Adventus
Adventus is Latin for arrival. It gives us the name for the Christian season of preparation before Christmas, Advent. You might have seen secular advent calendars with chocolate or other goodies that count down from December 1 to 24. In Roman art the term adventus is used to describe scenes where the emperor arrives at a new city for an official visit. Below the Emperor Constantine is welcomed by the personification of the city, Roma; Victoria flies above. We’ll see this panel when we visit his Arch later in the trip.
Readings
Introductions to Claridge and Alive! and CultureSmart!, chapter 6 and 5, and review chapter 2 if you missed it yesterday
Logistics
Today we learn to use public transit and shop like a Roman! (So you can cook like a Roman!)
We will also look at other local landmarks around our neighborhood; your instructor will update the local shopping guidelines right before your arrival, after she’s done her own scouting. You need your own shopping bags! Perhaps buy these there and give them as souvenirs to family after the trip?! We’ll pass places to buy everything from towels and hairdryers to boxed pasta and shampoo. You’ll learn how order at a bar (think standing coffee shop, not nightlife spot), where the pharmacies are and how they work, and why you might want to drop into a tabacchi even if you are adamantly against nicotine products. We’ll discuss how to visit churches should you wish to do so on your own, the culture of passeggiata, and provide an opportunity to get a gelato.
The most important thing is not to fall asleep to soon. You should push through to at least 8 pm and even better try to make it to 10 pm. You will feel out of time, foggy minded, and perhaps even physically off-balance. Some students find themselves feeling more emotional. Be gentle with yourself; stay kind and reassuring to each other. The fatigue is real, but the push through will make all future deals easier and more rewarding.
Supplementary Materials
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Blog Prompt
What did you see on your journey from the airport to your accommodation? Keep your eyes open and reflect on ways modern and ancient intertwine. Did anything you learned in CultureSmart! come true for you in your logistical interactions along the way? What is your strongest taste or scent memory of today? Why? Did anything today remind you of life in NYC what was the most familiar part of the day?
Gallery
Rome via Brooklyn 