Random stuff

This stands for Senatus Populusque Romanus ( The Senate and the Roman people) - it was used during the Roman republic on all public works (sewers, roads, etc). It is still used today on draincovers and lightposts.

This is bicycle - meant for a family. This one shows two people, but there were larger ones for 4-6 people. You could rent them at the Borghese Gardens to get around. It reminded me a bit of the Flintstones though.

Here are the Pringles - the only American brand of chips you could find. In some places, the little container was 2 euro - which would be $2.50. A little pricey - I was glad you can get them cheaper in the US.

Here is a picture of a Gelateria. Gelato, I found out, is not as creamy as ice cream and it usually only has one flavor. There are no combinations like Moose Tracks or Snickers, just one that enhances the natural flavors - like lemon or pistachio. Doesn't it look good? They were fabulous, nearly one on every corner and a great treat in the heat - if you can eat it before it melted.

These pictures are dedicated to my Latin IV class. Actually, there were at least three clothes designers named Massimo, so there were signs all over for clothing. I didn't actually meet a man named Massimo. I did meet a Francesco and a Vincenso, will that count? Also, I met several Davids, but they were either statues or paintings. Also, one was our tour guide to the Vatican, but he was Canadian.

In Rome, I saw this poster for the Aeneid, which was being performed next month. I hope your reading is going well - see you Monday.

Pinocchio is an Italian story, so there were pinocchio's every where and in every size. T-shirts, toys, magnets, whistles, puppets, and pencils. It was somewhat fun.

Ferrari is an Italian company, and we saw several Ferrari showrooms. Also there were a lot of stores selling t-shirts and other memorabilia for Ferrari cars.

This bride and groom were taking pictures outside the Colosseum. There was another I saw there, but didn't get a picture of. I thought it was fascinating and a little odd that they'd get their wedding pictures done in front of the Colosseum.

This Roman soldier is a professional, but not really a soldier. His job is to stand around, dressed up, and get pictures with tourists. He gets paid for getting his picture taken with foreigners. I saw them at several places, even in Croatia by Diocletian's palace. I did not pose with any.

Most European cars are small, but the Smart cars can fit anywhere. It cracked me up how they would be parked perpendictular to the curb and still not get hit by on-coming traffic. This was miraculous because Rome's drivers are insane. They drive fast and do not usually follow regular driving rules. I thought we would be killed several times - sometimes as a pedestrian, sometimes as a passenger in a taxi.

Also, there weren't many public bathrooms in Italy. In most places you actually had to pay to use the bathroom - anywhere from $1-2.