Day two: Busy busy!

Today was our first class with Professor Modiano, called "Gift and Sacrifice." Since it was our first day we were all excited to figure out what exactly the class was going to be about and how much more we could learn about the gift. To our surprise, the gift is incredibly complex and confusing (which Mona said was the point so most of us were relieved). The thing about the gift is that there are so many interpretations of it and so many different ways to view it, that it's impossible to define.
After 4 hours of poring over readings and delving into the intricacies of the gift, we got an hour to relax and unwind before our next adventure with Lisa. Today was Andrea Roberts' presentation of the Ara Pacis Augustae. The Ara Pacis is a sacrificial altar dedicated to the goddess Pax. It was dedicated to Augustus (the first emperor of Rome) by the senate in his honor and to celebrate his return after a long absence. We were amazed by its size and beautiful reliefs. So much detail was put into the work and each figure seemed to have a purpose and a meaning.

The Ara Pacis is located inside this building, which

was very modern, and contrasted with the ancient monument inside.

The Ara Pacis: If you walk up those steps you walk right up to the sacrificial altar

After an in depth and interesting explanation of the Ara Pacis we all went our seperate ways.
Some of the group joined Lisa for gelato at a gelateria she recommended by the Pantheon (which was delicious) and some headed back home to grocery shop and do a bit of homework.
I'm sure everyone was hungry after such a full day and we all retired to our kitchens to experiment with making Italian food (or at least food with italian ingredients). Everyday we get a little better so that by the time we get back, we will be as good as professionals.