Roman Holiday

Confession: I have been avoiding the blogosphere because I am simply so overwhelmed with thoughts and ideas and memories worth sharing that the task of actually putting them into words has become a very daunting thought. But if I put this off any longer I might just explode, so here goes nothing....
Lets start with Rome, the eternal city, simple enough right? Wrong! I am beyond words when it comes to describing how I felt in this city, but I promise I will give it a good try.

Megan and I at the Trevi Fountain

Jordi and I in front of the Colosseum

Dinner at Dolce Vita

Meeting up with my beautiful friend! We've been with each other in 2 foreign countries. Where to next Megs?

Can you see him???

Our journey into the city actually began in a different country, Vatican City. We toured the Vatican in a big tourist group complete with a tour guide and headsets. Yes, the same kind of group I try desperately to avoid in Florence but secretly eavesdrop on to get bits of historical information. But, since I don't live in Rome, I figured who cares about walking around with a big "I'm not from her!" stamp on my forehead? It was actually quite fun playing the shameless tourist role for a bit, and very informative as well. The Sistine Chapel was an experience all its own. Inside the Chapel there is no talking and photography is prohibited. I'm not quite sure what the motives are behind these rules; is it out of respect for God? to protect the art? to ensure you get the full spiritual experience? Whatever the reason, silence in a room packed with hundreds of people surrounded by some of the most famous art in the world, all of which centers on God was...was...awesome, for lack of a better word. St. Peter's Basilica was grand and the gorgeous day was the perfect backdrop when looking back at the Vatican from the Piazza San Pietro.
The highlight of my first day in Rome was spending a few precious hours with my friend Megan from back home. She had been in Rome with family for about seven days and was very excited to be with me while I saw some of Rome's biggest attractions for the first time. Together we crossed the Tyber river and passed by the Pantheon on our way to our first destination, the Piazza Navona. We ate brucheta, carbonara (a pasta dish made with bacon and eggs that Rome is known for-delicious!) and drank red wine at an outdoor restaurant called Dolce Vita. Basically, we were in a typical "Roman Holiday"-like movie scene atmosphere for about two hours. We talked about Italy, home, Jesus, and everything in between. It was so comforting to see a familiar face. And what did we do next you ask? Oh we just got some gilato and strolled over to the Trevi Fountain where we ate, talked, sat in awe, and, of course, through a coin in. Traditionally, you are supposed to throw in 3 coins, one to ensure a return to Rome, a second to find your true love, and a third for marriage. I threw in one. I don't want to be greedy, I just want to come back some day....
My first day in Rome is vivid; clear as day. The next two, however, are a bit blurry. The Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Roman ruins, The Ecstasy of St. Theresa,  mass outside the Vatican on Sunday morning, listening to the Pope address and bless the people, riding with my friends around the most beautiful park, drinking as much of Rome's refreshing water as possible. It was bliss. I really, really hope that coin was lucky.