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