Rome 11.9.16-11.13.16
I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to go to Rome recently! It was a short trip (5 days, with 2 of them being travel), but from the moment my feet hit Roman soil, until the moment my plane took off for the States, I felt like I was in heaven.
Rome is by far my favorite city on this beautiful earth. The food, the people, the ancient ruins, the cathedrals...oh, the cathedrals. I could spend a lifetime just going from basilica to church to chapel to cathedral. Especially in Rome. "Magnificent" is an understatement.
This was a teacher training tour, for teachers that take students on international trips. So I was there with a tour company, and about 50 other teachers from the United States. In 3 short, but glorious, days we were able to hit some of the major sights, and form friendships that will last a lifetime. (hi, Bree & Liliana! miss you both dearly!)
I could write on and on about how amazing it was, but instead I'll just share a selection of the pictures I took. Pictures speak a thousand words anyways, right? :)
// day 1
The legend of the Trevi Fountain: throw one coin with your left hand over your right shoulder into the fountain, and you will return to Rome. Throw 3 coins, you will return in love. Throw 5 coins, you will return married. I only threw one. Sorry, Mom. ;)
// day 2
Photos of the Sistine Chapel are definitely not allowed. But I might have committed a sin and took one anyways. Oops. Regardless, this picture - or any picture - will never do it justice. It is simply immaculate.
// day 3
The door directly above my head is the entrance to Saint Maria of Angels and Martyrs Church. From the looks of it, it appears to be underwhelming and old. But if you're ever in Rome, go in it and be prepared to have your jaw drop to the floor. (Michelangelo was the chief architect and artist of the interior. So that might give you an idea.)
Not everyone gets to go on the main viewing floor of the Colosseum, so I was thrilled that we were granted that opportunity. For a couple of minutes, I took my headset out of my ears (they give them to you to hear your tour guide better), I closed my eyes, thought about all the people 2,000 years ago that entered this arena to face their last judgement against a gladiator, executioner, or wild animal, opened my eyes, and looked around. #NerdyHistoryTeacherMoment
The Basilica of San Giovanni Laterno. Besides St. Peter's, this is my FAVORITE church. Every little detail on the outside, and on the insides, is impeccable.
Flower markets everywhere. I wish I could have brought a whole bunch back home with me.
Any trip to Rome is special, but this one felt beyond. The past year has been a pretty dark year in my personal life. A lot of struggles, moments of doubt in God, and fear that things will never be good again. But it also was a year that I've leaned on my faith more than ever.
So to be a Catholic, and a History teacher, in Rome, after a year of struggle, hurt, and confusion, this trip was so emotionally spiritual for me. Being in the ancient ruins, touching the walls of the Colosseum, walking through the Holy Door at the Vatican, stopping in cathedral after cathedral to drop to my knees and pray...
I will carry this trip with me forever. My heart is full and content and at peace because of this trip.
Until next time, Rome.
Arrivederci!
xo, Jaclyn
