Breakfast!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012. 2216 RT:

Well, I woke up this morning and I was gonna work out but I was tired and my stomach felt weird so I went back to bed. Woke up a little after 8, had some food, started reading Angels and Demons, and chilled until we met up. Today we were assigned to go to St. Peter's In Chains, St. John's Lateran, and the Sacred Steps.

We headed out, led by Caleb (RA) from the Coliseum, and after a few turnarounds we found St. Peter's in Chains. It was closed. We had to answer some questions about the statue of Moses with Horns by Michaelangelo and luckily they had a picture of it outside!

From there we headed to St. John's and it was gorgeous! My camera worked literally long enough for me to take about 5 pictures outside then died. Boooo. The church was very pretty and I have to say it was my favorite so far because it was very Christ-centered. Most of the churches boost up the Saints and Popes so high that Jesus often becomes a side show. But at St. John's, He was everywhere!

The church housing the Spanish Steps was closed so we walked around a bit. For some reason most of the group decided to catch the train home (it was about 1415 and the church opened [we thought] at 1500). I talked Christal and Katherine into staying and we walked around, admittedly, some ghetto streets! There was a big open air market with a lot of shirt vendors who worked very hard to try to sell to us. We walked around a bit more then went and sat outside the church talking. At 1500 we walked up to the door only to find they we had been given false information; it opened at 1530. We decided to talk some more and went to a little cafe so Christal could get a drink. I got Sfogliatelle because it's amazing. When we walked back the church was open so we went on it!

It was very cool. The steps were brought by Helena, mother of Constantine, from Jerusalem in 326. They are said to be the steps from Pontius Pilate's palace which Jesus would have traversed several times. You are not allowed to walk up "the stairs" because there is a prayer protocol and you are supposed to kneel on each step. There are staircases around the sides so we went up and saw the sanctuary and the "Holy of Holies". Some cool stuff in there though most of the artifacts have been moved to the Vatican.

We then walked back to the Coliseum to catch the 60, talking along the way, and got back to the convent. Sarah and I had dinner duties and I had decided to do breakfast for dinner: Egg scramble and french toast! Hailey had gone shopping for us and to my surprise she said it was very cheap so she bought sausage and bacon! Awesome! I scrambled the eggs with green pepper, onion, tomato, bacon, and sausage. Hailey and Sarah worked on the french toast and made syrup! We fried up the rest of the bacon and sausage and the dinner was a hit! I heard numerous compliments of how good it was!

After dinner, for classtime, we learned about Luther, Zwingli, and Erasmus. Tomorrow, the group splits up for the four day weekend. Christal, Katherine, and I will be on the same train to Cinque Terre, though we will be split up while there. Everyone else is going to Venice.

I am really looking forward to hiking, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, coast, and small towns. It will be quite a relaxing weekend. I'm going to be pretty upset if my camera does not work. I am charging the batteries now and will be all night.

Needless to say, I will have no internet, so I will be writing a weekend recap blog when I return on Sunday!

With love,

Dylan

Unforgettable

Tuesday, May 29, 2012. 2230 RT:

Today was unforgettable.

Started pretty early. We were meetin Rich at the Obelisk outside of St. Peter's at 0800 so we needed to leave the convent around 0715. Most of the group caught a bus that myself, Sarah, and Dr. Mann just missed so we caught the next one. At Nazionale we needed to jump on the 64 bus. It was crowded so Sarah and I crammed on and Dr. Mann caught one right behind. Needless to say, the group showed up a little unorganized! Surprisingly, Sarah and I were the first to get to Rich!

After a short tour on the way to the entrance, we paid 5 Euro and climbed LOTS of steps all the way to the top of the dome. The first set takes you out on the roof, right behind Jesus and the disciples; from there you can also go inside the dome and see the basilica from up top. If you keep going up the stairs get smaller and smaller and smaller until you walk into one of the most astounding views you will ever see. You get a phenomenal, panoramic view of the entire city of Rome. You see everything; you can see past clarity and into the clouded horizon. It's breathtaking! On another note, we beat the crowds!

We linked up and headed back down all those stairs and into the Basilica. Rich gave us a very great tour, pointing out gems and information that I walked right past when I came on Thursday. The history behind St. Peter's is long, twisted, controversial, and fascinating. The amount of energy and money poured into this place is priceless, and popes have made sure they have left their mark. We went into the prayer chapel and that's when my view of it all just truly dropped. The only thing that ran through my head was: "this is idol worship." So much devotion to mankind and creating captivating artwork depicting man and sculptures of, you guessed it, men. It is hard to find Jesus in St. Peter's.

Nonetheless, it is incredible and it was a grand adventure. I headed back to the convent with Dr. Mann, had a quick bite to eat, then ran to Trastevere (literally, "beyond the Tiber") and ascended the winding hill up to the Janiculum and the Garibaldi overlook. I got not one, but two spectacular views of Rome today! I ran back down the hill and turned into a side street where I had heard of a restaurant called "Dar Poeta". I ordered a Pizza Margherita and it changed my life. Pizza will never be the same.

Realizing it would be difficult to run back home with half a pizza in my stomach (they are small and thin-crust! but I wasn't too hungry) while carrying the other half, I walked. I went down to the riverwalk for a little while and then back to Largo Argentina where I then turned and headed toward the Trevi Fountain, went up Via Tritone, Via Veneto, short diddy in the Vill Borghese, then onto Corso d'Italia. I turned on another side street for some exploring and then got back on Via Nomentana. I had been seeing a pastry shop called Danielle's so I gave it a shot. I accidentally got a small version of what Caleb got at the train station in Naples: basically phylo dough flakes filled with nutella. Next time I will stick with the Sfolgiatelle because it's amazing. I have discovered, after several attempts, that nutella and I will never have a relationship. I just don't like it.

I got back and just as I was about to start reading, Christal (who was preparing dinner with Collette) asked me to run to the grocery store to get broccoli. Since she got me watermelon, I was easily persuaded.

I got back to the convent and started reading. I picked up from about the halfway point of Ubroken, and was determined to finish it. I ended up reading about 240 pages today and finishing the book, epilogue included. Mama Reno was right: it was easily one of the best books I have ever read. I teared a few times, gasped even more, and was completely drawn to Laura Hillenbrand's incredible storytelling.

Dinner was a delicious macaroni, cheese, chicken, and broccoli casserole with a huge bowl of watermelon. I had a few helpings of the macaroni and probably about half the watermelon.

I am tired. It's been a long day with a lot of time on my feet. Tomorrow we don't have to wake up early but I probably will to get a workout done in the park. We are tasked to check out San Giovanni in Laterano and St. Peter's in Chains. Afterward I'm assigned to cook dinner with Sarah. I believe we are making french toast and scrambled eggs!

I realized today I put the wrong batteries in my camera so hopefully tomorrow it will be A-Okay. But here is a little gem for you mom :)

(That's from the top of the dome of St. Peter's)

Much love!

Dylan

First Tardy

Tuesday, May 29, 2012. 1637 RT:

So last night I passed out reading Unbroken and therefore skipped on my blog! Sorry!

Anyway, yesterday was fantastic. Got an early start; headed out the door at 0730 and met Rich outside of the Vatican Museum. After an introduction to the some things we would be seeing, we were off.

The tour was amazing. Rich really is a great guide and showed us a lot. He mentioned that we would be seeing about 10% of the entire Vatican collection! He said that if you were to spend one minute looking at each item in the entire collection, it would take you 12 years to get through!! I was happy with what we saw.

He took us down some hallways filled with statues of Greek and Roman characters, out into a courtyard, and then through the 3 rooms of Raphael, one of which contains the famous School of Athens fresco. All of the rooms were incredible but they all lead up to the Sistine Chapel; the Last Judgement, the Creation of Adam, the Flood; some of the most famous and well-known pieces of art ever created. I have to be honest... My first thought upon entering the chapel was that it was smaller than I expected! But nevertheless, the work is insane; I could have spent hours just looking up were it not for my intolerance of crowds. With good reason, many many people from all over the world come to the Vatican. After the Chapel we continued the tour through the tapestry room and the map room. Both incredible. One thing that struck me was when Rich pointed to a map and said "oh here is a map of America from 1530". Stupid me never put two and two together to realize that America had actually been discovered by the time Michaelangelo was painting himself into history (~1508 is when he started).

After the tour we headed home. Most of the group slept on the tram. We got back then I went out with Caleb and Jessica to the grocery store (they had dinner duties). Had a relaxing night, some delicious spaghetti and zucchini bread, then discussed the day.

As I mentioned before, I got a lot of reading done but it did me in. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up at about midnight long enough to get to my bed and rest for the next day.

Batteries were dead in the camera so I'm relying on others in the group until I get the issued resolved.

Love you all!

Dylan

Sunday Funday Runday

Sunday, May 27, 2012. 2221 RT:

Went to bed last night a little bit stressed out. Woke up a little bit stressed out so I opted out of church. Had some coffee, then packed up the camelbak for a nice long run. I hadn't run longer than an hour on this trip so I was due. Headed out to Villa Borghese and did the longest loop I could find. Came upon some great overlooks! Afterward I headed down Via Veneto because I wanted to hit some hills. Turned left at a piazza and popped out on XX Settembre right on Via Santa Susanna. Went back down the hill and headed up the other way and popped out right next to Trevi Fountain! Good times exploring and finding new ways around the city. Ran around a bit more then went through the larger park by the Convent. I didn't know this park went back so far but it was very nice and it made me happy to see so many people out running today. The GPS didn't kick in until I was in the Villa but with some mapmyrun I can estimate my run to have been between 12.5-13 miles; in 90 minutes.

After the run I showered, had some breakfast, and read a good bit of Unbroken. Since it was such a nice day I decided to take a walk. I was going to maybe do some grocery shopping but most everything here closes on Sundays. Dr. Mann took  us all out for some gelato because he is awesome. I tried Baci instead (dark chocolate gelato covered in hazelnuts and chocolate) and it was very good!

Overall today was uneventful sans run and involved a lot of reading, resting, and munching (I was constantly hungry!). We met up this evening and talked about the Sistine Chapel, as we will be going on a guided tour through the Vatican Museum tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it! It will be truly amazing to see the work of Michaelangelo, Raphael, and others.

Tomorrow, in honor of Memorial Day, Caleb and Jessica are making Spaghetti (?)! I have been begging them to get watermelon and if they don't I will leave and not return until I have one in my hand. I don't need burgers, I don't need corn on the cob (though that would be incredible).... I just want some big hunks of juicy watermelon. Hopefully Caleb is taking my pleas seriously because I'm not joking!

I have been in Rome for over a week. Friendships have blossomed, along with drama, but all is well. I was a little grouchy today but that's my own stupid problem. Tomorrow we start the renaissance and reformation: in study and hopefully in my attitude. This opportunity is too fantastic to let slip because of my selfishness.

I miss you all! Please have some good American grill grub for me for Memorial Day; remember I can eat A LOT so don't hold back!

With love,

Dylan

p.s. - The camera should be good to go for tomorrow so I will once again have some pictures to go with the  blog!

The Great Communicator

Saturday, May 26, 2012. 2120 RT:

Today was unforgettable. 50 years from now, if I have forgotten everything about this trip, I know I will still remember today. Woke up about 8, had some breakfast, read Unbroken a little bit, then we went to Trestevere Baptist Church where we prepared 150 meals of lentils, rice, veggies, fruit salad, and bread. After prepping, talking, and praying, we loaded up the car then hopped on the bus to where a large gathering of refugees (mostly Afghan, Pakistani, Turkish, and others) were awaiting their meal. We served the meal, passed out treats and juice, and then cleaned up while we met and talked with some of the gentlemen. These men have truly been through things I will never understand.

Among the group of volunteers were Mirta and Else from Holland, and Phil from Ohio. Caleb (RA) and I walked with them to the coliseum where a small, dirt soccer field sat close by.

Today, I played soccer on a dirt field in the shadow of the Coliseum with refugees. It's still hard to believe myself when I repeat that. God worked today in a way only He can. I traveled hundreds of miles across the ocean, landed in Rome, found myself at a small Baptist church where a Dutch woman has been carrying out God's will for 10 years, and served and had fellowship with men who have been through hell and high water to find a better lives for themselves. The Lord is remarkable and I am so thankful I was able to be a part of His plans. I don't remember who won the soccer game. We called it a day when the ball got kicked over the fence and almost hit by a bus. None of this would have happened had it not been for food and a common sport.

Caleb and I bused back to the convent and I got to know him a little better. I got back, showered, and then Caleb (not RA) headed to the Scholar's Lounge Irish Pub! Since Ireland was debated as a possible weekend trip but eventually shot down, we decided we needed to somehow experience it. So we did. Beef stew, rugby and soccer, complete with Irish staff, really rounded out the night and the first week here in Rome.

Thank you to all who have been following/reading along through my journey so far. I will do my best to update everyday though I will not have a computer next weekend! You will hear about for sure though! I really hope I can get this camera situation figured out so I can fill up the memory card!

Tomorrow if I wake up in time I plan to go to St. Andrew's Scottish Presbyterian Church in Rome. Should be a good time!

With love,

Dylan

Ashes to Ashes

Friday, May 24, 2012. 2331 RT:

EARLY start on the day. Got up at 6 (I offered to get breakfast out for Kristen so she wouldn't have to get up) and set breakfast out, then had some myself. We were meeting and stepping off at 0645. On time, we headed out, caught the 90 bus to Termini, hopped on a 2-hour train to Napoli, then another 30 minute ride out to Pompeii. On the train to Napoli some strange old Italian sat outside our cabin and kept looking in so i "slammed' the curtain and stared at him until he looked away. Everyone else was sleeping so it was weird for him to be doing that. Another reason I'm starting to not like Italians. But I digress.

Pompeii was great! We had beautiful weather; a nice breeze, great sunshine. We started in the forum with a great view of Mt. Vesuvius in the background. We got some pizza at the one restaurant and then set off. A good bit of walking was done but all worth it. Saw some plastered bodies, houses, a "beware of the dog" sign, Mr. Tumnus, an Alexander mosaic, an amphitheater, and a brothel; seeing the mountains and gorgeous view I could understand why someone would build a city there, despite the active volcanoes...! I was getting cranky for a while because I had to go to the bathroom so bad, but once I relieved I was good to go.

We walked around for a few hours then headed back to the train station. Got myself another shotglass for the collection! Back in Napoli, we made an attempt to find what is supposedly the quintessential pizzeria in Italy. We could not find it. Katherine had no cell reception and Naples is a GHETTO (30-40% unemployment according to Dr. Mann) so wandering and asking directions was not on the agenda. We went back in the train station and got pizza there. Huge slice for 2 Euros! Then I walked around a bit, exchanged cash, then tried Sfogliatelle, simply because I had heard of it before. It was so good! I couldn't figure out what was in it but it was like a rolled, crispy crescent with lemony ricotta. Turns out that's exactly what it is. Either way, delicious!

We made cards out of index cards and played hearts all the way back to Rome. We were all tired and a bit delusional so that made it more fun. When we got back to the convent, I ordered my train ticket for the 4-day weekend... Cinque Terre here I come! I am really looking forward to getting away from hustle and bustle and hiking around to beautiful small towns, swimming, and chilling for four days. Should get to Cinque Terre around 2 or so Thursday, and get back to Rome at around 1130 on Sunday night.

I need to go to bed because tomorrow we are volunteering at a local Baptist Church! Should be great times and I'm looking forward to doing some serving. I'll probably end up grocery shopping and hopefully running/working out tomorrow. The huge change in diet is making me feel fat!

God bless,

Dylan

Buffets and Basilicas

Thursday, May 24, 2012. 2129 RT:

Got a later start on today. It was an off-day but we all planned to go the the buffet near by and then go to St. Peter's. I woke up around 9, had an apple and a yogurt, then went to the park and did a fun work out. Got back, showered, almost fell asleep waiting to go. Buffet was alright. Lots of roasted vegetables and pasta stuff.

Took the tram to the Vatican. In-Sane. St. Peter's is remarkable. You literally can't understand the immensity. I'm still trying to cope with what I saw. Unfortunately my camera died once we got inside. We were only there a bit to scope it out as we will be taking a guided tour on Monday through the Vatican Museum and the Basilica. It was a good day and I had fun. It got hot today, especially since I had to wear jeans into St. Peter's, so we got back to Via Nomentana and got gelato. I got banana, coconut, and bacio. The banana and coconut were insanely good; tasted exactly like what they said they were. Got back to the convent, chilled, did some laundry, had a quick meeting, then a tuna sandwich and an apple for dinner.

Not an extremely eventful day but my brain still hurts from St. Peter's. I can't wait to go back and learn all about it. Tomorrow we have a looooong day at Pompeii but I'm really looking forward to it!

The talk of the last few days has been trying to decide where we are going to take our 4-day weekend. Lots of indecision and sitting on the fence but we are starting to come to a conclusion!

Everything is awesome here. I am having loads of fun and really starting to get along with most of the group. Hopefully some good lasting friendships will come out of this!

Take care of the States for me, though I don't exactly miss them!

Dylan

Kickin' Old School

Wednesday, May 23, 2012. 2258 RT:

I know this is going to get old, but I had another great day in Rome today!

Had the usual breakfast (Bread, sliced banana, yogurt. Like a fruity breakfast sandwich. and coffee!), read some book, and then our group went to the Catacombs of Priscilla. Unfortunately pictures were not allowed but it was very cool. The tour guide took us through on a 30 minute tour. What I learned: It is one of the largest catacombs in Rome (40,000 + tombs, 15 levels); the entire structure used to be covered in slab and frescoes; it contains the oldest depiction of Mary holding the baby Jesus ever; and Jesus is never depicted on the cross as it is a place that commemorates new life and resurrection.

Another interesting find was two particular carvings. One was: Robert Carder, Wolfe, Texas, U.S.A., 6/11/1944. The other: W.L. Clouse, Ada, Oklahoma, U.S.A., GI, 6/11/1944. Naturally, I got back and researched what I could. Nothing turned up on Clouse, but for Robert Carder I was able to find his funeral program online! He was a Tec-4, fought in 8 countries, earned 9 Bronze Stars, a Bronze Medal, and an EAME Campaign Medal. I pieced what information together that I could and it would appear he probably served with the 88th ID, who were the first allied unit to enter Rome! Cool stuff!

After the catacombs, we went back to the convent and had some lunch. A bit later I got Caleb to join me on a run to San Clemente, where our next excursion was. Well, Via Torino is a hard road to find so we ended up taking the bus and meeting the group at the Coliseum. From there we walked to San Clemente.

San Clemente is a Basilica built on top of a 2nd Century Mithraic Temple. From there the first basilica was destroyed in the Great Fire of 64AD; the Romans kept building and building so now there is a beautiful basilica on top. I could not take pictures here either but just trust me... it was awesome. Great chapel of St. Catherine, wonderful altar and baroque ceiling display, all kinds of symbols.

Caleb and I walked until we got to the Coliseum and I knew for certain how to get back. We ran/walked back but instead of going to the convent, we ran to where we hopped on the bus for the catacombs to go to an antique musket and weaponry store we had seen. It was closed. We attempted to communicate and ask the owner what time they were open (she was standing by the door); we thought we made out the she opened again at 5:00 (it was 4:58). We stood outside for a while then I pulled out my phrase-book and tried to ask her what time she opened in Italian. She looked like she was getting angry so we left. We stopped at a cool bar/gelateria/cafe and chilled for a little bit.

Got back to the convent, did a bunch of nothing until dinner, then had some classroom time and discussed our day while Daniel presented on the early church.

I got my new credit card in the mail today! Tomorrow I plan to go to Termini to exchange the US cash I have so I'm pretty set on money (again). Still frustrated by the whole ordeal but it's all going to work out!

Tomorrow is an off-day but as a group I think we are going to the lunch buffet and then going to St. Peter's! I can't wait, though I will need to make sure someone is standing behind me because I may faint. I think I found a work-out buddy in Caleb so that will make this trip much more fun!

God bless you all and I hope all is well!

Dylan

More Rain

Tuesday, May 22, 2012. 2257 (RT):

When I woke up this morning, the rain was coming down hard! Then it stopped, then on again, off again; this would be the story of today. For instance, right now it is raining (I think).

Woke up about 8:00, finished up my presentation, then had breakfast. Once again, couldn't eat outside. We met in the classroom and I gave a presentation on the Roman military. Being the broad topic it is, I focused on the early wars and conquests, command structure, different units, and daily life. Good stuff! Then Caleb presented on the Roman government.

After the presentations Dr. Mann gave us an assignment. Go to the pantheon, Basilica Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, and the Chiesa San Ignasio. We had some questions to answer and some things to contemplate and then we were off.

I loaded up the camelbak and ran to the pantheon. About 3 miles in 20:43. Got to the pantheon, walked around, looked at the columns, and read some information about its building. From there I went to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, easily identified by the elephant with an obelisk out in front. This beautiful church houses Michaelangelo's Christ the Redeemer, St. Catherine of Sienna (minus the head), and Pope Leo X (excommunicated Martin Luther). It is also the only gothic style church in Rome.

After Minerva, it took a bit of wandering to find San Ignasio but once I did, I was amazed. Let me note that this was the first building I have been to in Rome that literally forced me to sit down in order to contemplate the size. Not to say other structures weren't bigger but the towering columns and baroque ceiling were unimaginable. Interesting facts I learned about San Ignasio: It is a major Jesuit church dedicated to Ignatius Loyola; the dome is not really a dome; and the IHS (the Jesuit symbol, if you will) means Iesus Hominem Salvator (Jesus, the Savior of Men).

I wandered around a bit more until I found Via D'Corso and bobbed in and out of shops as the rain came, left, and came back. I finally got around to running and the rain slowed long enough for me to get back to the convent in 20:18. I got back, copied my notes, looked things up online, and made some lunch (turkey leg!). The rest of the group got back amidst pouring rain and the day went pretty slow from that point.

I canceled my flight to Munich this morning because of all this stuff going on with money, id, and the fact that it was booked on the wrong weekend. I was convinced I would receive a refund but now I'm not so sure that will happen. It sucks but I think it was the best choice. I will be traveling SOMEWHERE next weekend but that has not been decided yet. Katherine and I made dinner for the group tonight, tacos, and everyone seemed to enjoy them. We met in the classroom and Katherine presented on Roman religion while Christal talked about Pompeii. After discussing our findings today we went out for gelato with Kristen and Caleb (the RA); it was raining.

Tomorrow we head to the catacombs, then we have an assignment at San Clemente, to which I will be running.

Hiccups

Monday, May 21, 2012. 2257 RT:

Today had potential to be the best day ever. We had the Coliseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill planned out. It rained last night and was still coming down this morning. We walked to the metro station at Bologna and took the train to Colosseo where we met Rich Brunn, our tour guide. The rain was just enough to keep the crowds away so it was not horrendously packed. The coliseum is amazing. No other words can describe it. Just completely awesome. Much of it is ruins or rebuilt but just a slight bit of imagination put me in the shoes of a Roman citizen, cheering for his beloved and brave gladiator. Rich's tour was very informative and helped piece everything together; I would have been wandering aimlessly without it! We went through the coliseum and as we were exiting, I saw a gift shop so I reached for my wallet. Uh-oh. Nothing. My heart begins to pound and I start to feel like I am going to throw up. I catch up with the group and let them know what happened. Hailey (God bless her) joined me as I split from the group to retrace my steps, asking every authority and gift shop if someone had turned in a wallet. No luck. We got back on the train to head back and asked the gentlemen at the station at Bologna if they had anything; they gave us a number for the main office where lost and found items would be turned in, but they seemed pretty certain it had been stolen. The wallet contained everything except my bus pass, passport, and some euros. Military ID, Driver's License, Credit cards, and other forms of ID, not to mention my Wegman's card!

I got back to the convent, frantically searched my room, then woke my poor mother (it was about 6:00am US time) to break the news. She cancelled all my cards and went to work trying to help me. She really is the best. I had lunch because I was hungry, then Hailey told me that Dr. Mann was going to the Capitaline Museum. I needed to get out of the convent and clear my head so I hopped on the 60 and met him there. Boy am I glad I went. We saw an amazing view of Rome, went through the museum which chronicled the Unification of Italy, then went into a Basilica which was awe-inspiring.

By this time the sun was shining bright and he asked if I wanted to continue to which I replied, "Nothing against the convent, but I want to spend as little time in there as possible." We pressed on. We visited the Chiesa De Franscesci as well as the Basilica Della Minerva. No words or pictures will ever do them justice. The artwork, sculptures (many Bernini's and Carravagio's) and decorum took the word immaculate to new levels in my dictionary.

After the heartbreaking discovery that the great G'elataria by the Pantheon was closed, we headed back. Despite going to bed tonight with no ID, little money, and a head full of confusion, admittedly some curse words, and a lot of questions, I am going to bed amazed at the splendor of this place. It truly is remarkable.

I've been working on my presentation between phone calls and e-mails home and I hope it has reached a satisfactory point as I will be presenting tomorrow! We don't have much planned for tomorrow but I believe an extensive tour of the Pantheon is on the agenda. Dr. Mann is also going to give me a tour of the Forum since I missed today. Looking forward to it! Also going to try to figure some things out about wiring money to the American Consulate. Keeping my fingers crossed.

God bless and thank you to all who are praying for the situation. I know it will work itself out.

Dylan

Rainy Sundays

Sunday, May 20, 2012. 2311 RT:

Started today off the right way: a run! Just did 2.75 miles because my knees were hurting a bit and I couldn't find what I was looking for. Came back and had bread, jam, banana, yogurt, and coffee at my favorite spot (the balcony) while I read My Utmost For His Highest as well as some scripture. After breakfast, I changed and headed to mass with Katherine and Jessica. We went to "Chiesa Santa Susanna" which is an American Catholic Church in the middle of the city. It was very interesting but enjoyable; definitely not what I'm used to but a cool experience nonetheless. The church was beautiful!!

Got back to the convent and had some leftovers then after a little while went to the park to do a workout. At that point I could tell we were going to get some rain today. After my workout I decided I would NOT spend the day inside and instead went to the Piazza Navona/Pantheon area to wander/shop/get my first cappucino! The cappucino was great and I will probably have many more while I'm here. It started raining while I was out but luckily I brought my poncho. I'm definitely getting used to the bus system and that is helping a lot.

Came back to the convent, chilled out, did another workout (yeah, I know) and then made a frozen pizza and put some fish on it! We had a meeting today to discuss the readings we did in Andy Crouch's Culture Making book. We also discussed the week and cooking arrangements then went out for some gelato! I got Pistachio and Biscotto and it was de-lish!

Tomorrow we have an early start as we head to THE COLISEUM and the Forum. We will have a tour guide and it is going to be amazing. Rain or shine, words cannot express how excited I am.

God bless you all! Ciao!

Dylan

p.s. - Sorry, no pictures today but I will leave you with one I took on day one!

The toilets are very short!!!

Run Day!

Saturday, May 19, 2012. 2336 RT:

Another great day! Got a right proper night of sleep and woke up refreshed. Had a breakfast of bread, jam, banana, nutella, and yogurt, plus coffee, out on the balcony overlooking Rome. Very cool. After breakfast we had our orientation and Kristin showed us how to operate in the kitchen and laundry room. Dr. Mann then took us through the syllabus/schedule and I cannot wait to get started! After our orientation, I decided to take my first run. I mapped an easy course to the Villa Borghese and ran down and around there. I only got lost a little bit coming out but found my way. I also found the Hard Rock Cafe! The run was amazing; did 7.91 miles in 55:34. After my run I had a quick bite and then we all went to the grocery store (vegetables are pretty cheap here!). At 1600, I met with Dr. Mann and Hailey and we went into town to meet up with the group from Liberty doing a "Euro Trip" at Capitaline Hill then walked with them to the Trevi Fountain. I am making a point to venture out every chance I get and I'm glad I did. At the fountain, I would look at it a bit, then look away, then look back. Each time I looked back I was more fascinated then before. It is simply beautiful; no words can truly describe the magnificence of the structure.

We got back to the convent and had some dinner and then Dr. Mann took us to the Gramaldi Overlook. We just missed the sunset but my goodness... This was incredible. It overlooks the entire city. You can see St. Peter's and it is huge! The trip was well worth the bus rides; on the bus back, we met a gentleman who told us that he played in the Papal Band as a drummer! He was very kind and we got a picture with him.

When we got to our bus stop, Dr. Mann and I stopped in the corner cafe to catch the second half of the Chelsea v Bayern Munich game. We left and made it back in time to see extra time and PK's (darn you Drogba!!).

It's been a fun but another tiring day. Can't wait for another! Nothing really scheduled for tomorrow but I believe we will be going to Rome Baptist Church. I may take the day off to start working on my presentation due Tuesday!!

God bless and I hope all is well

Dylan

Jet Lag

Friday, May 18, 2012. 2030 Rome Time:

After a long flight and several movies, we landed safe and sound at Fiumicino Airport at around 0900 Rome Time. We hopped off the plane, met our transporter, and shuttled through the city down Via Nomentana to the convent where we will be staying. We unloaded/unpacked, and met Kristin and Caleb for a short briefing and lunch. Kristin is the coordinator for the campus and stays here 10 months out of the year. After some panini with various meats and a piece of fruit, we headed down to the bus stop and headed into the city.

We first visited the Piazza Navona. I do not know much about the Piazza but Dr. Mann told us that a circus used to take place there and it has become a cultural landmark. The water gods in the fountain are the main piece of the open area however as a backdrop they have the Basilica of St. Agnes, who was martyred in the circus that once took place on that ground. The architecture is unreal! We took a short walk to the Pantheon and I can honestly say nothing could have prepared me for it. It had to be the most immaculate and beautiful structure I have ever seen. It's size and detail are unreal and it is truly breathtaking. After walking around the Pantheon the group met up for some gelato! I was adventurous and had Spumoni and Nutella flavors. Very good! We continued our walk to the Trevi Fountain; again, truly breathtaking. This city is surreal; I feel like I have been in a dream since we drove through the ruins of the old wall. After some pictures and of course a wish at the fountain, we went into a church which was also adorned with great beauty and masterpieces of art. We walked past the Victor Emmanuel memorial to our bus stop and made our way back to the convent. After some grocery shopping we headed out for pizza at the Pizzeria San Marino. Delicious! I ordered Pizza Al Tonno which was basically a margherita with tuna on it. Very good but I have to admit I probably could have eaten three!

This day was incredible and I am thankful to Dr. Mann for keeping us active and on our feet to fight the jet lag. I will surely sleep sound tonight and I am already looking forward to more experiences!

Dylan

Planes, Planes, and Automobiles

Thursday, May 17, 2012. 0813 US Time

Today is the day! By this time tomorrow I will be in Rome! My mom is probably more nervous than I am but I must admit I would rather skip the airports and just be there already! I am really looking forward to everything I am going to learn/see/experience and who knows, maybe I will find my wife! (kidding, mom!) I hope you all have a great summer and I will be in touch via facebook as well as this blog. Also, if anyone has recommendations for anything I MUST see/eat, places I HAVE to go, etc., feel free to comment!

Blessings,

Dylan

Introduction

May 16, 2012. 0830:

Tomorrow is the big day. In less than 19 hours I will be on a plane bound for the Eternal City. While there, I will be studying, traveling, and soaking in the wonder of the mighty Roman civilization. Each day, I will be posting on this blog, chronicling my adventures, expeditions, and experiences. I hope you enjoy it and I will be looking forward to personally sharing my stories when I get back!

- Dylan