Well, I am home. There is so much to say I don't know where to begin, and I've told some stories so many times I can't remember what I have or have not said.
Since nothing is going on with the chickens, I guess I will just post a little bit each time, so as not to overwhelm everyone. If it gets boring, just let me know
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So we flew out on Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00 EST on an Airbus operated by Swiss Air. I managed to get a window seat which was nice because even though it was dark, I could lean against the window and manage to get a couple hours of sleep on an eight hour flight. We landed in Zurich, Switzerland, at 10:00 their time.
I haven't flown much, but our pilot, Capt. Peter, was one of the best. He brought that plane down so gently it was as if we hadn't even really landed. There was no slamming of brakes either. I wish I could say the same of the pilot that took us from Switzerland to Rome. The plane bumped and grinded its way onto the runway.
When we landed at the airport outside of Rome, we had to walk for what seemed like miles to the tour bus. I had only brought a carry-on which weighed, I think, around nine pounds? Anyway that thing felt like ninety pounds by the time we reached the bus. It has wheels but I didn't want to pull it behind me because there were so many people, and lots of suitcases got tangled in passing. So I carried it.
The ensuing bus ride was interesting, as I've never ridden in a bus of any kind before. Before we'd arrived I'd come to the conclusion that however much I hate driving in New York, it's far better than in Rome. In Rome you must have your head on a swivel and be constantly alert at all times. If you do not, you will probably be dead earlier than you had hoped.
As we wended our way to the hotel, we stopped at the Church of St Paul of the Three Fountains, which was our first introduction to the Old World architecture and artwork. From there we proceeded to the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. I didn't think that church was quite as spectacular as some of the later ones we visited, but the group was thrilled to see it. I did like the portraits of all the popes which are lining the walls, and we got to meet Cardinal Harvey, who used to run Pope John Paul II's and Pope Benedict XVI's household.
After that the bus took us on a tour of Rome and then we checked into the hotel. It was a nice hotel but hardly any outlets to charge our depleted phone batteries, and the beds were placed next to each other. You couldn't even walk between them. My roommate was very nice though, and we got along splendidly.
That evening we all walked ten minutes down to a restaurant for dinner, which to me was like another world. First we were provided with bread and olive oil; twenty minutes later, multiple servings of pasta; half an hour later, a small salad; finally the main course, and forty minutes after that, dessert. Through it all the group of forty-two people talked so loudly it was impossible to have a normal conversation. Other groups were also in the restaurant and they added to the din. I was very glad when we left...
That night, despite being exhausted, most of us went to St Peter's to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who was lying in state before the high altar. After waiting in a slow-moving sea of people for about three hours, we finally made our way up to his coffin. The guards hardly let us say a prayer...just ushered us past. It is a terrible thing to see your Holy Father lying quiet and ashen gray under the dome of St Peter's.
After praying a bit in one of the side chapels, we returned to the hotel and retired for the night at nearly three am. Thus ended our first day in Italy.
Dinner on the plane (it was pretty good!)
Starry night from the air
Sunrise over the ocean
The outline of England
St Paul of the Three Fountains
St Paul Outside the Walls
Cardinal Harvey
First view of St Peter's by night
You shouldn’t approach poetry like it’s school. Remember, there’s no quiz or essay you have to write about it after.
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That is very nice.
