I'm Melting!!!

It is hotter than the inside of a cow's stomach. Seriously. Who knew that it would be over 90 degrees in Rome, certainly not this girl. However, I finally did manage to get some new clothes (2 dresses and a skirt), so hopefully I cease to die of heat exhaustion. Though that is highly unlikely, I like things at 68 degrees, and I don't think that will happen for another month or so. Rats.

Other than the obnoxious heat, today was a good day because we went on an excursion *claps giddily*! First we went to an archeological site called Ostia Antica. It is an old Roman city that was originally located at the mouth of the Medditteranean, but then the Tiber river flooded and changed courses, so its no longer located on the coast. Any way, the city flooded and preserved everything and now archeologists are working on uncovering it. The city was pretty cool. It was amazing to see that buildings that were constructed over 2000 years ago are still standing. The streets, however, were a disaster. There were tree roots everywhere and the stones that once had been flat and smooth were jutting up at odd angles. The guide, who I swear was part billy-goat had no problem navigating them. I, on the other hand, thought I was going to die, or at the very least break a limb. Tragic. Also, he was like a wind up toy and got more and more energy as the tour progressed. The rest of us were more dissuaded by the heat, and decidedly less excited about looking at yet another bath house, and began to slow down. Now that I am back in the comfort of my palatial apartment and out of the oppressive heat I enjoy the memories of the tour and the pics that remain.

The Second excursion was to an organic farm and historic residence called Borgo di Tragliata. It was quite possibly one of the coolest things that I have ever seen and undoubtedly the most delicious food (sorry mom). Everything they served us came from the farm, it was so fresh!! They served us eight dishes: pecorino cheese with honey of the Borgo, white and tomato pizza, red chicory ham and mozzarella tart, cous-cous with vegetables, spaghetti American style, chicken with peppers, roasted potatoes, and apple cake with raisins. The course was served over two hours, so while we were all full, it actually was not all that bad. Also, we desperately needed the sustenance after walking between three to five miles at Ostia Antica. After our meal we got to take a tour of the facilities which were beautiful. The farm has been there since the medieval times and they have done a wonderful job preserving the grounds. They have antique furniture in the rooms and ivy climbs the buildings. It was ridiculously charming.

The evening ended with my first family dinner. My roomies and I decided it was high time we cooked for ourselves, and it was delicious. We made a farfalle (bow tie for you Americans) with mushrooms, basil, chicken, and mozzarella. Then we gathered around our dining room table to consume said food and chat. It was a lovely little bonding experience.

Now I am putting my feet up, as they are a bit tired (also you can see the outline of my flats in a lovely suntan, yeah for whole days outside), and relaxing. Perhaps I will find out what textbooks I need to purchase...