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National holidays in Italy

Edgar Barrales — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:38:46 GMT

There's a little rumor going around about Italy having way too many public holidays. Indeed, Italy has over 15 national holidays and this doesn't include the regional festivities that small villages observe.

The next public holiday is April 25th. This is an important date because it marks the Festa della Liberazione, or Liberation Day.

Why is April 25th so important? Well...

This national holiday celebrates the liberation of Italy by Allied troops during WWII. It also honors soldiers, victims of Nazi bombings and occupations, and partisans in the Italian Resistance.

As part of the liberation day ceremony, the President of the Italian Republic visits the Ardeatine Caves, a site where 335 Romans were killed by Nazi soldiers in 1944.

In short, Liberation Day is dedicated to all of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, putting an end to an era of dictatorship under Fascist leader Benito Mussolini.

Easter in Rome!

Amanda Schulz — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:39:14 GMT

What's a more perfect place than Rome to celebrate Easter? There's so much going on during this week and upcoming weekend in Rome that it's truly the place to be. On Good Friday (March 29th) the Pope will lead the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum at 9:15 PM, fortunately no tickets are required but it's best to get there early to get a good spot! On Easter Sunday (March 30th) the Pope will hold mass at 10:15 AM, tickets are free but required. If you can't make the 10:15 mass, the Pope will perform a blessing at noon in the square, no tickets needed. If heading to St. Peter's isn't your thing for the weekend, all the city-owned museums in Rome will be open (except for the Vatican Museums of course!).

One of the best things about Easter in Rome, aside from the once in a lifetime chance to attend mass with the Pope, is the food! If you're not going to do anything else this weekend relating to Easter, at least make sure you get some traditional Colomba cake.The cake only shows up during Easter time and is shaped like a dove. If you're missing your traditional Easter eggs from back home, Italy has it covered with giant chocolate eggs (and prizes inside!).

Whatever you decide to do, the feeling of being in Rome during Easter weekend is incredible. The city is bustling, the sun is shining, and the food is great. Enjoy it!

Benvenuti!

Amanda Schulz — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:52:03 GMT

Welcome to Rome everyone!

This is a big week for the university as we welcome new students from all corners of the globe to our school. Students began arriving on Monday and since then we've been enjoying getting to meet all the new faces and helping them get settled into their new Roman home. As many of you have found, the adjustment period can be a challenge but it's part of what makes this experience so wonderful. You now have the opportunity to make new friends, dive into an entirely new culture, and just take a step outside of your comfort zone. Our Student Life team is here to help you in your adjustment with anything you need as well. Make sure you join us on our tours around the city and ask us any question you can think of!

There is a city tour tonight leaving from the garden at 7 PM and on Friday we will do a neighborhood tour at 5 PM and a city tour at 7 PM, both leaving from garden as well. We will also have a BBQ on Saturday in the AUR Garden starting at 11 AM!

See you there!

Arrivederci

Edgar Barrales — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:14:24 GMT

It's sad to say that there are only 11 days left in the semester. Most of you will leave on the 14th. It's going to be difficult to say "ciao" to Rome and to all those nights of fun on the 8tram line. What should you do to ease your move back to the US or the country you come from? I guess one piece of advice is to take as many photos as you can. Take photos of things that made you feel happy in Rome. Take photos of the friends you made while studying in Rome. Above all, you should try to keep in contact with the people that made your stay enjoyable. Remember all those nights when you couldn't find your way back to your apartment because you had a little too much to drink? Well... it doesn't have to end on the 14th. Try to keep these memories in a safe place and talk to the people you lived them.

You're going back to your home country and you will most likely suffer from reverse culture shock. Wait... what's culture shock? Reverse culture shock is a malicious word that can put us down. It's a word to describe one's return to their own country and culture. You will have to make several adjustments in order to reintroduce yourself back in to home culture. What are the symptoms? Reverse culture shock can be divided into four stages: departure, euphoria, alienation, and gradual readjustment.

Being back home will feel weird. You've just spent 3 months in a foreign country and now you have to deal with your old life. You are anxious to drive your car and see your friends and family. However, sometimes the latter can be difficult. You will still have the awesome Rome memories, but your friends and family won't necessarily be able to follow your thoughts. They may not picture what you live thorough and you may start to lack interest in your friends and family. Your home university will seem different and not as interesting to AUR. You will miss the Trevi fountain and Scholars but you can't go to them because you are thousands of miles away. What can you do to overcome this green monster?

The best thing to do is to stay connected. Use the Internet to keep in touch with people who studied with you in Italy. You could also organize AUR reunions. Another great idea is to get involved in the Italian community in your town. Continue appreciating Italian culture from your home country by participating in festivities on taking an Italian course at your home institution.

User your experience to give something back to the world. Help spread the acceptance of cultures and languages by inspiring other students to study abroad. In the end, not only will you be a global citizen, but others will be following your footsteps.

ciao for now.

Piu' Libri Book Fair

Edgar Barrales — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:09:51 GMT

Join us this Saturday as we visit the annual Piu' Libri book fair. Every year, hundreds of small Italian book publishing companies come together and present their new projects. Seminars will give the public the opportunity to interact with several important Italian writers. RSVP to resgrads@aur.edu

Gobble Up & Give Back!

Amanda Schulz — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:13:59 GMT

Join AUR students, staff and faculty after we gobble up at the AUR thanksgiving dinner on Thursday the 22nd. We will be making sandwiches and plates with extra food and from 9-10pm we will take the food to Stazione Trastevere and deliver it to Rome's homeless. This is a great way to give back to the community that has given us so much. RSVP to resgrads@aur.edu to add your name to the list. We're looking forward to a happy Thanksgiving and an opportunity to share an American tradition together!

Forget Fall Break, November is Fun Too!

Amanda Schulz — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:39:14 GMT

There's no denying it, the first week back after Fall Break is a bit rough. After a blissful week of travels, sleeping in, staying up late, and not even cracking open a book it's quite the transition come Monday morning. At least, I know that's how I felt after my week of sun & sand in Malta! Not to worry though, there's still lots to look forward to even if this last stretch of the semester seems like it's going to go on forever.

In 5 weeks we'll break for the holidays which means in just 5 weeks we'll all have papers due and exams to write but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy our time in Rome! Just this month the ResGrads have several exciting events to make sure you don't miss out on anything, especially if you're heading home come Christmas time. We'll be venturing out into the city to experience gelato at Fassi's historical gelateria and the following week we'll be off to enjoy the exquisite tiramisù from Pompi. My personal favorite event we'll be holding this month has to be Thanksgiving dinner! It's hard to be away from home for this holiday but we'll make up for it. There's nothing better than everyone coming together over a home-cooked meal like Thanksgiving. Then, just as December rolls around don't forget to make your way over to Piazza Navona for the Christmas market. Whether you come with us or not, it's a fantastic place to get all those little gifts for everyone back home without rushing around before final exams!

We're looking forward to seeing you at our events, just don't forget to RSVP!

Rome

Manuel A Anguiano — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:44:19 GMT

Someone once asked me to describe Rome and after thinking on it for a bit, I pointed to the nearest piazza. The ancient fountain, the chic boutique, and the church in the square added a bizarre contrast to the scene. We observed the old Nonna's watching their grandchildren running around savagely enjoying their freedom and the old men smoking and talking about old times and complaining about the present ones. Friendly raised voices and wildly gesticulating hand gestures permeated the area. The floating smell of sautéed garlic and onions made our stomachs yearn as we sat on the marble bench. It was 8pm, time to relax and enjoy the afternoon with friends and family. This was Rome. The Rome that people who spend anytime in it Love to hate and hate to love all at the same time. The greatest lesson I have learned from the Italian people is to slow down, sit, and enjoy the present. As students, it is easy to get caught up with studying and staying in our comfort zones, but as a wise man once told me, “Your comfort zone might keep you safe but it will also make you sorry. Now go get me some coffee.” Have you taken the time to really see Rome, and if so, how would you describe it?

The Art of Cooking

Edgar Barrales — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:07:13 GMT

Many of us prefer to use a microwave to cook our meals. However, it's impossible to do so in Italy given that there are no microwaves. We miss the days of Ramen noodles and those late night stops at Denny's to get coffee and leave without paying. Yeah, life in America was sweet. Then you come to Italy and the only meal you can barely cook is pasta with tomato sauce.What should you do to break away from boring meals without having to pay large sums of money at a restaurant? This is where we, the AUR ResGrads, can help you blossom.

We organize cooking lessons every Monday with the goal of giving students delicious Italian recipes that are easy and cheap to make. We strongly believe that cooking should be fun. It shouldn't be a strict game where you have to follow all the rules. What if you don't have a certain ingredient? Screw the parsley. Why not add basil instead? I always reiterate that recipes are never meant to be followed. They're there to guide you but you should explore. The best guide while you cook is your palate. Always taste what you are cooking and adjust. Never serve a dish without having tasted it before!

Italian cuisine is meant to be cheap. All the "Italian" recipes you see in cook books, written by non-Italian folks, are sometimes crazy expensive to make and call for hundreds of ingredients. The best piece of advice is to explore your local open-air market. Talk to your market guy/lady and ask what goes well with this and that. Avoid eating out because it's mad expensive after 4 or 5 nights out. Stay at home and cook something delicious while sipping on a glass of wine.

If you follow these small steps, you'll be off to a good start!

Remember: "To cook well all you need is passion, a great deal of attention and the habit of being precise."- Pellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian cuisine.

Art Exhibition! Afro Basadella: From Conception to Execution

Amanda Schulz — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:12:26 GMT

Starting October 11 and running until next January an exhibition at the Museo Carlo Bilotti will feature Italian artist Afro Basaldella. Born in 1912 and often just known as "Afro," he studied at the Scuola Romana and started diplaying his art when he was just 16. His work is influenced by impressionist and cubist styles and generally feature bright colors and asymetrical shapes. During his career he spent a lot of time travelling between Italy and the United States, taking his inspiration from artists in both nations. In this exhibition you can get a feel for the process that Afro took as he began any of his works. From conception to execution every action he made was purposeful. These beginning steps he made have never been published and now they are on display for any one to see so that they may also comprehend just how artists like Afro can create some of the most spectacular and irreplaceable works of art.

Afro's "La fabbrica di San Pietro"

Museo Carlo Bilotti is located in Villa Borghese:

Viale Fiorello La Guardia, tel. 060608.

09.00-19.00. Mon closed

Capuchin Crypt

Manuel A Anguiano — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:53:37 GMT

I really did not know what to expect at the capuchin crypt, but i'm glad I went. Prior to actually seeing the rooms decorated with the bones, a well laid out exhibition displays a brief history and artifacts of the capuchin monks. Much of it is fascinating and you get so drawn into it that you are in the decorated rooms before you know it! Who could have guessed that bones would serve as pleasant decorations? The first plaque I read stated: " What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be." Chilling and sobering words to mull over while gazing over heaps of bones, bone chandeliers, full skeletons dressed in the monk habit, and bones nailed to the walls and ceilings in intricate patterns. And so I will leave you with this question - what will be your legacy to those around you?

Bioparco di Roma!

Manuel A Anguiano — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:29:31 GMT

The zoo! Those two words always seem to bring out a sense of adventure and anticipation in even the most hardened student adult. It had been a very long time since my last visit to a zoo and although San Diego (where I'm from) is well known for the Wild Animal Park the Roman Zoo did not fail. Our adventure/hike (as we decided to take the scenic route to the zoo) was a welcome distraction/workout from the ruins and churches. I would have to say the best enclosure was definitely the Giraffe one as there were multiple viewing areas and the Lemurs were simply adorable! Also, the random peacocks roaming around aimlessly added a certain flare to the experience. If you have time, I would recommend taking a day to visit the zoo and the surrounding park and museum.

Cambio di Stagione: Fashion and the change of seasons in Italy

Amanda Schulz — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:35:32 GMT

Just a few short weeks ago when we welcomed our new arrivals to AUR the sun was shining and every day was beach weather, now that story is much different.

No one can deny the change in weather we've been feeling, nights and mornings are getting cooler and we've had many more cloudy and rainy afternoons than sunny ones. As students we've drifted away from tanning on the terrace to sitting inside with our coffee. But what does this mean to the Italians, particularly when it comes to fashion? It means it's time to say goodbye to sundresses, floppy hats, beach wraps, and flat sandals! While many of us may hold on to our last breath of summer as long as we can by wearing our flip-flops and shorts and calling the weather "just a little chilly" when secretly we're freezing, the Italians embrace the coming of fall and winter.

Once that temperature drops no Italian will be seen in short skirts or open-toed shoes but rather they'll be finely dressed in autumn colors, seen in their shawls, boots, and perfectly pressed trousers. Look around next time your out, the Italians have already deemed it appropriate to accent their outfit with a scarf! For the Italians the "cambio di stagione" is a very important part of their wardrobe, it defines when they pack away all their summer gear, their bathing suits, flip-flops, and matching hats and carefully unpack their winter gear, their boots, scarves, and puffy down jackets. Once this is done, there's no turning back! Do you guys "change" wardrobes like the Italians in your home cities? I never did until I came here, that's for sure!

Hope you're all enjoying the fall and taking time to look at the beautiful turning of the leaves in the city, autumn is one of my favorite seasons!

Memories

Manuel A Anguiano — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 23:25:17 GMT

It has been an interesting fun two weeks thus far at AUR and it seems like it's been much longer! It has been rewarding to meet our fall semester students and see strangers become friends while traipsing through winding alleys on one of the tours, or by sharing the wonderful views the Gianicolo hill and the Castel Sant'Angelo offer. While the city never ceases to amaze, our beach trips also offered a different experience and a welcome change albeit a cooler one due to the rain. However, the month is still young! Later this month we will be adventuring to EATALY - a huge four story space, which among other things, contains its own brewery, and a slew of casual restaurants. We have also planned a trip to the zoo! I don't know about you, but it's been ages since I have visited a zoo and def. look forward to going! In case the outdoors is not your cup of tea, we also have a trip planned to the movies, and at least one more trip to the water to enjoy the last rays of summer. The resgrads planned these events to benefit the students at AUR and encourage everyone to attend at least one of the many events we will be offering throughout the semester while in Rome. I look forward to seeing you!

The Capitoline Museum & The Vatican's Archives

Amanda Schulz — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:32:43 GMT

Last Friday, a small group of students ventured into the heart of the city to see an impressive exhibit at the Capitoline Museums. The exhibit, that ended this weekend, featured hundreds of documents that had been under the Vatican's lock and key until very recently. For most of the documents, this display was the first time since they were written that they had been outside the Vatican's protective walls.

It was well known and advertised that this was the last weekend for the exhibit so, naturally, the whole place was packed but that didn't mean it was impossible to revel in these impressive documents. From Galileo's trial papers to the documents concerning the excommunication of Martin Luther to letters written by priests and bishops during the time of concentration camps and WWII, the exhibit covered a massive span of history. Personally, my favorite letters included one written by Bernini requesting funds for the marble he needed to create the angels we see on the bridge in front of Castel Sant'Angelo today and one by Michelangelo discussing the construction of St. Peter's with a bishop. To see their signatures written by them is something many people never get to see and an image I'll never forget.

While the exhibit is now shut and the documents have made their way back to the Vatican, the Capitoline Museum is still must-see in Rome. The museum features the famous statue of Romulus and Remus suckling on their adoptive wolf mother, a colossal bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, as well as works by artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, and Veronese. Whether you go for an hour or a whole day, you'll certainly see a work of art unlike any other in the world and learn a little bit more about this amazing city we call home.

Restaurants in Rome!

Nohea Reveley-Mahan — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:23:01 GMT

Restaurants in Rome!

Check out some of our favorite places for pizza, pasta and more!

The restaurants are organized by area.

$ - Budget $$ - Mid-range $$$ - Upscale $$$$ - Expensive

San Camillo

MOMO

Piazza Forlanini 10

Phone: 39 06 5373087

Great For: Pizza, pasta, meat. (Just don’t forget to make reservations!)

Price: $-$$

www.momorepublic.com

Kyo Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Via Di Donna Olimpia, 250/252

Phone:

Great For: Sushi, Aperativo

Price: $-$$

By Navona

La Montecarlo

Address: Vicolo Savelli, 13 ( just off Piazza Navona)

Open: Daily for dinner- 7.30pm- midnight

Great for: A great authentic place to eat a real thin and crispy Roman pizza.

Price: $

http://www.lamontecarlo.it/index_eng.htm

Cul De Sac

Address: Piazza di Pasquino, 73

Phone: 06 6880 1094 (no reservations accepted)

Great for: Pasta and wine

Price: $-$$

Trastevere

Ivo

Address: Via S. Francesco a Ripa 158
Phone: 06 5817082 (close on Tuesdays)

Great for: Pizza and pasta

Price: $

Bir & Fud

Address: Via Benedetta, 23

Great for: Beer, pizza

Price: $

Dar Poeta

Adress: Vicolo del Bologna, 45/46 (Near Piazza della Scala)

Romans drive across town for great pizza from this neighborhood institution on a small street in Trastevere.

Great for: Pizza

Phone: 06/5880516

Price: $-$$

Trattoria Der Pallaro

Address: Largo di Pallaro (by campo)

Phone: 066 8801 488

Great for: Traditional Italian- Fixed menu of 25-30 Euros, 4 courses with all the wine and water you want.

Price: $$$

Taverna Trilussa

Address: Via Del Politeama 23
Phone: 06 5818918

Great for: Cacio e pepe and Amatriciana pasta. All the pasta is brought to you in a pan.

Price: $$$

Ristorante Spirito DiVino

Address: Via dei Genovesi 31 a/b

Great for: Fancy dinners, extensive wine selection, slowfood movement, visiting parents

Phone: 06 5896689

Price: $$$ 30-40euro per person

Around Rome

Gusto

Address: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9

Great for: Pizza, pasta, aperitivo

Phone: 06.32.26.273

Price: $-$$

Il Sanlorenzo

Address: Via dei Chiavari 4/5 in Rome.

Great for: Fish, visiting parents

Price: Expensive $$$$$ 40-60Euros a person

Ostia Antica

Manuel A Anguiano — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:07:55 GMT

Two days ago, AU students got the chance to marvel at Ostia Antica, the ruins of an old Roman town. This town was once touched by the river and the sea is an excellent place to spend a few hours. It is also easily accessible place get to if you want to take a breather from Rome.

As you walk through the streets you can imagine the busy merchants selling their wares, the elaborate bath houses, and in the evenings, the people of Ostia packing the theater for a night of entertainment. Many impressive mosaics still survive and are eye candy for those who can appreciate the intricate designs.

The best way to reach Ostia is by using the metro. Trains leave at station Piramide. Get off the regular metro at Piramide, go up the escalator, turn immediately left and down the steps into the Roma-Lido station. A normal metro ticket will suffice for the entire journey. Get out at the stop Ostia Antica. Next cross the highway using the pedestrian bridge. To reach the site from the pedestrian bridge, keep walking straight ahead, cross a busy road (please be careful!) and after 100 metres turn left to get to the entrance (two minutes).

Dante's Inferno

Edgar Barrales — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:34:34 GMT

It's July 2nd and summer has finally arrived! Temperatures across the country are in the upper 30's as Italy is experiencing what experts call a "Caronte" heat wave. Is Dante’s vision of the world becoming a reality? Or is the heat a consequence of Italy’s loss to Spain in the 2012 Euro Cup final? Both are plausible. As temperatures continue to rise, it is important to keep a couple of factors in mind. Italian experts are instructing the public to drink a lot of water and eat light meals.

Here are some risks to consider if you don’t take the appropriate measures:

dehydration (not having enough water)
overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
heat exhaustion
heatstroke

What should I do to be cool?

A number of things:

Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
Keep rooms cool by using the shades/shutters outside your windows.
Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water. Hold your pulse points (wrists or ankles) under cool running water.
Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors.

Hydration is the key. Drink lots of water. Be cool or else Caronte will come with “eyes of burning coal to collect us all (Inferno, Canto III, 102).”

Rome’s food and clothing markets

Manuel A Anguiano — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:19:19 GMT

Mercato Trionfale
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 08:00-13:00
Large food market just recently moved into a huge modern building half way down Via Andrea Doria open every morning except Sunday. There are also stalls selling clothes, shoes, bags, toys, jewellery and household products.

Campo De'Fiori
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 08:00-13:00
Market in the heart of the historical centre sells fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and more. Monday to Saturday from 07:00-13:30 in Campo De'Fiori, Rome.

Mercato Di Via Sannio
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
New, used and vintage clothes market open Monday to Friday from 08:00-13:00 and Saturday 08:00-18:00. Next to San Giovanni metro stop on line A at Via Sannio.

Vittorio Emanuele Market
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 08:00-13:00
Food market in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele with a wide range of international produce, particularly eastern influenced, every morning except Sunday.

Mercato Delle Stampe
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 07:00-13:00
Situated in the historical centre this market has a large collection of old books, prints and magazines. At Largo Delle Fontanella Di Borghese. Tel: 06 489 99254.

Via Dei Volsci Market
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 08:00-13:00
Busy food market situated in the heart of the San Lorenzo district on Via Dei Volsci.

Mercato Di Testaccio
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
The very roman market is located in the Testaccio neighborhood across from the MACRO museum sells fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and more. Monday to Saturday from 07:00-13:30 in Piazza Testaccio, Rome.

Porta Portese
Every Sunday ONLY
This massive flea market takes over the Trastevere area every Sunday from 7am to 2pm. The vendors have a wide variety of goods, including antiques, coins, books, furniture, clubbing clothes, fake designer purses, home decor items, jewellry, and most anything else you can think of. Some vendors are willing to bargain and most will speak some English.

Market of Via Tito Speri
Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
This is a very small market that takes up an entire street in the very heart of Prati (Piazza Mazzini). It is known for having specialty items and food of the highest quality. Monday to Saturday from 07:00-13:30 in Via Tito Speri, Rome.

Santa Marinella Beach

Manuel A Anguiano — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:06:31 GMT

This last Saturday, we took the trek down to Santa Marinella Beach. For many students, this was their first experience on a Roman train. The air conditioning (open windows) helped relieve the heat for those fortunate to find a spot to stand in the train compartments, while other not-so-lucky students had to make do with cramped quarters in between cars. Luckily the trip only took about 40 minutes. Lol. Once at the beach, many were surprised at having to pay to enjoy the sun, but that’s how they do things here. And when in Rome…do as the Romans do. However, most beaches do have a ‘free’ area were one can frolic in the sun. Once everyone was situated, we all got down to some hard-core tanning. All in all, it was an awesome sun-filled day spent with friends. While in Rome, don’t limit yourself to this one beach experience. If you have time, try out Ostia, Anzio, or Nettuno beaches. You can find directions to a few beaches around Rome in front of the student life office or you can ask the Resgrads.