For Thanksgiving weekend, we went to Rome, getting two new countries (including Vatican City) for Jake and the kids. Rome was the first place I had ever visited outside North America, back in 1996, as part of a college seminar. It's as amazing as ever, although it has changed some over the years. The Eternal City is so beautiful, and it's simply fantastic walking around where so many historic things have happened. St. Peter was here, St. Paul was here, the gladiators...and on through history, up to the coins in the fountain and the gelato (oh, the gelato!). All roads lead to Rome!
We arrived Wednesday evening, and stayed in an apartment near Vatican City. It felt like we could touch the wall from the kitchen window, and had a wonderful view of St. Peter's dome from the bedroom. We spent Thursday morning taking the Vatican Tour, where we had a very interesting guide who is an art historian. Even on a weekday during the off-season, the place was crowded, but they do a pretty good job keeping people moving while allowing enough time to see places like the Sistine Chapel. Our "Thanksgiving Dinner" was at a wonderful little vegetarian restaurant, and we followed that with some gelato and a walk around the castle.
On Friday we visited Colisseum and the Roman Forum, and walked miles around the city and along the river. Our stay coincided with one of the big Fridays for Future protest days, and we also wanted to be sure to participate in that. We joined the crowds in the Piazza del Popolo for the end of the rally there.
Saturday morning we returned to the Vatican so we could attend Mass, and climb the rotunda on a beautiful day. The Mass was held in a little side chapel and was in Italian, with the worshippers using a variety of languages to participate in the responses. It was a joyous experience to share the peace of God with people from all over the world, with many nations and every color represented. We then climbed the 551 steps up to the top of the basilica where we could look down on the sanctuary, up at the dome, and then out over the city. Michelangelo was a genius, that much is plain to see, although I didn't get very many good pictures with this camera.
Back in St. Peter's Square we visited the brand new statue, unveiled this past September, of "Angels Unaware", a massive bronze statue depicting 140 migrants and refugees from throughout history, and Pope Francis' challenge to all that immigrants and refugees of all nations and backgrounds be offered hospitality.
Saturday afternoon we visited a DaVinci museum, looked at the Spanish Steps, threw our coins in the Trevi Fountain, and did some more wandering around. We flew home Sunday morning, thankful for the opportunity to travel and the experiences we are blessed to have.
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