This one's for you Mom

Outside St. Peter's

Some signs you don't think are even necessary...





...then you look down.

The Vatican

I had a chance on Saturday to see St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. It's really quite overwhelming to see the collection of art and artifacts that they have there. I'm not sure one day or one visit is anywhere near enough to take it all in, but I'm glad I got to see it. I tried to take as many pictures as I could, but there is no way I could have captured everything. Room after room, the walls, the ceilings, even the floors - all of it is priceless.

Still learning

Last night after a service we put on for residents of the social center, we went out for a late night tour of Rome. One of the soldiers took us around from sight to sight in the corps minibus, getting out at various points and giving us historical background. It took a while, as he required translation, so we got back quite late, but it was well worth it. I learned more than I could process last night, but today was a day of learning as well.

I learned what Italian coffee tastes like. I’ve actually been drinking a lot of cappuccino since I’ve been here, particularly when it is served cold (as a kid from New Bedford, it reminds me of coffee milk). But this was straight coffee, as they take it. It is viscous and strong and persistent. I understand why they take it in small shots.

I learned that there are few things more humbling than four year old girls laughing at your attempts to speak Italian.

I learned how to drive a stick (sort of)…stay tuned for more adventures on that front.

Rome

I'm in Rome, safe and sound. Check out 2italyand beyond.blogspot.com for our group blog. I'll post a few personal pictures and thoughts here periodically. You can also see our group facebook at to italy and beyond.