Arrivederci

Today was our last day in Rome, and our art history class spent the morning at Villa Farnesina. It was located in the outskirts of the city, boasting its own private garden and fountain. We learned that that villa was built for Agostino Chigi. He was a rich Sienese banker and the treasurer of Pope Julius II at the time. The indoor walls of the palace were basically fresco paintings of mythological masterpieces done by artists like Raphael and Peruzzi. After we explored the palace, we were off on our own to do whatever we pleased.

After packing my bags and cleaning the apartment, I decided to spend my final hours in Rome as a tourist (instead of a student). I hopped on a double-decker tour bus for the first time and went around the city, taking a final glance at the monuments—Coliseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, etc.—that I have only seen in textbooks before the trip. Looking back, I’ve learned so much about the history of Rome in less than four weeks. I also made it a priority to stop by the Santa Maria Church to place my hand in the Mouth of Truth. (Legend has the marble statue served as a lie detector in ancient times, biting off the hands of people who lied.). By now, I have already become acquainted with Rome’s confusing twists and turns, and no longer needed the directional guidance of my instructors. We ended the night at a final group dinner at Pierluigi (a nice restaurant), reminiscing about the past month and toasting to the future.

Hand in the Mouth of Truth.