I cannot believe I am writing my last blog for this semester. I feel as though every time I sit down to write a blog I find myself saying something along the lines of how fast the time is going. This is my last weekend here in Rome and as I write about week seven I can't believe I'm going to be on a plane to go home in less than a week.
On Wednesday, I woke up around 5:15 AM and we caught the 6:23 train into Rome. We went to Vatican City, stood in line for awhile, got to the conference room, and was able to sit in the THIRD ROW. I could not sleep the night before, so I was running on an hour and a half of sleep. But I was so excited that I didn't even notice. When Pope Benedict XVI walked through the door, words could not describe how I felt to be there and how blessed I was to have this kind of opportunity. Walsh University was even announced as attendees. The Pope spoke in seven different languages. It was absolutely amazing. After he was done, he blessed any religious articles we had. Before I left for the trip, my mom bought me a necklace and had it blessed by our priest. I was able to get her a necklace blessed by the Pope. I think that is going to be the best Christmas present. Our experience we had on Wednesday was one of the best ones so far.
On Thursday, we took a train to Nettuno. I thought this city was absolutely beautiful. We had class right by the Tyrrhenian Sea. We were able to see the American Cemetary in Rome which was beautiful and humbling at the same time. I felt pride for our country when I saw the graves of all the individuals that have fought and died.
In the book called Mr. Ripley, his reaction to seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, reminded me of seeing quite a few extraordinary places while on this trip such as La Pieta, the Coliseum, and the Pope. "...but there it was! a thick white column sticking up out of the low chalky houses that formed the rest of the town, and leaning leaning at an angle that he wouldn't have thought possible!"
In closing, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I have learned a number of things about myself, and I also gained a new insight towards culture and new places. I have seen a number of places throughout my time in Italy such as Paris, Dublin, and London. I can't begin to describe how unreal it all feels when looking back. This has been an amazing experience. That's all for now!
Emily, I can't believe we wrote this blog either. Two months ago it seemed like the date was so far away! It has been a pleasure getting to know you! :)
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteOut of all the things we have done on this trip, in my opinion, that wednesday of going to the papal audience was the best for me, it was just amazing! You are right Nettuno was beautiful, it reminded me of Florida or like Myrtel beach, even though I have nevert been to either. This experience has been amazing and a learning experience, an awsome one!
Emily, it is so weird that the time ha flown by so fast. Even though we've been here for 2 months, some of us have seen up to 5 different countries! I think we're so lucky to have been given this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI must say your opening sentence made me sad! It is unreal how fast time went by and that in just a few days we will be on a plane headed back to our real life.
No Emily. This was not make believe. You are not going back to your old life. You are going back to a new life.
DeleteI had the same feeling when we were in the cemetery in Nettuno. It was amazing to see all of the people who have fought and died for our country. Class by the sea was defiantly an awesome experience because I know none of my friends at home can ever say they did the same. I also feel that this experience was amazing, and I wouldn't change it for the world! I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself!
ReplyDeleteciao Emily
ReplyDeleteGlad you were affected by the experience.