Back in Rome...

Well, we made it back to Rome and the bus ride was very nice, in my opinion, just because we could nap. When I was awake I did catch some amazing hillsides and scenery. Even the tunnels we went through were pretty neat...too long to hold my breath through, though.

Today was spent at mass and then a trip to the Trevi fountain. Father Greg at St. Susanna was humorous. His tour was short and to the point which was good. The Trevi did get one of my coins today, I will admit.

Again, we went shopping after our wonderful meal at the Hard Rock Cafe. I think it was unanimous that the flashback to American food was much needed. The walk back is always interesting and today, that meant the map was brough out several times and we walked past many more stores that we probably would've needed to. "I really want to come back here," is one of the most common phrases during these times of the day.

I was ready to sleep after our so so so long walking journey but it was off to St. Paul's Basilica. It looked like any church we've seen so far, beautiful columns outside and many statues surrounding, but I was really impressed with the inside. The pictures of all the popes circles much of the walls with some empty spots. I learned today that it is said that the end of the world will come and Christ will return when all the spots are filled with pictures of the popes (we counted 17 spots left so we figure the next few generations don't have to worry about themselves). Listening to the vespers in Latin was very interesting. It felt very peaceful and I took some time to sit and reflect. Faith is a powerful thing and my belief has taken on new meanings after learning some history of Catholoicism, even though I am a Lutheran. I am really enjoying our time spent here and am very glad I got the opportunity to come.

Emily

Oh my goodness!

Well, I have been enjoying Assisi and when we got into Florence I was feeling pretty good. All the scenery is amazing and I am kinda disappointed that I can't get the pictures to show what it looks like in person.

We visited a lot of historic religious sites today and it's an experience to be in the place where a lot of important events took place. The walking today included many hills and I have learned to wear comfy shoes. I actually bought some shoes today at one of the shops and I am really excited to wear them.

Walking around is still an adventure because the cars do not slow down for you, even if the streets are the length of two small cars. I really like that about these towns. They are so pretty with the small cobblestone alleys and tiny sidewalks with all the little cars zooming past. They don't even stop for ambulances, which amazed me. Everyone seems very laid back and I like that atmosphere. I definitely do not like the fact that everyone smokes, though. It seems like a way of life here and I can't understand the desire for it I guess. We went to a cute pub in Rome and it was really nice because there wasn't smoking allowed inside. As soon as we stepped outside, however, with all the tables outside, it was like a cloud of smoke seeping into your pores and our jackets all smelled of smoke. I have aired out in the past few days though :) haha. Anyway, I will write again soon. I am really looking forward to the shopping here in Florence!

Emily

Yay for Rome!

Hey everyone,

Internet time obviously hasn't been very high on my to-do list. I am having so much fun here! Rome has been an amazing experience so far. All the walking makes me feel less guilty about all the gelatos (ice cream) we've been buying. Usually we're so tired by the end of supper that we start nodding off before dessert.

It has been interesting with crossing the streets, Mao trying to learn Italian phrases, and getting lost in the tiny streets throughout the city. We have learned that window shopping is best for our bank accounts. However, those poor things will probably be drained by the time we compare prices and return to the stores for the fifth time.

All of the different churches and all of the history we're learning about the city is overwhelming at times. I am learning a lot, though, and I'm getting some great pictures. I am really excited to go home and get them all printed.

We saw the Pantheon a couple days ago. I am glad it hasn't rained much at all since we've been here. That could've gotten interesting.

We went to see the bones of 4,000 friars at one of the churches today. They didn't allow pictures, but I did get a postcard of it. It was kinda funny to see all the intricate work and name all the bones on the walls. The Caravaggios were amazing too. I really liked the Ecstasy of St. Teresa. Let me just say that pictures do not do that statue justice.

A few of us paid a little extra today to take a tour of the Colosseum, Paletine Hill, and the Roman Forum. It was very well worth the little extra. Being at the sites while learning their history makes it so much easier to remember. I think that has been the highlight of the trip so far for me. It doesn't come far behind the excellent plane ride sitting near Kayla, Mao, and Aaron. Sorry for waking you guys up so much...haha. I just hope that someone will be able to push me back onto the plane home. A flight over the ocean, I've discovered, is not my cup of tea. Anyway, I am really looking forward to Assisi and Florence!

Arrivederici!

Emily

Hello!

My name is Emily Machones. I am a sophomore nursing major from Duluth, Minnesota. I am very excited for our trip to Italy! The thought of packing seems to be the most stressful piece of this whole trip. Hopefully it will remain to be the most stressful even after we arrive. I am glad we've been given good sources to research the places we'll be going. I'm excited to see things up close that most people only see in pictures. I think the historical aspect is also amazing. To think about who was there and what was happening at any certain place hundreds of years ago is awesome. I am looking forward to walking around and doing exploring during our free time to really get a different cultural experience and some use out of my passport!