More Walking

Yesterday was our first free day of the trip. We did not have any class activities so we were free to do what we wanted to for the day. Not everyone wanted to do the same things so we ended up splitting up for the day. I went with Steve, Cari, Heather, and JT to lake Bracciano. This is a lake that is located about an hour out of Rome and was created by a volcanic crater. The lake is unique because it is kept very clean by the government. They do not allow motorboats on the lake except for government boats and some professional fisherman. As a result the lake is crystal clear and very clean. Before we went I did a little research and found out that one of the Popes actually created the laws about keeping this lake clean because they would transport water from the lake to the area of Trastevere in Rome. The lakes water was used as a main source of drinking water for some time. 

Once we got off the train in the town of Bracciano we were greeted with a beautiful view of the lake. The small town is set up on a hill that leads down to the lake. There is also a castle that is on top of the hill that looks out over the lake but I cannot remember the name of it. We then walked down the steep hill to the lake. It was a perfect day to be at the lake, the sun was shining and the water was perfect. It was an extremely relaxing day at the lake and was much needed after a long week or so of non stop Roman history. Not that I don't love everything we've done and seen, but a break was very much appreciated. 

Today we went to the Piazza Navona and the Forum of Trajan. The Piazza Navona is where one of the Roman stadiums was. The stadium was designed to hold foot races like the Greeks did but the Romans never really took a liking to them. So instead the stadium became a place for gladiatorial games and public executions. These seemed to suit the Romans better. There would have been three obelisks in the center of the stadium but today there is only one. It sits on top of the Fiumi fountain, which is a fountain that is supposed to represent the four major rivers that were under papal control. Today the piazza is filled with shops and restaurants that sit on top of where the seating would have been and the Fuimi fountain is in the middle. This piazza is a very cool spot to come on any night to see street performers and look at all the great shops that are set up. 

We also saw the Forum of Trajan today. The Forum is the largest of all the imperial fora and is also the last one that was built. The forum is built in a very strategic way so that as you enter everything is aligned. One of the main features of Trajan's forum is the column that depicted his victories over the Dacians.  This column is still in tact today and is very well preserved. Another cool feature of Trajan's forum is the markets that he had built into the quirnal hill. These markets were a series of rooms with arches at their entrances. There were also several levels to the markets. 

I can't believe that there is only one week remaining of this program. I feel like the time has gone so fast, but I have enjoyed everyday. It has been amazing learning about ancient Rome and being able to be at the sites as we learn about them. This last week should be just as amazing as the first two and I am excited about what is ahead.

Ciao!