wi-fi
in my apartment. So look forward to better contact from this part of
the world.

So far I have found the school here itself to beat all of my
expectations, so unlike last semester. I was greeted by name (from
only one visit last semester) and given explanations on everything
that needed to happen. I even had a real orientation that covered the
basics plus some. I've found out that both my drawing and art history
class will be on site and most of thesis class will be as well. When
I consider all of this, I feel very fortunate this semester.

I will be going to Bologna for the Fiera either Friday or Saturday.
It is a huge international contemporary art fair sponsored by
galleries and museums. I'm very excited for that. And I think now
that I've lost myself and found my way back in my own neighborhood I
can also do so now in the Historical Center. (I live a little outside
the Aurelian Walls In Monteverde Vecchio).

Anyways, I will leave you all with this for now. I look forward to
hearing from you one way or another. Take care!

Jenny is now in Rome

Hey all,

Just a quick update to let you know that I am safely in Rome now. Jet
lag is taking is usual toll, but I have a comfy bed here in my new
apartment and I'm enjoying just being here so far. It was definately
nice not to have to wait at the airport for 6 hours this time waiting
for all the group to get in. I just put my two big bags in storage
for the night and headed to the apartment. I went back and got the
big ones today then for a little stroll for much needed groceries etc.
Tomorrow I plan on heading up to the University pretty early and
seeing what there is to see for the semester.

Expect more updates soon. I apologize for the mass email, but its
easiest until y'all start writing individually :) So...hope to hear
from you soon.