Roman Villas

Recently we did some day trips to local Villas (basically huge Renaissance palaces in the countryside with huge gardens).  We learned all about the villas and their layouts and symmetries and everything.  Of course we also had a midterm recently in our history class (i think i did fairly well, but we will see on monday when we get them back).  So heres some images from the visits.  All the gardens were way too symmetrical and the interiors were way too decorated.  They had some great views of the surrounding towns and countryside.

Villa Farnese, its actually a pentagon in plan

symmetry, symmetry, symmetry

Spiral stairs are always popular

Even more spiral stairs

Not a bad view from the balcony

Nice little dining table outside

 Oh and two random things I saw in Rome that I thought were pretty cool.  First, I saw a big group of film crew people on my way to school.  There didnt seem to be any famous actors or anything, but definitely wouldnt see a film crew back in Troy anywhere.  Then I just saw a guy carving a huge piece of sausage/bologna/meat/whatever you want to call it.  Dont see that every day either.

moviee, too bad I didnt see any stars yet

meat much?