Dies Novem: The Rome Where It Happened

   Getting the privilege of sleeping in yesterday was a grand mistake.
Because waking up at our normal times in preparation for our field trip was second only to torture. Jackie was up at another horrendous time, that being 4:25, while the rest of us normal folks attempted to get as much sleep as possible.
 
   Before departing, Magistra McIntire gave us a preparatory lesson on the capitol building and differences in Roman and Greek architecture. After a 30 minute bus drive, which some spent sleeping even more, we had finally arrived in Richmond. 

    Our tour at the state capitol was lead by the wonderful, insightful, and hilarious Mr. Greenough, who quoted Hamilton at least once every five minutes. Throughout our tour of the historic building, that still functions as the active seat of government of the state, we learned about its architectural history (spearheaded by our old pal TJ) and renovation, discussed different aspects of its architecture and art and their classical inspirations, and toured some of the famous old chambers, including a chamber in which Virginia's secession from the union and the acquittal of Aaron Burr took place.

   The beautiful Maymont gardens were a nostalgic visit for most students. We were able to split off into small groups to maximize our hour in the scenic gardens. One was the Japanese gardens that had a huge koi fish pond along with stone rocks that you could walk across to get even closer to the water. Accompanying our new pet fish were adorable turtles that decided to chill on the rocks. Towards the grassy fields of Maymont we were able to spot a fawn and an extremely chonky groundhog. In one of your fun little groups, Matthew pet a bumblebee? Chased around our adorable groundhog and was very entertained by the toads. Then in Hanks party, they spotted a very cute goat. We're sad to have missed it. While we hung out around the different gardens, Jams and Magistra McIntire took a "secret tunnel" (song included).  Unfortunately the path that had the waterfall completely dried out! After trudging in the humid heat, we all were ready for the wonderful AC.

   After departing the wonderful Maymont, we stopped on the way back at DeLuca's Gelato, the owner of which is a Latin teacher and former GLA graduate. The decorations were amazing and the gelato and sorbetto even better. 

   Once we returned, we had about an hour and a half of otium before cena, where some showered, napped, or played games, such as Rex, Gabriel, James, Hank, and Octavian who played the board games Cyclades in the lower floor study.

   After dinner, we walked over to Brock Commons to watch our third movie, Richard Lester's 1966 production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, starring Zero Mostel as Pseudolus. We had a lesson beforehand by Magister McIntire about the tropes and stereotypical characters in Roman Comedy, which we then utilized in our discussion of the film afterwards and will further discuss in class tomorrow. 

   Current province cup top three:
​   Italia - 53
   Hispania - 40
   Britannia  & Germania - 39

Iocum diei (joke of the day):

   There was a man who lived in a grass house. He had an old throne and he put it in his attic for safekeeping. But one day, as he was sleeping, his throne fell through his grass ceiling and killed him. And that's why people who live in grass houses shouldn't stow thrones.

Today's joke submitted by Abigail
    
GLA Out of Context
"And I wanted to go downstairs, but what if there were creepers?" - Ella
"It's a manly muppet or a muppet of a man, make your choice." - James
"I know the monster I am." - Jackie
"God said to Job, 'here's a province point because you suffered so much.'" - Rin
"I've never heard the original I've only heard Peter Griffin." - James
"The field trip was a bad idea because now we remember what freedom feels like." - Noah
"I've spent some time dwelling amongst the squirrels." - Διδάσκαλος Cogan
"I'm probably one of the most hinged people at this academy." - Logan
"This place is so liminal that I can't even escape it in my dreams." - Addie
"Is Jupiter the CEO of the Roman gods?" - Mr. Greenough
"Let's go this way, it'll shorten the escape route. They'll never know you were here." - Mr. Greenough
"Collecting all the saints like Pokemon." - Brittany
"Yeah. I'm so wild with my water." - Dr. Barbulus
"That's what mash pits are like at presidential birthday parties." - Noah
"...and blog appropriate. Because I've learnt that I have to ask that." - Jazz
"What is the cause of Hepatitis A?" - Stella
"With the feces of an infected person- wait what?" - RA Olivia
"If it's approved by Jams." - Jazz
"Wow. Don't you hate your wife? Me too!" - Magistra McIntire
"Virginia is NOT for Lovers." - Jazz
"Mactrine" - Jazz
"Why did you put Noah in quotes?" - Abigail

To more days of just ice cream with each meal, not ice cream, gelato, and shaved ice.
​- Jazz & Noah