July 14th, Day of Presentations

Wednesday started out with Mona's class on gift and sacrifice, where we were lucky enough to hear two group presentations, one on Agamemnon, and another on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. We discussed theories of sacrifice as they applied to both stories and then compared them to modern day ideas of justice. Both groups were great!

After Mona's class we had a quick break to grab lunch at Ruggeri's, go to the market for dinner supplies, or more likely practice for presentations. With independent study projects due this week, everyone was a little bit busy, and most of us spent our free time studying inside rather then venturing out into the very hot weather.

In the afternoon, we had two art history presentations, mine on the street shrines dedicated to the virgin Mary, and Laura's on Piazza Navona. My presentation involved a lot of walking around, and at one point some people found themselves a little lost. But they caught up with us in time to hear all about the miraculous Madonnelle that protect the Roman streets.

After all that time walking in the hot sun, people were very excited to relax in the shade and listen to Laura tell us about Pizza Navona and the amazing Bernini fountain that stands in the middle. It represents rivers from the four corners of the earth, and is ornately decorated with all types of animals. Quick test: can you find the armadillo?

It's actually the dragon-like animal in the center-right of the second photo. Bernini didn't know what an armadillo actually looked like, so he made it up. And thus ends another busy day in Rome. Tonight the girls in the campo apartments are preparing for their independent projects or going to visit the Piazza Navona apartment.

Ciao for today!