Ciao Roma!

These last two days in Rome have been nothing short of amazing! I am in love with this city!! Let me catch you up to explain why...

On Thursday, Marissa and I caught the noon mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Chapel of St. Joseph. The mass was in Italian, and I am determined to learn this language next. I don't think it should be too hard with what I know in Spanish.

St. Peter's Basilica

 After mass, we went for a stroll down the river past the Castle and through a market place. There we stumbled upon lots of different booths (much of which I could get in India) including a candy/dried fruit stand. So, we had to indulge. I got some dried mangos of course.

A view of the Vatican from the River.

Market in front of the Castel Sant'Angelo.

Yummy dried fruit!

Fully satisfied with our little treat, we took a bus to Santa Maria de la Paz Church to meet Angie! Angie was so welcoming and super nice to show us around the Church. We saw the oratory, Fr. Alvaro del Portillo's burial place, and St. Josemaria's burial place (which was beautiful!). It was so nice praying near such a holy tomb!

After seeing the place and offering up those intentions everyone sent me, Angie took us over to Villa Borghese which reminded me so much of Central Park... but prettier! I loved this green space that they call the "heart" of Italy (the park is shaped like a heart). The villa was scattered with statues which added to it's historic and romantic feel.

The romance of Villa Burghese!

Doesn't it look like Central Park?!

Statue of Moses being found in the River.



The park then led us straight to a great view of Piazza de Popolo. The three of us admired the city for a bit until we headed over to the Spanish Steps for an even better view! These steps were so lively. Lots of people were just lounging on the steps and Angie was telling us that they have concerts in front of the steps a lot as well as a big nativity scene facing the city during Christmas season. I only wish we had time to sit and take in Rome from such a pretty place!

Alas, we made our way to Piazza di Popolo, our last stop in Rome, but not without getting more gelato of course! I went with tiramisu (it seemed only right to try it), chocolate, and raspberry. I do not regret it at all. Finally, we soaked in our last bit of Rome while sitting in the Piazza di Popolo for a bit until we headed home for a nice dinner with our flatmates.... see next blog for love to my flatmates and new friends from Poland and France!

View from above Piazza di Popolo.



Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps.

Many people lounging on the Spanish Steps!

My picture of Angie is on Marissa's camera... so will post later! Thanks agian, though, Angie!
 

My triple gelato experience.

Piazza di Popolo.