Personal Italy Videos

These are a couple of videos I took during my time in Italy

View of Florence from the Duomo


View of Rome from St. Peter's Basilica


St. Peter's Basilica

Overall Course Evaluation

When I first signed up for this class back in the summer I had no idea of what to expect. I expected an Honors course full of intelligent people and a load of work. From the moment the course started loved it. I feel that I had the best group of the class that was able to work together and enhance each other as well as make some amazing presentations.

This was my first Problem Based Learning course. I find this way of teaching, really extraordinary. This way taught me different approaches to solve the problem as well as help make me more creative and able to present. This course has been by far my favorite course at the University of Cincinnati. I feel I have learned much about myself and others through this course. After taking this course I an already really excited to participate in Dr. Suckarieh's next Honors PBL course as well as any other of the participating Professors courses.

What Happens in Rome....Stays in Rome part 4

Wednesday

On Wednesday we took our 4hr bus ride down to Florence to see Michelangelos David, the Duomo and several Sites. Florence was another major highlight of my trip the entire city is beautiful and just amazing. The most impressive thing to me was the Climb on top of The Duomo. I am not a heights person, but the view of Florence from the top is just unbelievable and to see how Florence goes on in every direction and to see the mountains in the background, truly amazing.


We eventually made it back to the Bus that was parked next to a house that was covered with pidgins, was really cool. Finally got back then went out again for food and enjoyed rest of the night.

Thursday

On Thursday we went to Ostia Antiqua and the EUR. The trek to Ostia was not a fun one, took several trains to get to this dirty little town that actually had several bikes hanging from trees. Ostia was supposed to be like Pompeii, but in reality did even compare to it. So after walking around Ostia and exploring what it had me, Tyler, Philip, and others decided to go back to the hotel and just chill and skip the EUR. The ride home was a mess, we were crammed in the trains with no room to move the entire time, it really sucked. We eventually got back to the Hotel. I went next door to get pizza then me, nick, Tyler, Phil, Logan and KJ went and walked around a festival near the Vatican and shopped. Then Jordan and his group came back and me, Logan, Jordan took like a 3hr nap. Then a group of use went out to eat at a great place near the Pantheon. After this we went out to see the nightlife again and had a blast...and unforgettable night.

Friday

On Friday alot of people decided to go outside of Rome by themselves and see other parts of the country. me, Nick, Logan, Andrew, Phil and Remo went to see the Vatican. We got there around 9 in the morning and stood in a huge line to get into the Vatican Museum that opened at 10. We eventually got in and was amazed at the beauty of the artifacts that the Vatican had, to me it was strange to see a large collection of Egyptian artifacts in it. The best part of the museum was the Sistine Chapel. This was amazing and just unbelievably beautiful, just really hard to explain. It was illegal to take photos.....but i broke that rule:





After touring the museum, we went and had a great cheap lunch at a little in the wall restaurant. We then went on to see St. Peter's Basilica. The Basilica is by far the most beautiful church I have ever seen in my Life, the architecture and art of it is amazing. Every part of it was filled with art and was amazing.





After exploring the basilica me and Phil decided to climb to the top of St. Peter's. The climb was gruelling and about 100 more stairs than the Duomo was....but it was worth it. This might have been the highlight of the trip. The ability to see all of Rome from the highest peak, to see the Vatican and the ability to see endless buildings in all directions was breath taking beautiful.

After this me and Phil made it back to the hotel after seeing he Swiss Guard. I went off on my own to go shopping, then went to the Internet Cafe. I got back and a large group of use decided to go the Hard Rock Cafe. Honestly this was a terrible way to make American food. We went back to the hotel and hung out for the remainder of the night and got ready for the travel home.

Saturday

Saturday was the worst day of the trip. We got to the Roman Airport and learned that our flight from Rome to Atlanta was going to be delayed 1 1/2 hrs. The problem with this was that we had only a 2hr gap between flights to get back to Cincinnati. The first flight was actually pretty good, I got to see the Alps, ocean and Wall-E. We eventually made it to Atlanta and had to wait an extra 30 min to get off the plane because of traffic. Got off the planes had to wait in line forever to go through customs. Then had to go get my luggage, back through security. Made it through all of that and learned we had 10 min to get to terminal A from E to catch our flight. Well it was a 2 mile sprint. Jordan and Logan made the flight and me and Abby were a couple minutes late of getting on. After this KG took me to the Delta Crown room and helped me get on standby for a Comair flight leaving for Cincinnati. Me and a about 10 others from our group made this 7pm flight, while everybody else had to wait until 10pm to catch the next flight. The good thing about taking the 7pm flight was that our luggage was on that flight. Jordan and Logans stuff did not come until 11pm. Well, finally got back to Cincy and went home and slept.

Brief Rome

The following is a brief description of rest of the week, until I get off work at 5pm.

Wednesday

We went to Florence on a 4 hr bus trip, the city is beautiful and the architecture is amazing. Went and saw La Doma and climbed to the top of that and was just amazed. Then saw Michelangelo's David and got to see Florence all lit up.

Thursday

Went and saw Ostia Antiqua. This was very similar to Pompeii but was not as well preserved. Went back to the hotel and just hung out, went out to eat and then went out on the town.

Friday

Me, Nick, Ramo, Logan, Phil, Andrew all went to the Vatican and Vatican museum while overbid else went to different parts of Italy. Got to see Saint Peters and me and Phil Climbed to the top of Saint Peters and saw an amazing view of Rome.

Saturday

Sat on a plane for 13 hrs ++. Missed my connection flight from Atlanta by 2 minutes and finally got a Comair flight back to Cincinnati.

What Happens in Rome...Stays in Rome part 3

Tuesday


On this day we went to the Galleria Borghese. This was a really beautiful place, full of art. It was an amazing place that really captured the imagination of the paintings and sculptures. After this me an Jordan walked around Rome to see differnet churches, the US Embassy and stopped at the Mini Mart. Since it rained the entire day we decided to keep it a lazy day until dinner.




Later we went to dinner with Dean Newrock. This was by far the best food on the trip, we had a 5 course meal, great desserts and overall WOW!!! just amazing. After the dinner we had a "Toga" party were we cleared a dance floor on the top floor and watched Phil and others dance around in Togas to Italian music...After that we played cards till around 4 in the morning and called it a night.

Visit to Pompeii

Monday

When I first woke up it was pouring down rain, and my first opinion on the day was that it was going to suck....We meet and got ready to travel. For the 3 hour trip we traveled in a very nice tour bus. It rained the entire time to Pompeii but things turned around after this. We got to Pompeii and grabbed a bite to eat. We ate at a local restaurant that I regret going to. We had only one option in the menu...pizza....no other choices, Phil thought that his glass smelled like dog, our waiter was carrying a 45 caliber pistol on his hip and the food was terrible. After this we went to Pompeii and enjoyed a great day. We had an amazing tour guide who spoke good English and was very knowledgeable of the history of Pompeii. It was truly an amazing place to go to and see what an acient city once looked like, and saw the way the people died from the volcano eruption.

The trip to Pompeii was another amazing experice in my trip. To see more Pompeii pictures check out my Facebook or find out Pompeii History

After this we left Pompeii and made our way back to Rome and had once again a good night of fun.

What Happens in Rome...Stays in Rome part 2

Sunday:

After a long and fun Saturday we meet for our morning meeting at 8am. This day the group went to see the Colosseum and The Forum.

Colosseum

Since I was a kid, I have always made the Colosseum my favorite part of Roman History. This was my favorite part of the entire trip and will be a lasting memory.



History: The Colosseum or Roman Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium, Italian Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo), is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96). The name "Amphitheatrum Flavium" derives from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name (Flavius, from the gens Flavia). Originally capable of seating around 80,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. As well as the gladiatorial games, other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. It has been estimated that about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games.

After this, me Kat and Chris walked around Rome looking for everybody else in our group...well, we never found them, but did find a great place to eat for lunch. We eventually did find our group and went to the Forum.



The Forum was really neat and Chris did an excellent job of explaining differnet aspects of it. Me, Jordan, Molly and Chris then went up on top of the ancient palace to see an amazing view of the city.

History: The Roman Forum, (Latin: Forum Romanum) sometimes known by its original Latin title, is located between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill of the city of Rome. It is the central area around which the ancient Roman civilization developed. Citizens referred to the location as the "Forum Magnum" or just the "Forum". The oldest and most important structures of the ancient city are located in the forum, including its ancient former royal residency the Regia and the surrounding complex of the Vestal virgins. The Old Republic had its formal Comitium there where the senate, as well as Republican government began. The forum served as a city square and central hub where the people of Rome gathered for justice, and faith. The forum was also the economic hub of the city and considered to be the center of the Republic and Empire.

What Happens in Rome...Stays in Rome

The following is a summary of the daily activities during my trip to Italy.

Thursday - Friday:

This was the departure day to Rome, and what an enduring day it was. I got to CVG at around 11, finally got my ticket, went through security and had about 2 hours to chill and hangout. During this time Jordan took me, Rachel, and Tyler to the Delta Crown Room. It was really sweet, they had free drinks, put put golf and telvision. After waiting we boarded the Cincinnati to Atlanta flight...After arriving we had about an hour and half to find our international flight...Waited around some more and finally boarded the Delta 767 flight.

The flight was really cool, it had been my first flight in several years, and it reminded me why I loved to fly. During the flight we were served dinner and breakfast, and had the opportunity to watch Fred Claus and Mamma Mia. During the flight we flew over Canada, London, Paris and almost to Greenland. My favorite quote from the flight comes from Dr Suckarieh "Is it the scotch or is the plane shaking." After flying for around 10 hrs we landed in Italy and the start of our trip.

After landing, we went out and caught a train to Rome itself. The train ran half and hour late, the train ride was not what I had expected. First glances of Italy had it look like a dump, a dirty place to live. But this changed very quickly. We eventually made it to Termini station, caught the Line A metro and made it to our hotel right outside of the Barbarini stop, near Trevi Fountain. We arrived at the hotel and learned that we would be the only occupants of the hotel, I also learned that I would be rooming with Logan and Jordan in the smallest room.

After this me, Jordan, Tyler and Rachel went out to search the area around our hotel.

The first place we went to was the Spanish Stairs.

This was really cool, it was my first look at Roman architecture, during this time they were constructing a Christmas tree which they eventually finished while we were there.

After stopping by this, we went over to the Trevi Fountain...and was it amazing

This is truly an amazing site in Rome, before going to Italy I had seen pictures of Trevi. But after looking at it, it was bigger and more amazing than I had thought. After this several of use went to a local pizza place, and enjoyed excellent Italian pizza. After A long day of traveling, I called it quites and went to bed at 9 pm.

Saturday:

Woke up, went to group meeting at 8:30 then went out for some sight seeing.

The first place we went to was Circus Maximus

History: The Circus Maximus (Latin for greatest circus, in Italian Circo Massimo) is an ancient hippodrome and mass entertainment venue located in Rome. Situated in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest circus in ancient Rome. The site is now a public park and retains little evidence of its former use.

This was really neat to see, and just imagine what it might have just been...After this we walked around to find the Baths of Carcalla.

Baths of Carcalla

History: The Baths of Caracalla were Roman public baths, or thermae, built in Rome between AD 212 and 216, during the reign of the Emperor Caracalla. The extensive ruins of the baths have become a popular tourist attraction. The bath complex covered approximately 13 hectares (33 ac). The bath building was 228 meters (750 ft) long, 116 meters (380 ft) wide and 38.5 meters (125 ft) estimated height, and could hold an estimated 1,600 bathers.

While at the baths, Me and Tyler were both amazed and in aw of the size of this ancient YMCA and wondered how the Romans built it with no modern day technologies.

After this we regrouped and headed over to the Theater of Marcello.

History: The Theatre of Marcellus (Latin: Theatrum Marcelli; Italian: Teatro di Marcello) is an ancient theatre built at the beginning of the Roman Empire. Its ancient edifice in the rione of Sant'Angelo, Rome, provides one of the city's many popular spectacles or tourist sites. It was named after Marcus Marcellus, Emperor Augustus's nephew and who died five years before its completion. Space for the theatre was cleared by Julius Caesar, who was murdered before it could be begun; the theatre was so far advanced by 17 BC that part of the celebration of the ludi saeculares took place within the theatre; it was completed in 13 BC and formally inaugurated in 12 BC by Augustus.

There is not really much to say about the theater. We were unable to enter or do anything with it. but still it was really neat to see it in person.

After this we went out and had lunch on our own, me and a small group found a small restaurant near the Pantheon. But before this we went to the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II.

After this we went to the Pantheon

The Pantheon was the highlight of the day for me. In my opinion this is the most preserved ancient building. The ancient architecture and beauty of it is amazing. It was also interesting to see the grave of Raphael.

History: The Pantheon (Latin Pantheon, from Greek Πάνθειον Pantheon, meaning "Temple of all the gods") is a building in Rome which was originally built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, and rebuilt circa 125 AD during Hadrian's reign. The intended degree of inclusiveness of this dedication is debated. The generic term pantheon is now applied to a monument in which illustrious dead are buried. It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. It has been in continuous use throughout its history. The design of the extant building is sometimes credited to the Trajan's architect Apollodorus of Damascus, but it is equally likely that the building and the design should be credited to emperor Hadrian's architects, but not Hadrian himself as many art scholars once thought. Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a Catholic church. The Pantheon is the oldest standing domed structure in Rome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 metres (142 ft).

After a long day me, Tyler, Jordan went over to see the flooded Tiber River and the Vatican for the first time. We also went to see the Bernini museum right next to the President of Italy's house.

After this me, Jordan, Molly, Rachel, David and Brian went out to see the night life of Rome...we found both the good and the bad side of the city. After this called it a night.

Pompeii

Apollo News Video:


When first looking at the second problem based learning (PBL) assignment, I was in total shock and confused at what in the world we as a group we were supposed to do. An earlier blog states the PBL assignment itself. It was entirely a confusing mess; we had no idea on how we were going to accomplish this. We first attempted to break this down into a reasonable attempt of making it work. Our initial plans were to create a 20-minute video that would cover all of it. The weeks after the initial week went on, we had trouble meeting because of holidays, other university events and my computer problems. Even through all of this we were able to keep going. Once we looked the possibility of doing a 20 minute video, we determined that it would take at least ten plus hours of video editing itself to accomplish it. So we decided to do half film, half live action. We did not even start to film this video until a day before Thanksgiving and filmed a five-minute clip in the process. I found clips of Apollo from an old Star Trek episode and tried to crop and video edit so that it would work on the movie. We tried for several hours with no success. So the video ended up being only five minutes, with no extra footage. So two days before presentation we had to imprevise on how we were going to accomplish this. We decided to do a Global Warming conference were Rachel was talking about Global warming, then the news video that we made appeared. Following this Jordan and me entered the auditorium as Apollo (me) and an Apollo supporter. We had a skit for rest of the presentation. We presented the peace and did a great job of doing it, me looking like an idiot and everyone getting into the appropriate character. We made everyone laugh in the audience, making it a very fun and successful presentation.