Italian Adventure: Rome

It has always been a dream of mine to go to Rome, and I think that started ever since Lizzie McGuire took her Roman adventure. We hopped on a train from Florence and headed to the eternal city. Every Thursday the Pope says a special blessing outside the Vatican in St. Peter's Square. I was in complete awe of being in that square with the Pope standing a good distance away. I have been so lucky to say that I have seen now two Popes within my lifetime! I could not believe that we were actually in St. Peter's Square. I had to pinch myself a few times because I was simply shocked.

We were pretty far away but that didn't matter!

There he is! Pope Francis is sitting under the white awning in the middle of the two men.

Again, with the weather! We were actually sweating in St. Peter's! We were so lucky to have such a sunny and dry week! 

The actual church didn't open until a few hours after the blessing so we decided to go check out the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel. I could be in the Sistine chapel for hours looking at the iconic piece of work. I tried to be a rebel and take a picture but I got yelled at... Mom and Dad, sorry my super spy skills aren't as good as yours! :) 

Once we spent a little time in the museum, the group decided to split up and some of us went back to the hostel and some waited in line to go into the church. The line was out the door and almost to the end of the square! But I decided to wait it out because I knew it would be absolutely worth it once I walked in. And sure was I right! There really are no words when walking into the Vatican. I was absolutely speechless. The church was magnificent and beautiful and powerful and just all around amazing. There is no church to compare to. 

After the hour and a half wait, WE MADE IT! 

The main alter 

Pope John Paul II's tomb and memorial.

Absolutely breathtaking! 

For me, the best part of the church was La Pieta. I was a part of Holy Family's Passion Play for six years and this moment hit me. As tears swelled up in my eyes, seeing the statue brought me back six Good Friday's where I was blessed to be in the cast performing the passion of Jesus. But the biggest one was when I got to play Mary and hold the lifeless body of "my son" just like the statue. I was moved to tears standing in front of this beautiful piece of artwork. It is something I will never forget. 

After we finished walking around the church for a little bit, we took an elevator to the top of the Vatican where we had the most spectacular view of St. Peter's Square! I have to give a quick shout out to Mary Kate and MaryClare because if it wasn't for them yelling at me and persuading me to go, I wouldn't have been able to get to see yet another breath taking view. So thanks girls! 

We went all the way to the top, you can't even see where we were standing! 

 

On the way back from the Vatican to our hostel, we stopped at the Trevi Fountain to make a wish! And no, I didn't see Paolo standing in front of me after I opened my eyes.. bummer. (Lizzie McGuire reference  if you didn't know). I think we picked a perfect time to go because the sun was just starting to set so we got the beautiful colors of the sky.

From seeing pictures and movies, I didn't expect the fountain to be that big! It was HUGE! 

One of the cool things about Saint Mary's is that they send students all over the world to experience studying abroad. One of the biggest programs is in Rome so we visited the other Saint Mary's girls in Rome. And let me tell ya, it was so good to see some familiar faces! It was so much fun to get together and share stories about our adventures! They showed us where they go to class, go out to eat, the best gelato shop, and where they go out on the weekends. It was so good to catch up and hang out with other smicks! 

Mini Queen's Court reunion! 

The next morning, after we got over our fun night with the Rome girls, we headed towards the Colosseum. I think that this was one of my favorite places to go. I love the movie Gladiator (starring the  beautiful Russell Crowe) and I felt like I was living in the movie. The Colosseum is so iconic and it was an amazing feeling that we were actually standing there! 

There originally used to be a stage over the middle section. This is where the Gladiators actually fought and underneath was where the kept the ones who weren't fighting. They also kept the animals that the Gladiators had to fight off. The stage was removed so people could see the ruins from underneath. 

Who do you think would win in a Gladiator fight?! 

Across from the Colloseum is the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum is a plaza with ancient government that held town meetings. It was once the main part of the city. When walking around, I felt like I was walking through a movie; seeing all the columns and the old buildings was amazing. 

One of my favorite parts was Palatine Hill. Yes, you read that right. There is a PALATINE HILL in Rome! I was flabbergasted when I saw the sign for Palatine. It is one of the seven most famous hills in Rome and when standing at the top, you can see all of the Roman Forum with the Circus Maximus to your back. The actual word Palatine comes from the word "palace." How interesting! 

After a nine hour train ride back to Florence and a two hour plane ride into Dublin, we got back to Maynooth safely. This is the end of our week in Italy! It was a week full of fun, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime! 

Next up, 

Mom and Dad take on Ireland! 

Sláinte! Or I guess I should say Ciao! 

<3 Libby