This is my last night in Rome and I must pack now before we all go out for a final night on the town. My plans are to spend the rest of my Euros at a restaurant and the Abbey Theater ( Or scholars maybe?). Well I had a great journey, and i learned so much and have countless stories to tell. We all went around at lunch today and told everyone what we got most out of the trip, and it was very moving at times. Everyone had a great time and learned alot about themselves, their faith, and each other. Check back in a few weeks for the movie! I'll be making it as soon as i get back. Now, for some quick points about the trip
Random fact: When Saint Lawrence was being executed, they basically placed him on a skillet, as if he was being barbequed. When he was being cooked alive, history has it that he said something along the lines of "I'm done on this side. You can turn me over now"...badass
True story: We got to enter the Papal apartments where the Pope lives and even got to see his private chapel. When security did not let us leave the chapel right away, we wondered why. We learned afterwards that the Pope was walking down the hallway so they kept us in the chapel so he could get by.
Funny Quote: "Crown Royal and 'oh shit'? Is that a drink? I've never heard of it."
-Father Bob
inspiration: Going to mass when we were little kids might have been boring, but going to a mass in a completely different language is a really good experience. Local Italians who did not even understand English joined in our small masses and you can see that it was really theyre faith that brought them to do that.
Big Coincidence: I ran into a friend Matt Sabin, who i went to middle school and high school with. I havent seen him in about 3 years, and he happened to be studying in Rome, and we happened to walk into the same bar.
Random Fact: Saints Peter and Paul are everywhere. And they are always portrayed together.
I'll try and do a final wrap up tomorrow at the airport, but for now, arrivederci to Roma.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Beginning of my Final Rome Week
Sunday we started off a little later than usual, had a class meeting and then Professor Gentry-Akin took us out to lunch and i got the Half Calzone-Half Pizza again. It was bomb...again. We then assembled at Saint Paul's Basilica again for the prayer service with the Pope. It was really really crowded. There was heavy security for obvious reasons, and people were pushing to get a good spot in line. Even the nuns were pushing people out of the way. It was kind of a funny sight. the prayer service was good, and we had really good seats. Afterwards we decided to get dinner and hang out at the abbey theater.
Yesterday we had a LONG day. The main thing we did was go to Travestere, one of Rome's oldest neighborhoods. We went to a church called Sant' Eigidio, had a short presentation and a prayer in italian. Afterwards we were taken out to dinner at a restaurant, and they kept ordering us hella wine.
Today was very long, but we did see some good things today. We started off early so we could have a private mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in the vatican. We've been to many Basilicas on this whole trip, but Saint Peter's is definitely the best one. It really is as they described "the mother of all basilicas". Which makes sense, because Saint Peter's bones are kept there. It blows your mind to think that we were having mass within the vicinity of Saint Peter's bones, the first pope, the man that walked with Jesus, the man that Jesus designated as The Rock. The basilica itself we learned also houses the bodies of many other popes including John Paul the Second, whose tomb we saw. It really is an amazing experience, if you are ever in Rome, you MUST go into saint peter's basilica. It was desgined by Michaelangelo when he was 70, and it took him 19 years to complete. walking around, you can see why it took so long, but it seems so perfect.
Afterwards we went to the Sistine Chapel, which also houses the famous work of Michaelangelo. The sistine chapel is definitely a must see in Rome. I cannot really explain in words what its like, except maybe that its incredible, or unreal. You catch yourself looking up forever trying to see everything. It is literally impossible to see everything in one day. I wish taking pictures and video were allowed, but sadly, that was not the case.
Were almost done in Rome, and we will be back in about 4 days. I'll have all kinds of stories to tell you and literally hundreds of more pictures. Keep checking, I'll get a couple more blogs out of this hopefully.
pics with the Pope
"Leave the gun, take the Cannoli..."
saint peter's
src="http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq53/Jordan408ten/rome11082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
Yesterday we had a LONG day. The main thing we did was go to Travestere, one of Rome's oldest neighborhoods. We went to a church called Sant' Eigidio, had a short presentation and a prayer in italian. Afterwards we were taken out to dinner at a restaurant, and they kept ordering us hella wine.
Today was very long, but we did see some good things today. We started off early so we could have a private mass at Saint Peter's Basilica in the vatican. We've been to many Basilicas on this whole trip, but Saint Peter's is definitely the best one. It really is as they described "the mother of all basilicas". Which makes sense, because Saint Peter's bones are kept there. It blows your mind to think that we were having mass within the vicinity of Saint Peter's bones, the first pope, the man that walked with Jesus, the man that Jesus designated as The Rock. The basilica itself we learned also houses the bodies of many other popes including John Paul the Second, whose tomb we saw. It really is an amazing experience, if you are ever in Rome, you MUST go into saint peter's basilica. It was desgined by Michaelangelo when he was 70, and it took him 19 years to complete. walking around, you can see why it took so long, but it seems so perfect.
Afterwards we went to the Sistine Chapel, which also houses the famous work of Michaelangelo. The sistine chapel is definitely a must see in Rome. I cannot really explain in words what its like, except maybe that its incredible, or unreal. You catch yourself looking up forever trying to see everything. It is literally impossible to see everything in one day. I wish taking pictures and video were allowed, but sadly, that was not the case.
Were almost done in Rome, and we will be back in about 4 days. I'll have all kinds of stories to tell you and literally hundreds of more pictures. Keep checking, I'll get a couple more blogs out of this hopefully.
pics with the Pope
"Leave the gun, take the Cannoli..."
saint peter's
src="http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq53/Jordan408ten/rome11082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
Monday, January 26, 2009
More Things i've learned about Rome
1. There is no such thing as coffee to go. But the coffee here is incredible. They put starbucks to shame, and for only 1 euro!
2. In some areas, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, are all the same thing.
3. Don't mess with the Caribineri, they are the hardcore police. They openly walk around with sub-machine guns in the streets.
4. Italian nuns will push you to see the pope. literally, they push you out of the way.
5. You can drive up onto a sidewalk and walk away. Nobody says anything.
6. House wine is hit or miss. It's usually very reasonably priced and its either really good, or really bad.
7. If you ever walk around wondering why all the stores are closed, its because of siesta time. Three hours in the middle of the day where everyone shuts down and eats, drinks, socializes, and no business seems to be done.
8. Pickpockets are such a problem on the Metro that there are cartoons playing on the tv's portraying a pickpocket failing in random situations.
9. People here seem to drink wine and beer all day, but they never drink to get drunk. Huge difference from America.
Check back for updates soon
2. In some areas, streets, sidewalks, parking lots, are all the same thing.
3. Don't mess with the Caribineri, they are the hardcore police. They openly walk around with sub-machine guns in the streets.
4. Italian nuns will push you to see the pope. literally, they push you out of the way.
5. You can drive up onto a sidewalk and walk away. Nobody says anything.
6. House wine is hit or miss. It's usually very reasonably priced and its either really good, or really bad.
7. If you ever walk around wondering why all the stores are closed, its because of siesta time. Three hours in the middle of the day where everyone shuts down and eats, drinks, socializes, and no business seems to be done.
8. Pickpockets are such a problem on the Metro that there are cartoons playing on the tv's portraying a pickpocket failing in random situations.
9. People here seem to drink wine and beer all day, but they never drink to get drunk. Huge difference from America.
Check back for updates soon
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A day trip to Assisi
Today we woke up early and boarded a bus for 3 hours to take a day trip to Assisi. This is the town where of course, Saint Francis of Assisi is originally from, and his basilica as well as Saint Claire's is located. Down the hill in a smaller town the original church that Saint Francis restored himself is located. We were all pretty excited to go on this trip and see a place very different from Rome. The bus ride was uneventful for the most part, except when we almost left Kayla behind at the gas station. I slept for most of the way, and so did everyone else.
When you drive up to Assisi, you are amazed because it really still looks like a medieval town. The buildings and roads still look like they did in the 14th century. The entire city is walled still, so it seems as if you can defend the city from invaders still. Standing at the top you get a beautiful view of the countryside. Assisi was WAY different from Rome. Life seems way slower than Rome, and Rome life seems slower anyways. There aren't cars flying by everywhere. Very few in fact. There also are not a lot of people walking around at all. Its really peaceful walking around Assisi.
We met our guide, Father Brian, who showed us Saint Claire's basilica first. It was not as large as some of the other ones we have been to, but her remains are still preserved down under the church. He told us the story about how many years after her death they uncovered her body to find it still intact. We also learned the legend of her single-handedly defending the town of Assisi against Muslim mercenaries.
Saint Francis' basilica was also very nice, and we had a short mass there. It really is a cool feeling to hold our own private masses in these famous basilicas and churches. Christians have been coming to these places for centuries, and we get to visit them and spend time there.
They provided us lunch at a restaurant in Assisi. It was one of the best ones we had the whole time we've been here. We had two types of pasta, bruschetta, roast beef, sausages, salad, and some kind of italian dessert. They also provided us several bottles of red and white wine, and they kept them coming when we ran out. We all had a very good conversation and really good meal.
We shopped around Assisi for a short while and then took the bus back to Rome. It was a very long day, but all worth it. Tomorrow, were going to see the Pope again, so I will have more pictures and stories. See you all in about a week!
When you drive up to Assisi, you are amazed because it really still looks like a medieval town. The buildings and roads still look like they did in the 14th century. The entire city is walled still, so it seems as if you can defend the city from invaders still. Standing at the top you get a beautiful view of the countryside. Assisi was WAY different from Rome. Life seems way slower than Rome, and Rome life seems slower anyways. There aren't cars flying by everywhere. Very few in fact. There also are not a lot of people walking around at all. Its really peaceful walking around Assisi.
We met our guide, Father Brian, who showed us Saint Claire's basilica first. It was not as large as some of the other ones we have been to, but her remains are still preserved down under the church. He told us the story about how many years after her death they uncovered her body to find it still intact. We also learned the legend of her single-handedly defending the town of Assisi against Muslim mercenaries.
Saint Francis' basilica was also very nice, and we had a short mass there. It really is a cool feeling to hold our own private masses in these famous basilicas and churches. Christians have been coming to these places for centuries, and we get to visit them and spend time there.
They provided us lunch at a restaurant in Assisi. It was one of the best ones we had the whole time we've been here. We had two types of pasta, bruschetta, roast beef, sausages, salad, and some kind of italian dessert. They also provided us several bottles of red and white wine, and they kept them coming when we ran out. We all had a very good conversation and really good meal.
We shopped around Assisi for a short while and then took the bus back to Rome. It was a very long day, but all worth it. Tomorrow, were going to see the Pope again, so I will have more pictures and stories. See you all in about a week!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
"Catholic Disneyland"
We have had another busy couple of days in Rome. After our free weekend, we began our week going to Saint Paul's outside the walls. This is basically the basilica of Saint Paul, and its called "outside the walls" because it is in a place that originally was not within Rome's city limits. I really thought it was going to be just like any other Basilica that we had visited, but I was wrong. This place was incredible. It was HUGE. I wish i was able to get more pictures in there, but my camera batteries died and I was only able to get a couple. Saint Paul, as most people will know, is the man who actually wrote the Letters in the New testament. Most scholars agree that he really did write Roman's and Galatians. Walking into his basilica and seeing his actual tomb was an amazing experience. This was the guy who we heard stories about in the bible, the actual man that we were taught about in Catholic school. Later, we went out to a trattoria, which is a type of family restaurant. We had some really good food. I got the special which included a salad, pasta, meatballs, and a dessert. We also went to the Pantheon which was this old temple that the ancient Romans originally built, but it was later converted by christians into a church. It is definitely worth seeing. Outside is a building out of ancient Rome. walking inside is a beautiful church with a huge dome. In the top of the dome is a hole that you can see the sky out of. It does rain though inside, which is still kinda cool, but dont stand underneath it....
Tuesday, we went to another old Basilica and had mass. After a lecture and tour, Professor Gentry-Akin bought us lunch. I ordered this half calzone/half pizza. It was BOMB. It was also one of the strangest creations I have ever seen. We had a short seminar later and we were free for the evening. We wanted to watch the Presidential Inaugration together at a restaurant or pub. So we went to the English speaking area and watched it together at Abbey Theatre. It was a really fun and eventful night. We all managed to get seperated again leaving and everyone ended up taking a different way home. It all worked out though since we are getting really used to this whole metro system.
Today was another interesting day. We started the morning at Saint Agnes' outside the walls. Saint Agnes was martyred at only the age of 12. Her actual tomb was there, and it was a special mass at her basilica today. It was very interesting because the mass was in Italian. We could not understand much, but it was still a cool experience. Even though we were in a different country, you begin to realize that mass is essentially the same. Hearing people do the sign of peace in a different language was cool too. We've learned a lot about catholicism this whole trip, and we all really have been thinking more about our faith and why we believe what we do. I myself have learned so much about myself and about being a catholic. Walking into St. Peter's square, sitting in places like Saint Paul's Basilica, reminds you why people believe what they do, and why people died for their faith. Really, you are in awe of some of the things you see in Rome.
Saint Paul
saint paul's tomb
Pantheon Roof
tomb of the second king of italy
the pantheon
Tuesday, we went to another old Basilica and had mass. After a lecture and tour, Professor Gentry-Akin bought us lunch. I ordered this half calzone/half pizza. It was BOMB. It was also one of the strangest creations I have ever seen. We had a short seminar later and we were free for the evening. We wanted to watch the Presidential Inaugration together at a restaurant or pub. So we went to the English speaking area and watched it together at Abbey Theatre. It was a really fun and eventful night. We all managed to get seperated again leaving and everyone ended up taking a different way home. It all worked out though since we are getting really used to this whole metro system.
Today was another interesting day. We started the morning at Saint Agnes' outside the walls. Saint Agnes was martyred at only the age of 12. Her actual tomb was there, and it was a special mass at her basilica today. It was very interesting because the mass was in Italian. We could not understand much, but it was still a cool experience. Even though we were in a different country, you begin to realize that mass is essentially the same. Hearing people do the sign of peace in a different language was cool too. We've learned a lot about catholicism this whole trip, and we all really have been thinking more about our faith and why we believe what we do. I myself have learned so much about myself and about being a catholic. Walking into St. Peter's square, sitting in places like Saint Paul's Basilica, reminds you why people believe what they do, and why people died for their faith. Really, you are in awe of some of the things you see in Rome.
Saint Paul
saint paul's tomb
Pantheon Roof
tomb of the second king of italy
the pantheon
Monday, January 19, 2009
Quotes from this trip so far
1. Bartender: I'm from Northern Ireland.
Me:What are are you doing here in Rome?
Bartender: I came here for the crack.
(Me and Ricky look at each other confused)
2 minutes later....
Bartender: I don't mean like California crack...I mean like, the nightlife.
Me and Ricky: Oh.....
2. "I found the closet where they hide the REAL toilet paper..."
-Mike Joyce
3. "If he disrespects, I'll fight the man...."
-Warren, some Virginia Tech guy talking about god knows what
4."Jesus did the first thizz face?"
-Jose
5."I feel like tonight is gonna be a big night..."
-Dan. Right before he lit his hand on fire from a flaming shot
6. "Oy, your blocking the way to the loo. Some consideration here. You got all these people stuck here. Thank you!"
-random British guy when some other guy was blocking me from walking in a bar.
7. "This is Catholic Disneyland"
-Professor Gentry-Akin
Me:What are are you doing here in Rome?
Bartender: I came here for the crack.
(Me and Ricky look at each other confused)
2 minutes later....
Bartender: I don't mean like California crack...I mean like, the nightlife.
Me and Ricky: Oh.....
2. "I found the closet where they hide the REAL toilet paper..."
-Mike Joyce
3. "If he disrespects, I'll fight the man...."
-Warren, some Virginia Tech guy talking about god knows what
4."Jesus did the first thizz face?"
-Jose
5."I feel like tonight is gonna be a big night..."
-Dan. Right before he lit his hand on fire from a flaming shot
6. "Oy, your blocking the way to the loo. Some consideration here. You got all these people stuck here. Thank you!"
-random British guy when some other guy was blocking me from walking in a bar.
7. "This is Catholic Disneyland"
-Professor Gentry-Akin
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Weekend in Rome
We had our free weekend in Rome these past couple of days. It was a lot of fun, and I think we are getting to know the city a lot better. Our plan was to go out in the city Friday night. We found a few pubs that we wanted to try but they were on the other side of town. I had been told that the Metro only runs until 11:30 pm so at 11:25 we ran to catch what we thought was the last train for the night. Of course we were wrong, and learned later the metro runs until 1:30 on weekends. We walked for a long time, not exactly knowing where we were going. Eventually we were able to meet with some other SMC people that were on a different trip, and we made our way to the Abbey Theatre Irish pub. Now, i think its strange that Irish pubs are so big in Rome, because well...were in Rome. However, now i know why people go there. They are HELLA fun. Its not exactly like your in Ireland, but you are most definitely not in an italian bar.
After a fun night there we planned on taking cab home because the Metro wasnt running and it was a far walk. While we started off as a large group somehow walking from one place to the other we got separated and ended up taking different cabs home. The cab ride was a lot cheaper than we expected, and this was probably due to the crazy cab driver. Ive never seen anyone run so many consecutive red lights. I did not complain though, since we got back near our place quickly. We hung out for a little longer at the cafe and ended up walking in to our hotel verrrry late....or more early, in the morning..
Saturday I was too tired to do a lot of touring, but Ricky and I planned on meeting up with Devon, who is studying here for the semester. So later that night, Ricky, Me, and two other people in our class Mike and Lindsey went to the Abbey Theatre and waited for Devon, who we couldnt get a hold of. Eventually after we ate and hung out for a bit devon showed up and started showing us the area. We hit a couple more american bars and Irish pubs, but didnt stay long at all because the place was so crowded, you couldnt even move, or order a drink. We decided just to go back to the abbey theatre where we chilled until they closed. what was funny about the night was the amount of americans we were running into.
Today, we started off early and went to the Vatican again to see the Pope address the crowd at noon. At first St Peter's square seemed to have a lot of people, but it wasnt fully packed. But by 1145 the crowd was enormous and lively. There was a church group playing African drums, dancing and singing. People waved their country's flag and held banners up. The pope was cheered on when he addressed the crowd, and spoke for about 10 minutes. Its funny to think how many people come out to see him for such a short amount of time.
Afterwards we decided to tour the Colliseum. It was a crazy feeling to be inside for once and you really do try to imagine what it would have been like to see the building at its prime. Upon leaving the colliseum, there was an incident because we realized that Ricky was nowhere to be found. our first plan was to walk around the colliseum in opposite directions and then eventually we would run into him. Did not work out. So for the next hour we searched in the vicinity of the colliseum for ricky and he was no where to be found. We eventually gave up on him and toured the forum. The forum was awesome, because walking around in there is really like walking around ancient Rome. My camera battery died though so i didnt get as many pictures as i wish i did. If youre ever in Rome though i recommend you go in the forum though. It is the only remaining part of ancient Rome. Its mind blowing to think about how old the pillars and the ruins are. Look at the pictures i have and you'll get a feel for it hopefully.
Were about to get really busy here this week. I'm having a lot of fun here and I'm learning a lot. This really is a life changing experience. I am missing some things from America though. Hope everyone back home is doing good and i will see you all in a couple weeks. Keep checking back for more updates and pictures
colliseum floor, excavated.
After a fun night there we planned on taking cab home because the Metro wasnt running and it was a far walk. While we started off as a large group somehow walking from one place to the other we got separated and ended up taking different cabs home. The cab ride was a lot cheaper than we expected, and this was probably due to the crazy cab driver. Ive never seen anyone run so many consecutive red lights. I did not complain though, since we got back near our place quickly. We hung out for a little longer at the cafe and ended up walking in to our hotel verrrry late....or more early, in the morning..
Saturday I was too tired to do a lot of touring, but Ricky and I planned on meeting up with Devon, who is studying here for the semester. So later that night, Ricky, Me, and two other people in our class Mike and Lindsey went to the Abbey Theatre and waited for Devon, who we couldnt get a hold of. Eventually after we ate and hung out for a bit devon showed up and started showing us the area. We hit a couple more american bars and Irish pubs, but didnt stay long at all because the place was so crowded, you couldnt even move, or order a drink. We decided just to go back to the abbey theatre where we chilled until they closed. what was funny about the night was the amount of americans we were running into.
Today, we started off early and went to the Vatican again to see the Pope address the crowd at noon. At first St Peter's square seemed to have a lot of people, but it wasnt fully packed. But by 1145 the crowd was enormous and lively. There was a church group playing African drums, dancing and singing. People waved their country's flag and held banners up. The pope was cheered on when he addressed the crowd, and spoke for about 10 minutes. Its funny to think how many people come out to see him for such a short amount of time.
Afterwards we decided to tour the Colliseum. It was a crazy feeling to be inside for once and you really do try to imagine what it would have been like to see the building at its prime. Upon leaving the colliseum, there was an incident because we realized that Ricky was nowhere to be found. our first plan was to walk around the colliseum in opposite directions and then eventually we would run into him. Did not work out. So for the next hour we searched in the vicinity of the colliseum for ricky and he was no where to be found. We eventually gave up on him and toured the forum. The forum was awesome, because walking around in there is really like walking around ancient Rome. My camera battery died though so i didnt get as many pictures as i wish i did. If youre ever in Rome though i recommend you go in the forum though. It is the only remaining part of ancient Rome. Its mind blowing to think about how old the pillars and the ruins are. Look at the pictures i have and you'll get a feel for it hopefully.
Were about to get really busy here this week. I'm having a lot of fun here and I'm learning a lot. This really is a life changing experience. I am missing some things from America though. Hope everyone back home is doing good and i will see you all in a couple weeks. Keep checking back for more updates and pictures
colliseum floor, excavated.
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