I have definitely experienced so many parts of Rome these past three weeks. I have had dinner in Trastevere (a neighborhood in Rome) a couple times. All times were wonderful. I had some delicious seafood pasta and some artichoke lasagna in the Jewish Ghetto. Also I have been keeping up with my gelato research and trying many new flavors. One of my favorite parts about Italy=the food.
Last Sunday I went to a Roma Soccer Game versus Catania. I thought football games were intense. Think again. These games are in the blood of the Romans. As we were running and trying to get to the game (because we were late and the one thing that Italians are on time for is soccer) we could hear echoing chants. These chants did not stop the whole game. In America at football games or even basketball games, people are encouraged to cheer by the announcers or halftime shows. There was none of that here. It seems like anything (such as announcers or halftime shows) would be too much of a distraction from the game. The stadium was packed with Italian men and their young sons. You can tell this way of life is ingrained in them at a very early age. Plus I picked up some soccer moves to use at my next game on Wednesday. Speaking of which, the gold team is currently 2-1.On Thursday I went back to the Missions of Charity homeless shelter to volunteer. These sisters are amazing! They work hard everyday cleaning, cooking, and caring for the homeless men. All day long they have the biggest smile on their faces. They are patient, kind, and fun! They really do inspire me to stay positive about life. Also, the men at the homeless shelter are great. They are from all over the world but my favorite is a cute little man who came from Mexico. Apparently when he showed up to the shelter many years ago he had a beard, long hair, and a sombrero on. He likes to talk to me (in italian) but I really can not understand him. He talks quickly and mumbled because he doesn't have any teeth. But he is always complimenting me by calling me Principessa (princess).
On Friday, I spent the day in Rome by myself. It was much needed. I realized that besides when I sleep, I have gotten zero alone time since being here for a month and half. I decided to use that day for myself. It was so great! I went exploring near Piazza Navona, got a crepe with gelato in it, found a fabulous bead store, went to the Aushwitz-Burkenau museum, the Spanish steps, and on top of the Victor Emmanuel monument to overlook the city.
It was just a great day to let everything soak in. It has slowly been hitting me that I'm in Rome. Sometimes it seems more like another reality. But it's real and I love it!
I decided randomly on Friday to go to Naples for the day on Saturday. Some friends that I have not traveled with yet were going and I thought it would be nice to get away for the day. So me, Adri, Katherine, Joe, and Mariam woke up at 6 am and caught an 8 am train. These 6 am mornings seem to be a common re-occurrence. I think I have said it before, but I love taking trains through Italy. The countryside is beautiful. As soon as we got in we got some delicious Napoli pizza. I had a four cheese pizza and then the whole table split the Margarita pizza. I like the Margarita pizza the best but mine was still good. I can honestly say that was some of the pizza (and most original) pizza that I have ever had. We explored Naples, got some gelato, and then decided to sit by the sea. We just sat for so long, feeling content with this gorgeous view. To the left was Mount Vesuvius, in front were ships and sailboats, and to the left was a distant island and the coast of Naples. It was one of my favorite days.
I decided I wanted to put my feet in! So I climbed down the rocks to stick my toe in. As I am dipping my foot in, I see a massive wave coming towards me. Yes, I get drenched. Absolutely soaked. Well, I guess I got my feet wet. It was hilarious! I tried to lay in the sun to get dried for a bit, but really it was not happening. I ended up buying a new pair of jeans to ease my comfort. Such is traveling, you really never know what is going to happen next.After exploring more of Naples and LOTS of walking we saw our same view from earlier in the day, but at night. I'm really happy I made it there.
Now it's time for midterms and getting ready for Spring Break. I will be leaving for Tunisia in 4 days! Until then I have two midterms, a paper, and my monologues to perform. Please come soon spring break!
Buon Giorno! Megan, I am so happy to know that you are having a wonderful time. I wanted to tell you before you left, the most famous and important Basilicas in Rome, but also in the history of our Christian Faith. 1st: there is San Giovanni di Laterano. This is where the popes lived for almost a 1,000 years.And when at San Giovanni; across the street is the private chapels of the popes (just ask some one where is the Santa Scala ?).In this magnificent chapel, are the steps Christ walked up to face the judgement of Pontius Pilate.Tradition is, to go up these steps on your knees, and kiss the spots, where Jesus's Blood had drip. This truly, is an act of humility. The blood is covered with acrylic. St Helena, mother of the first Christian Emporer Constantine.( 325 a.d.) Is said to have brougt them back from the Holy Land. It is incredible. There is a stop on Linea A: it is San Giovanni. A few blocks from there is the Basilica Santa Maria Majiore. This is the oldest Church in Christianity dedicated to the Blessed Mother. There are great examples of absolute Barouqe in the side chapels, and at the foot of the altar, you can go down steps to see the crib that Jesus was born in. Oh, before I forget, if you can save your ticket from the Museo Vaticano. You can use the same ticket for entrance into the Apostolic Palace, where the popes lived.Right next to San Giovanni. Santa Maria Majiore is so beautiful and magnificent. It is truly worth seeing. They have a beautiful sung Mass, every Sunday @ 930am/10:00a.m.It would also be great to visit the Basilica of San Paolo a fuori a mura. (St. Paul outside the walls.) The present structue was built in the 19th c. due to a fire. It is here that St. Paul is buried.The priests and sisters there are always so kind. And there is a subway, that goes there. All of these are free, and you will be able to see some of the most incredible architecture and Art in the world. There is one other little gem. The Tomb of Pope Julius, sculpted by Michelangelo.
ReplyDeleteIt is in a small little church: San Pietro di Vincoli.(St. Peter in the chains.) tradition holds that these are the chains St Peter was shakeled in prior to his martyrdom.The chains too, are before the altar, down some steps. There is a subway stop, steps from the church. It is on linea B; and the stop is Cavour. I also think you take linea B to see St. Paul. The basilica I have mentioned is The Catholic one. Do not confuse with San Paolo a mura, (St Paul inside the walls)this is an Anglican Church. And of course you have seen the Basilica San Pietro. Michelangelo was the architect to build this most beautiful Structue.And I am sure you have seen the beautful sculpted Statue of the "Pieta" to your right as you enter the basilca. He was only 23 when he did this work. And it is one of the few he put his name on. Look at the sash of the BVM...it is there where he signed his name. 1 last Church to see is Santa Maria di Trastevere. You have mentioned going over to Trastevere. I know the area, and it is great fun. The Basilica of Santa Maria is on the piazza of Santa Maria.There is a wonderful group that meets there every evening for prayer. I think @5:30. And there is Mass there every Sunday eve.The community that meets there are members of "St. Egidio". These people too, feed, clothe and shelter the poor of Rome.They originaly met in a small Church, not far from Santa Maria di Trastevere, called St. Egidio. The people are all so friendly. I hope you have a chance to get there. I hope you are able to get to these churches. Look out for a book they sell on all the Major Basilicas of Rome. And all four are listed. It is well worth the cost of @ 8 euros. I am sure by now, your italian has improved greatly. Have a wonderful spring break in Tunisa. Try not to fall off any camels. I am sure it will be an awesome experience. A different continent. God Bless you and be with you, as you study, pray and party in the Eternal City.my love and best wishes. uncle patrick