Coming soon... a post on my art class trip - weekend stay in Rome. 

An apartment in the center of Rome. Sistine Chapel. Pantheon at night. The famous Moses sculpture. So many other sculptures. Non-stop walking through Rome. Non-stop amazement. Seriously, if you think you've found a spot in Rome with no sort of significance, you're not looking hard enough.

I just want to let everyone from home know that we had daylight savings yesterday. Back to the 6-hour difference. I love Skype dates, I make them with my dad all the time. Please let me know if your available for a chat, and I will not forget!

I don't have time for a sufficient update tonight, but I thought I'd let you know the latest, and what's coming. Later!

As I was looking through my photos from my trip to Pisa this past weekend, I realized that I had accidentally deleted some of the photos. My pictures of me "holding up" the leaning tower are gone. I know I definitely lost some other pictures, and I don’t remember what exactly they were of, but finding out made me really bummed. Oh well. I’ll show you what I have, though I don’t think I can get another picture of the leaning tower of Pisa any time soon :\.


Pisa Basilica


Lauren and myself

The weekend was great. Six of us got on a train and headed to Florence, to pick up another train ride to Pisa. The hostile we stayed in was across the street from the train station, and just a 10 to 15 minute walk to the leaning tower, the basilica, and the baptistery. We got there noon Friday, had lunch at a really good kebab place, sat out in the grass by the leaning tower and the street markets, walked around town, and caught a train to the town of Livorno to watch the sun set over the harbor. BEAUTIFUL. As we were walking past the boats lined up along the coast, the wind made the masts play a song. It was one of those moments you know you can’t describe to anyone else if you tried.


The boats at Livorno


Streets at night in Livorno

We had an amazing dinner at a seafood restaurant and caught a train back to our hostile. The next morning, we got to walk around Pisa more, and we took a train to Lucca. Lucca was absolutely beautiful. I loved it there. I could’ve stayed there forever. We had a great lunch in the park, walked around the town, went into stores, bought candy from the markets, and really enjoyed ourselves there. We took the train back to Pisa and spent the rest of the night walking through the streets experiencing the lively nightlife. The six of us got to have a good time and get to know each other a lot when we went back to the hostile and hang out.


Candy stand in Lucca


Field of daisies, where we ate lunch in Lucca

We had to check out by 10 AM Sunday morning, so we walked the streets of Pisa again, seeing what we hadn’t seen yet, and found a nice spot to sit outside under palm trees and eat lunch. We laid out under the sun and relaxed until we had to catch our train home.

It was a really great weekend, and I’m totally looking forward to more like it. It was a great opportunity to get to know people better and take advantage of our freedom in Italy.


Five girls shared a room with two twin beds and one queen. We cuddled a little on the queen :). I might've started it.

I started my second month of classes yesterday. I am done with my first class, and on to drawing. I am unbelievably excited for this class, and I can’t wait to see what kind of things we’ll get into. This weekend will be spent in Rome, with opportunities to get out and draw. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Since my last blog, I've been on a trip to Florence. I know it's a catastrophe to say that we didn't see David this trip, but I'm definitely going back to Florence when I can! I've seen a lot, learned a lot, and it was all around a great. I'm still amazed that I'm here, with so many opportunities to travel. On Sunday, a group of us volunteered after to mass to join the choir in preparation for their Easter service. I think it's going to be a really cool experience. It's a great opportunity to learn Italian through the songs and get to know more residents of Orvieto.

We just ended a meeting with a man named Kieth Pecklers, an ecumenical author and speaker, that is also the spokesperson for ABC news' Vatican coverage. It was really cool to get to hear his views and pose some questions that he might be able to help us with.

This is the last week of the first class of the program, and I have a presentation already out of the way. Tomorrow is the exam, and a paper is due Monday morning before the new class begins (DRAWING!!!). It's been a busy week, but it's still been great. If I ever get a little frustrated or stressed, I just remember... I'M IN ITALY!!!

This weekend will be spent with a few other students in southern Tuscany, in Pisa, Lucca, and Livorno. I won't have any reading for homework to worry about. I'll just relax and enjoy the traveling.

Now for some photos.


The group in Assisi.


A bird taking a bath in a garden in Florence.


The bird again.


River through Florence.


The Duomo and other buildings in Florence.


Duomo detail, just a fraction of the entire thing.

The Vatican City - St. Peter's


The crowd waiting to see the Pope.


The Pope, a Bishop, and his sketchy photographer. No, he's cool.


St. Peter's. Mmm.


La Pieta by Michelangelo. This has to be the most beautiful sculpture I've ever seen. I might've turned to jelly when I turned my head to the right and caught glimpse of it.


Assisi. Though this is just one photo that does not do justice to the whole of Assisi (on the trip we took on Friday), it is appropriate for displaying my favorite part of the trip. This is the olive grove where we took a break from walking. One of the leaders brought his guitar and we sang songs in Enlglish, Italian, and Spanish. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, the air was cool, the view of the hills, vineyards and towns was breathtaking, and when the music stopped, we heard different churches sounding their church bells in the distance, resounding from the hills. Though I had woken up feeling sick that morning and my muscles were screaming for rest, I don't think I ever felt more at rest and peace in that very moment.

I truly feel I am cutting you all short, as I am not able to post as many photos as I'd like to. I wish I could show you everything and give you the full scoop. I guess you'll have to catch me online sometime or come find me when I come home... if I ever do come home :P. Oh, I love it here. This is amazing.

In the class that we're in right now, we've discussed a lot about ecumenism and the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, and attempts to unite the two together as one Body. It has been a great class, with great discussions that have really challenged me to further explore these differences and work towards this unity.

Yesterday, we took the train to Rome again and rode the bus right to the Vatican. Ahead of us, St. Peter's basilica stood almost like this old and powerful kingdom that I hardly felt worthy to approach. Yet, that's exactly where we were headed. Already, there were so many people crowded in this smallest country in the world, in St. Peter's square. Our group was hoping for at least some chairs to sit in while we waited for the Pope to come out. We then proceeded to follow our professor Skillen through security, grabbed a special red slip, and walked past the standing people, the chairs, and right up to the very stage where the Pope would be seated. Yup. We had the best seats among the thousands of people. When I realized we were walking up to the stage like we owned the place, I said out loud, "What makes us so special??" In other words, "What did I do to deserve this? How did I get here?? Thank You, Lord!!"Skillen is apparently tight with two of the guards, which earned us the privilege of sitting in the crowd beside the Pope's seat.

The day was beautiful. The sun was bright and the sky was so blue. The bishops and the Pope greeted each and every group individually that was present. They spoke in Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Russian, and more. Millions of people could only ever dream of being where we were sitting. It was amazing! I managed to get a decent photo of the Pope shaking the hand of one of he bishops. I'll try to post it soon.

After that, we had the opportunity to sit through a conference with one of the official Catholic authorities. It was held in a building right down the street from the Vatican. Halfway through, it hit me just exactly where I was. I was in Rome, in a conference room with my group, discussing ecumenical issues and approaches to bringing peace between Catholics and Protestants, and part of what may be a drastic and wonderful change in Christianity, unity in Christ among all denominations. The Catholic official called us ambassadors. We were working toward good, and the coming together of the Body despite differences. I felt so incredibly honored.

After the conference, we were given 5 euro each to get our own lunches wherever we wanted. I went with a few friends to a place that allowed us to get sandwiches/pizza and gelato for 5 euro. We ate it outside on a bench. In Rome. Just wanted to add that. Then we had a little under an hour to explore St. Peter's. I had no words. We've been in a dozen churches in Italy already, and I'd go as far to say that St. Peter's is the king of them. It was so big, covered in art, covered in gold, and filled with stone sculptures. It felt like royalty. I wanted to lay down on the ground and stare up, just soaking in everything I was seeing. What an atmosphere. What a feeling. What a life.

Tomorrow, we're going to Assisi. Next week we're going to Florence. On the weekend, I'm hoping to hop ship with some friends and either go to Paris, or to Bologna and Venice. Quite honestly, I'll go anywhere. I want to see it all. What an opportunity. WHAT A GOD!!!!!

I spent Saturday in a town called Arezzo, and I stupidly forgot to bring my camera! It was absolutely beautiful. This was a trip apart from the program, so it was just a group of friends that went. We took a train toward Florence, and stopped at Arezzo, where we had plenty of time to explore, walk the streets, see inside churches and buildings, shop, and have lunch out in the park with a view similar to one we get in Orvieto. It was such a beautiful day and a really great time.

Sunday was spent in Rome again. That was another great trip. I'll tell ya, if you spend a day in Rome, you'll be exhausted by the end of the day no matter what. There's so much to see and so much to do. Rome is breathtaking. You could be walking down any old street, turn the corner, and BAM - there's a huge statue or building or monument that you'd seen in the history books and never could've imagined in person. We're going back tomorrow (Wednesday) to be present in the papal audience and see the Pope. Millions of people would die to have such an opportunity, and somehow the opportunity is given to me. I thank God every day for letting me spend this time in Italy!

So, a great friend of mine, Laura, sorta said she wanted to see my face in some of these pictures. And though I think there's one on here so far with my face in this blog, I think it'd be a good idea to have SOME evidence that I'm actually present in Italy lol. So, uh, here you go!


Hannah (whom I call Giggles) and me (Big Bubble Giggles... she calls me that for some reason) outside of the Pantheon.


My friend Muriel (Riel) took this. This takes place right at the Roman Forum, which literally took my breath away.


My roomie Jess and me, resting on the grassy hill by the Colosseum. (I know, for all you know I could be making that up, but I'm not.)


Warriors.


Cornered.


Silas' 5th birthday party was today, and it was jungle themed. I'm aware that I make a dorky lion. But look at how great this is!


And this is me as a baby. I wish. This baby was sooo cute, just chillin there. I tried to make him smile. I miss my nephew.

In the future, I hope to have themed blogs of my friends here, the people of Orvieto, and other subjects. Keep checking back. Ciao!

So, I just realized that I had comments on some of my posts :). It was a pleasant surprise, and I appreciate the feedback! I hope you're enjoying the shots and the brief descriptions on my encounters. Here are a few more photos for you.


We hiked up a mountain that overlooked Orvieto, and there was a monastery there with this in one of their beautiful gardens.


This is the Pantheon again. It was easily a favorite of mine.


This is the gelatoria in Rome that, in most people's opinions, has the best gelato in Rome... and even Italy. We had some, and....


... this picture will never depict the greatness. There were over 60 flavors. I had amaretto, coffee, and dark chocolate "con pana" (with cream). This cream wasn't your usual whipped cream. It was an original recipe, thick and rich, scooped right out of a gigantic pot. My director said it would be a sin not to ask "con pana" with our 3 scoops of gelato.


These 3-wheeled-cars are everywhere. Most times that I see them, the men inside take up the complete capacity of the space inside. It makes me laugh, and I feel like one of these days one of them will topple right over.

Photo post...


Statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome.


Friends.


The Colosseum.


The Pantheon.


The oculus of the Pantheon, it's only source of light.


My director's sons in a playhouse.


Hillside view of Orvieto.


Another view looking out. It never gets old.


I bought a Totti shirt with some friends on Fat Tuesday.


Orvieto main street at night.

So far, my experience has been amazing. Every day is new and has something else to offer. As far as my studies go, right now I'm in a history class with everyone else on the program. It lasts 3 hours for four days a week, and will end in a little over two weeks. Then, my art courses will begin :). I feel like I've been here for much longer than I really have, and I'm very well oriented already. It was an easy adjustment to the schedule and new lifestyle.

Most nights consist of hanging out in the monastery's sala, at a cafe, or wandering the streets. It's awesome trying to communicate with the people here because they are very patient in understanding our broken Italian. I've had some good encounters already, and I'm learning more every day. I feel the need to tell you that the rumors are true... gelato will change your life! Haha, I will never look at ice cream the same again. But it's not just the food here that's giving me new perspectives. It is the people, the opportunities, the travelling, and the experiences I never thought I could have. This is quite the journey, and I plan to take in everything this experience has to offer. Of course, there will be those ups and downs, and there already have been. No matter what, I always have someone to talk to when I wake up, when I lie down, or any time of day. He is the reason I am here.