The title's for you, NY, so I hope you're reading this. I spent the last three days in beautiful Rome. It was a short trip, seeing as how I didn't arrive in the city until around 3 on Friday and left for the airport at 11 on Sunday, but it was a great one. Fears of a public transportation strike on Friday turned out to be unwarranted. I found Sarah and her handsome boyfriend, Silvio at the train station mostly as planned. They took me to their apartment and my culinary enjoyment of Italy began. Fresh tortellini with fresh tomato/onion/garlic sauce and fresh mozzarella. It was delicious! Sarah then took me out for a nighttime stroll past the major monuments, Colosseum, Roman Ruins, a building the Romans refer to as "The Wedding Cake." The city was stunning all lit up and I kept having "Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm in Rome" moments.
The next morning we got up early-ish to explore the city by the light of day. We started at the Vatican where we found the square to be full of people. It wasn't just crowded with typical tourists though, there were several groups of people proudly wearing capes and carrying banners declaring their specific Catholic sect. There was a blocked off pathway weaving its way around the square and on the steps of St. Peters was a full orchestra and choir next to a sort of stage. Obviously something was going on so Sarah and I decided to stay and see what happened. Sure enough, about 45 minutes later the Pope himself came out on a little Jeep type thing and cruised around the pathway waving. It was pretty incredible. He was only about ten feet away from me! It was surreal. What are the chances?
We walked over tons of the city and saw all the main attractions in the daylight. It's all so impressive and it's hard to believe there can be so much history in one place. Sarah said they keep trying to build a Metro system, but every time they dig they find some new ruins and have to stop construction. We tried to go out Saturday night, but could not find anywhere to park. Finally after a few hours of driving around, Silvio parked illegally and we ran into a cafe for cappuccinos and cornettos, which are chocolate filled croissants. Delicious!
All in all, it was a great weekend with great people. I threw my coin into the Trevi Fountain so hopefully I'll be returning one day!
4 comments:
Not many can say they SAW the pope..what a grand adventure you are having! I am so proud of you.
Keep soaking it in sister.
We were so anxious to hear your impression of Rome, Rome was one of your GreatGrandma Heim's favorite places in the world. She didn't get to see the Pope, let alone be feet away from him. What a great experience. Thanks for sharing another wonderful adventure with us.
Love, Grams and Papa X O X O X O X
Dear Jonesy, Another great week-end. The pope looks much younger than I thought. Could you believe you were that close to him? His ring is huge huh? Is Paris your last trip? Your family will be there in just a few days. Won't it be good to see them? Is your friend French? Did you meet her when you were there 4 years ago? What fun to be with her. Uncle Mikie and Auntie Caths brother-in law are here tonight and staying over so they can leave early in the morning for hunting. I work tomorrow and then 2 other ladies and I are going to do the food for the tea-style show the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We went to Costco and got supplies today. We had a great time laughed alot. We have a new store it is Hobby Lobby it has tons of stuff kinda like Michaels. We spend an hour there too. Have a grand time with Mama, Daddy, and Lizzy I think of you every day and miss you. I love you lots and lots. Gram
Hi Krista
Sounds like you have a great time in Rome and then you got to see the Pope. WOW! You are going to have some wonderful stories to tell your kid's someday. Have a great time with your family. We love you
Auntie Am
Post a Comment