Buona Serra folks,
Sorry I haven't written in a while, I went to Rome this weekend and I couldn't take my laptop with me. The title above is actually a pretty good description of what happened. Even in the downtown area near the train-station, where I stayed, you couldn't (how do I put it) throw a stone without hitting an ancient ruin, or five. Nearly everywhere in Rome had a history that dated back at LEAST 300 years or more. We got off the train from Florence (with some study abroad students of course) on Friday, Europe time, and put our things in a swanky TWO star hotel before heading out. The AIFS people took us to the Colosseum for a tour. It was nice and sunny and...okay I'll give it to you strait: there was a rainstorm. The only one I have ever had that was worse (in my experienced eleven years) was on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, where it was so wet, when you fell in the mud you would be washed off the moment you got up! I like to say we started out going to the ancient arena for leisure, and ended up cowering inside it for cover. However, I guess a twist of fate helped us because the moment we began walking around the outer areas and the seats, the rain stopped :D <--- joyous emoticon (just in case you want to know).
Oh, and speaking of words that end in 'us', on our trip, we also visited my good latin-speaking chum (yeah right) , the Pope! On Saturday we visited his own little country (The Vatican City ) in the middle of Rome. We looked at some of the museum, walked out into the torrential rain to look at the garden, strolled about the Sistine Chapel, and dropped our jaws at the awe inspiring St.Peter's Church, all accompanied by our chirpy Italian guide. The last place mentioned is the biggest church in the world, large enough the Duomo and Notre Dame to fit snuggly inside (if you maybe snapped off a buttress or two). Me and my family visited the Vatican again on Sunday, to actually SEE Pope Francesco do his morning address for us and 10s of thousands of people assembled in St. Peters square.!
My adventures were fun, as always, but I'm glad to be back in my wee little Florentine apartment :)
Buono Viva to all,
Liv
Sitting in St. Peters Square...Waiting for Papa Francesco
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Inside St. Peters Basilica
P.S. This week my dad and I go on a journey and to climb the Duomo.
No one won this weeks "Post post" competition, so here's your chance.
Make a prediction on something I will do this week and write it in the comments section.
If you win...you will get a mention on my post next week.
Ciao,
Liv
Hi Olivia.
ReplyDeleteAfter catching up on all of your blog entries I have to say how thoroughly enjoyable your writing is. Thank you for sharing your travels with the rest of us. I am especially glad you got to see your buddy Pope Francis.
Okay, here’s my prediction for you. Sometime in the coming week I predict you will hear a violin duet in a street performance.
Peace,
Barbara
What an amazing opportunity my dear niece! So excited that you are able to do all you are doing with your best friend(parents) in tow.
ReplyDeleteMy prediction: While exploring the Duomo you will discover that there may be bats in the bell free.
I predict you will have quite a climb ahead of you. So wear your most comfortable shoes. Daniel, Mrs.Cristina and I are enjoying your blogs.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Cristina comes over at least once a week to see if there is any news from Italy. Where she has traveled a few times herself and has many stories to tell. We love you, give Mom and Dad hug and kisses form us.
Love, Aunt Debbie
That's so wonderful that you and your parents were able to visit the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica - not to mention actually being able to attend a Mass by Pope Francis! It's quite impressive how much ground you and your parents have managed to cover while you've been in Italy :-). Thanks for letting us share in your adventures!
ReplyDeleteLove, The McGrorys and Sofia