Settling into everyday routine...

It's lunchtime and time for a caffe and a tramezzino or panini. At 11:00 we have a 20 minute break where my classmates and I go to have a cup of coffee or a sandwich. I skip the coffee but can't resist the panini and tramezzinos with mozzarella, tomatoes and salami among other varieties. I like them caldo (hot). You typically pay for what you want then take your ticket to the counter to pick what you want to eat. We typically eat/drink standing at the counter or go grab a table outside in the sunshine to watch the people go about their business in Piazza Bologna.
I also took the bus for the first time today. I know...not very
exciting but it was my initiation into the public transportation system. Rome has buses, trams and a subway ready to take you anywhere in the city. It is actually a fairly easy, convenient and quick to use. My friend Valerie (Paris) and Michele (Hawaii) and I went to go grab a meal after class at a very plain (the best food) restaurant in one of the neighborhoods near Campo di Fiore. We feasted on pasta, antipasti (roasted veggies) etc. then went to Giollito's to get a couple scoops of the best gelato in Rome.

Also, I found an apartment. Finally! I can't believe the great location. It is right in the middle of Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) and the Pantheon. It doesn't hurt that it is a stone's throw away from Giollito's too. You walk out of my door a minute or two, turn the corner and ta-da! There it is...the Pantheon! Good thing I'm not a shopper because all the stores with clothes, jewelry, antiques, shoes, shoes, shoes (did I mention shoes??) and shoes would probably send me over the edge. The nuns told me I was so sweet I could stay forever at the convent but I can't pass this location up. It is also walking distance to guess where?!?....Citta' del Vaticano...The Vatican! Nice huh??? I'm starting to think that I may never leave Rome....