Allyson and I may have been a teensy bit "dehydrated" on our drive into Rome this morning. Thankfully we had some time to sleep on the bus before a hot day in the city.
When we arrived we grabbed some lunch at a local joint where the owner sat with us and told us stories in his broken english as we tried out our laughable Italian on his ears. When we met back up with the group we got on the subway and headed towards the Vatican City. The Vatican Museum, while filled with beautiful and ancient relics and artifacts, was not my cup of tea. I'm used to the heat, but I am not used to the heat with no air conditioning and hundreds of sweaty, nasty tourists crammed up against one another trying to get a look at a statue with no arms or head...also...the pope closed the Sistine Chapel for the two days that we'll be in Rome...so...awesome...only got to see it in pictures...cool...why even go through the museum if you don't get to see the crowned jewel of the collection!?...*breathe* *breathe* *I'm a willow, moving in the breeze...*
My angst was heavily rewarded, however, when we left the museum to walk to St. Peter's Basilica. I've never experienced anything like it. I was moved from the very depths of my soul. Now, I'm a cryer...as we all know very well. I cry when confronted with the unmistakable and unmatched beauty and creativity of my God. This place had his handprint all over it. From the inscription on the inside of the dome, letting Peter know that he would build his church on the rock (Peter himself), to the rays of sun streaming in through the highest windows and onto the alter below...today, I saw God, and he saw me, and smiled back.
A vespers service was going on in the church this evening. It's kind of like a concert prayer. The choir was worshiping through music tonight and I got to sit through the service and listen to masterpieces like Handel's Messiah in St. Peter's church. It was a religious experience. Robin, I don't know if you're reading but you were constantly on my mind tonight as I listened and watched. I wished you could have been sitting next to me.
I left the Vatican City feeling full and light. We got into a taxi and headed to dinner and then walked off our pizza and gelato by finding and making wishes in the Trevi Fountain! I know my wish will come true. I think it's already starting to.
Peace, Love, and Travel,
Reba
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| Just one of the beautiful hallways in the Vatican Museum. |
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| HALLELUJAH!! HALLELUJAH!! HALLELUJAH!! |
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| Just before the Vesper's Service, in front of St. Peter's alter. |
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| I can't get enough of the God light!! |
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| Standing in the courtyard of St. Peter's in front of the Obelisk. |
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| Break dancer in the Piazza Della Rotunda. |
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| Woo Hoo!! Taking a drink from a public fountain in Rome!!! It's so cold and refreshing! |
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| Oh. Dio. Mio. I am really standing in front of the Trevi Fountain!! It's more beautiful than I could have dreamed! |
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| I made a big wish. Right hand over left shoulder. |
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| Zwei Bruders making their wishes. |
You gotta let me fly!
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