A Roman for 4 days

Let me start by saying that I am really appreciative of all your emails and prayers. I have felt so loved, leaving for Italy and while I've been here. Thank you.

Now, let's get to Roma... What can I say? How can you describe this city? I finally faced the inevitable today, writing in my journal... you just can't describe it. You can't fit it into a picture or postcard or memory. But, I will attempt to give you a small glimpse of what I've been doing and what I've seen lately.

I could write forever on the Pantheon and Campo di Fior alone. I'm so overwhelmed to even begin, but we'll start with Saint Peter's Basillica and Bernini's Piazza outside the Vatican. I walked into the Piazza and stopped immediately and dropped my jaw. Nothing compares to the vast, perfection of the space, carefully planned by Bernini. An obelisk towers over the piazza with a cross at the top, emphasized the Church's power and domination over, well, everything. Once inside Saint Peter's, the enclosed space feels just as huge as the outside square. I had to pull out my handy-dandy binoculars (thanks mom) just to appreciate the ceiling. Fortunately, we went on a Sunday when the choir walked through the Basillica singing. Everyone stopped and listened to them, echoing in the space, though mostly there is a reverent silence throughout the church.

The Colloseum at night, by far, as been my favorite sight. I stumbled upon it by accident. Can you imagine? Turning a corner and chancing upon it. The picture I've posted is already my background on my computer. Again, I just had to stop and stare, much to the annoyance of the Romans, who pass by as though it is nothing. I didn't go in, however, but I'll fly out of Rome in June, so I may come back to tour the inside.

The days have been filled, from 7 to 1 am everyday. I'm exhausted and thrilled at the same time. Between the cafe americano (because I just can't handle the espresso here) and the vino I'm running on fumes. But I'm so glad that we've had such a busy agenda because it has really pushed me to go as hard as I can and see all that I can see. And a program size of 60 has really been perfect. I've made a point to spend the days with different people, trying to remember names and get to know faces. My class schedule is bookmaking (yes, I'll be making my own journals), Italian language, Early Renaissance Art History, and an Art Education class. We'll be working in the Italian grade schools to help the children paint murals in their school and around the town of Cortona. We leave bright and early for Florence tomorrow morning, stopping along the way to visit a ceramics museum.

Rome has been great, and I'm looking forward to Florence, but I can't wait until we arrive in Cortona on the 8th. It will be much slower paced where we'll start out classes and get into a routine. And, only then will I have regular internet access, so keep the emails coming, and I'll answer them as best as I can.

I love you and can't wait to hear from you. Ciao!