Finally a weekend in Rome.

This was my first weekend in Rome since four weeks ago. I went to Prague, then Florence, then Belgium. It was nice to be in Rome for a change. Friday we got back from the Vineyard and was exhausted, so no one went out because they were either traveling the next day or wanted to sleep (aka me.) I got up Saturday morning and went for a run on the Tiber River. This was my fourth time running on the Tiber. The river is such a beautiful place to run! I cannot wait to start running when its warmer and really take in the gorgeous weather! I got back took a shower and got ready for the day. Only a few girls stayed here this weekend, so we all decided to do a day trip to Arricia. Arricia is a small town about an hour outside of Rome. In order to get to Arricia, you have to take a train/bus to Albano Laizole which is a town 10 minutes away from Arricia. We decided to take a 430 train there, so had a few hours to kill during the day. We walked to Termini, the train station, and stopped in the clothing stores on the way. The train ride was beautiful, we passed a town with a lake, some ruins, and other things located in the Laizo area. I was asleep for the majority of the ride, but supposedly that is what we saw.


Our on site facilitator told us to go to Arricia for their famous food, Porchetta which is slow-roasted pork spiced with hot pepper, wild fennel and a variety of other herbs. It originated in central Italy, but Arricia is the town that is best known for it. Porchetta was introduced to the USA by Italian immigrants in the 20th century, but is mostly referred to as "Italian pulled pork." We arrived to Arricia at the perfect time, the sunset. Arricia also has great views that look out into the Laizo region, so we admired the sunset and took lots of pictures of the land.


We didn't have a restaurant in mind, so we chose a random one called Osteia 1. Because we were eating early, a lot of the dishes were not offered yet (aka pasta), so we all decided to get the Carpe Diem order. Below is a picture of what we got to eat. I do not eat pork or any type of red meat, so I didn't have the porchetta, but the other items were very tasty! We also got to try sparkling red wine for the firs time. It was very delicious. We were a little dissatisfied with our meal, so a few girls got a "real" Porchetta sandwich, fresh cut meat on white bread. Supposedly that is the way to eat Porchetta and they liked it a lot more! We finished our meal, got back on the train, and went back to Rome to go out. I really enjoyed spending time with the few girls that stayed this weekend. It was a small group and we all get a long really well!


Sunday: aka today was a very religious day for me. We first got up and went to the Porta Portese market below us and bought 2 euro scarfs. I bought a white and maroon color! Can't wait to wear them! Then we went to Vatican City to get blessed by the Pope. Although I am not Catholic, hearing the Pope speak is a really cool experience to say that I have done. The Pope blesses the people that come to see him speak in 5 different languages: French, Italian, English, Spanish and German. It is a quick service, but some memorable! I am so glad I saw him speak!


Then we didn't really have much going on the rest of the day, so we wandered the streets a little. We were going to go into the Castel Sant'Angelo, which was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for his family, and then later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, but the major areas of the building are closed off which was the main reason for going there. Hopefully they will be reopened before we leave in May. We then decided to go to San Giovanni another area in Rome to see the famous church there and the Holy Steps of Rome. The Basilica of Saint John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist is one of the four major basilicas in Rome. It is also the cathedral of the bishop of Rome, the Pope, and thus known as the Cathedral of Rome and of the World. This basilica was gigantic! I loved the architecture design and the tombstone areas. Then we crossed the street and saw Scala Sancta: the Holy Staircase of Rome. These Sacred Steps are supposed to be the staircase from Pontius Pilate’s mansion, on which the Catholics are told Christ was made to walk on his knees, carrying the cross. People still walk on their knees as a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind. We didn't walk on our knees up the staircase, but we admired the other people that did.


I had a fantastic weekend in Rome. I got to relax, sleep, eat great food, and do more sight seeing. This week I have a test on "wine" and Italian on Wednesday, then my friend Kim and I are off to Naples, Pompei, Sorento, and Amalfi for the weekend!

Ciao
-Marisa