Well it's still raining contrary to the weather forcast - not quite as bad as the river situation yesterday though! Not the best day to do sight-seeing unfortunately but still there's plenty to do despite that. Phil wanted to go to the Palazzo Altembs, a museum in central Rome, which was pretty good. The Romans really were obsessed with their statues of torsos, naked gods, and cherubs (strangling geese for some reason?!).

After we rushed off to the Trevi Fountain to have a quick look but I get the feeling we'll be back when the weather is better. After being harassed by men selling umbrellas for the hundredth time... we went to the Time Elevator ("a historical journey through Rome's past, present and future" according to man at the door), which was like a crazy theme park ride with fans simulating wind, water spray, and seats that threw us all over the place - very amusing if not particularly informative!

I feel that I should mention a few things about Italians:

(1) the guide book mentions that you should never walk on the pavement if you can jaywalk - I think this is just downright dangerous in Rome - but all the Italians seem to be doing it!

(2) the book also says be confident when crossing the road at zebra crossings, just go for it even when cars are approaching at double the speed limit! I also think this is just asking for trouble, but hey I'll give it a shot. I'll just make Phil walk in front of me!

(3) lastly traffic lights do not apply in Italy, nor does the green man at pedestrian crossings - i can't quite understand why all hell doesn't break loose!

Meeting the supervisor for our study block tomorrow at the University - hopefully it'll go very well. Also my Italian is improving slowly - Ciao!