(Disclaimer: No infringement intended, just taking it out for a spin. Promise to bring it back in one piece. Thanks for sharing!)
* the fire alarm goes off and you’re not dressed yet
* you tire of sharing the WC with members of the opposite gender
* your sink is full of icky water and your room looks like a Laundromat
* you share 2 WC’s and 2 showers with everyone on your floor
* you’re thrilled to have TP and running water, even if there’s no soap or hand dryer
* you’ve determined 5 or more ways to use your blue scarf
* on your next trip, no matter where you’re going, you pack the following: TP, hand sanitizer, cold and motion-sickness medicine, cough drops, Kleenex, bread, wine and a blue scarf
* you look for blue scarves in a crowd
* you attempt to leave your blue scarf behind because it’s too hot, but realizing that it’s the only way you’ll be identified if lost, you take it with you
* you can fit three weeks worth of clothing et. al. into a small suitcase and backpack
* you realize you have enough clean clothes to last through the end of the trip and quit doing laundry or start throwing stuff out
* you’re forced to wear damp sox and underwear because they didn’t have time to dry out at the hotel last night
* you learn to eat your largest meal at 8pm or later
* you eat meals not much to your liking because you didn’t know what you ordered and were starving
* pointing, smiling and grunting are your only means of communication
* you’ve learned to walk safely in a moving bus
* on long bus transfers you exercise by doing pull ups on the handle over the back door
* you hide your nametag to avoid people recognizing you
* you catch a cold the day you leave, it goes away the day you return
* your souvenirs of chintzy religious items and wine cause your suitcase to overflow
* you raid the souvenir shop for postcards of pictures you weren’t allowed to take
* you dream about saints
* breakfast at 6:15am is not your cup of tea
* you get on a bus at 6:45am for an audience with the Pope
* you cheer when the WC sign goes off on the bus
* bus drivers are applauded for making tight corners and safely driving what most would call a bobsled course
* you’re thrilled to hear others nearby speaking your native language
* fellow Pilgrims expect a morning hug
* the shower curtain tries to attack you! (and you can’t escape because taking a step in any direction means you’re out of the shower)
* You wish your bidet was a towel rack, counter top, or extension of your shower
* Laundry soaks in the bidet while you brush your teeth at the sink
* You know multiple ways to flush
* The auto-flush toilets flush 3 times and flood the stall before you have a chance to sit down
* The glowing clock on the bus is your atomic clock
* You enter your new hotel room scanning for possible laundry hanging locations
* You wake up with a random pattern on your face after falling asleep on the bus
* You’re not surprised to find bread on the table
* 12-16 hour days are the norm and you are snippy before morning coffee and after the 10 hour mark
* you’re thankful to find the two who followed directions and waited at the meeting place rather than going to the bus
* playing cribbage on the bus means casino to the guide (gambling)
* the front window of your house has a stuffed kangaroo, sunglasses and a Rosary in it
* you look for a washcloth in your room
* there’s no heat or hot water in your room
* you get ‘Yes,’ ‘No’, ‘Please,’ and ‘Thank you,’ in multiple languages confused
* if you enter a moving vehicle and three persons hand you a small white bag
* your cities, saints and basilicas are all mixed up
* you want to stand, move or stretch, but are trapped
* you want to sit down and you’re being herded
* 24 hour plane travel days bracket several days of many hours on a bus
* you can’t wait for a hamburger and fries with ketchup and root beer
* people stop emailing you because they realize you have no/limited internet access
* you learn to exercise while seated
* a second security check is required at a transfer point causing everyone to be a half hour later than they already were
* airport lock down leaves you stuck in customs for 45 minutes, yet immigration is allowed to send another 200 people down from the next plane, thus putting them in danger as well?
* the connection to your bus doesn’t work causing multiple phone calls and further delay
* you’re crazy enough to attend a party the night you return in hopes of keeping yourself awake until such time as you would normally sleep. The party goes much later.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Pilgrim Journal
Wednesday 10-15-2008
We left
We jumped right off the plane and into
The afternoon offered lunch and a chance to look around. I had crepes as I’d heard they’re excellent in
After dinner, we toured
Today we visited the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. A group from
We got back on the bus to Notre Dame for free time and lunch. After shopping, we walked all the way to the end of the island on which Notre Dame is situated. Heading back to Notre Dame we caught up with the rest of the group for our guided tour. We spilt into three groups for the tour. My group had a wonderful guide who knew more history than I could handle, but seeing the rose window mentioned in the Untold Blessings movie made my head spin, gorgeous!
A quick photo stop near the
We had dinner at the same restaurant as last night. This time I had dessert, yum as well as a game of cribbage while waiting for others to finish. After dinner, we took an evening cruise on the
I got up early for a bus ride to Lisieux. I was graced with anti-queasy pills for the trip and survived. Intermittent naps and generally keeping my eyes closed helped too. We celebrated Mass at St. Terese’s church. Her body rests to the side of the main church so visitors can see her without disrupting Mass. The church itself is concrete and the wood additions lend a softer touch. After Mass, we toured her house and garden before our tour of the Basilica.
The Basilica was all set up to receive the audience for the beatification of St. Terese’s parents the following day. This was our first official souvenir shopping stop as well. I found a prayer card of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta. The prayer is in French, and a small icon of the Prodigal Son.
After two more hours on the bus, we reached our next stop,
A short drive later, we stopped for souvenirs and then to see the beach. Several of us collected sand and rocks from the beach. I got some sand before we headed for the hotel. The hotel was located on such a narrow street we had the privilege of walking a few blocks while hauling our luggage.
Our first Sunday began with an even longer ride on the bus. Time passed playing cribbage. I’d taken the motion sickness medication provided me and was able to sit in the back of the bus to play on the stack of boxes covered with a bus blanket. Later on another game took over the ‘table’. I played Crazy 8’s and Frustration. Not having the rules for Frustration we made up the sets as we went along.
Our lunch stop at a gas station yielded fish and a pile of mashed carrots. I ate outside in the afternoon sunshine. Returning to the bus, I sat up front again and practiced music
The long ride ended in Nevers, France at the convent where St. Bernadette lived. We celebrated Mass in the convent chapel with St. Bernadette looking on. She looks like Snow White sleeping in the glass coffin at the side altar. Dinner included a fabulous squash soup, sausage in cucumber. I would have preferred something other than cheese and fruit for dessert, but we are pilgrims, not tourists. I played milk and golf (cards) after dinner. I missed seeing the room where she died, but managed to say Evening Prayer in the chapel before they closed it for the evening.
We stayed at the convent. There were several complaints about too few WC’s and them being down the hall rather than in their rooms. We were also short showers and all were shared by men and women. This made some of the group a bit unnerved. Having sinks in our rooms, I merely dunked my head in the morning and called it good.
I got up early, hoping to pray Morning Prayer with St. Bernadette, but the chapel was closed so I found a quiet corner on the first floor landing. Breakfast included cereal with bread and jam.
We got going a bit late and as a result were late for Mass at Chapelle des Apparitions. It is here that St. Margaret Mary Alocque received her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They asked us to come back in an hour so we went instead to Chapelle la Colmbiere where St. Claude’s relics are buried. St. Claude was the confessor of St. Margaret Mary. Nearby is another Basilica of Benedictine style. A short walk away in an upper room is a Eucharistic Adoration chapel (
Ars being two hours away by bus, we passed some of the time praying the Devine Mercy Chaplet in honor of St. Margaret Mary. In Ars, we stayed with the Franciscan sisters and toured the quarters of St. Jean Marie Vianny, patron of parish priests. He is the only diocesan priest declared a saint. He spent as many as 16 hours a day in confession. Spirits tormented him by rattling things in his room and speaking vehemently to him, hoping to prevent his continued prayers.
Our guide informed us that Mass would be at
Our early morning wake up call was disrupted not only by showers down the hall and shared WC’s, but the fact that the breaker on our floor was tripped by so much usage. Several finished dressing and getting ready in the dark. As a result, there was much mussed hair at
Outside the church is a small separate chapel dedicated to St. Jean-Marie. We stopped there briefly on our way to breakfast to pray over Fr. He knelt at the altar and hands were laid upon him as we crowded around. A member of our group led a beautiful prayer followed by several spontaneous prayers. I knew when I walked in what I wanted to say, but the only sounds passing my lips were not recognizable. I know that God was speaking in my whispered babble, but only the Spirit could discern it. Whatever I said was needed. What surprised me was that usually when I pray over someone I can feel energy coursing, from me, those around me, the person for whom we’re praying. Not this time, but I think I was too tired to put as much effort as I usually do. Somehow, just having a hand on the shoulder made all the difference. No one really wanted to admit it, but there were a few tears and definitely some shocked looks when we left. Any prayer over someone, regardless of the reason, is intense. I’m not certain many of these folks had experienced it before.
After breakfast, we’re back on the bus to hurry up and wait to get to
Salmon dinner, yum, Dad would be jealous, but I still like his simple salmon recipe. Ours included carrots and potatoes. After dinner, we rinsed out the laundry and hung it to dry before meeting some of the group for the Marian procession. Candles (luminaries, Easter Vigil candles 16” tall, complete with paper covers) purchased at the gift shop for .50 Euros. It sprinkled as we walked toward the Grotto, but began pouring rain as we took the short walk up the main courtyard. Many, including myself turned back. Three brave couples completed the procession that evening. Those of us who returned looking like drowned rats were greeted by dry skies upon returning to the hotel. God has a sense of humor! I managed to get the rest of my laundry up to dry before going to bed. The room looks like a Laundromat. Tomorrow I’ll add my shirts to the mix, for now, there’s not a space left to hang anything. (That’s 4 towel racks, 6 hangers and a few other odd places that we’re hanging stuff to dry at this point).
Sleeping in today was a blessing. Everyone seems more rested and ready for the day. Our hairdryer isn’t functioning, but there’s time for everything to dry out yet. International Mass is celebrated in the Pius X Basilica underground! It seats 25 thousand and looks like the underside of the bleachers at a football stadium. From the rafters hung large pictures of the saints, including Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Nearly 100 priests and at least 6 bishops in attendance along with an almost full house of pilgrims attended. I say almost full because there was still room to move without being pushed back. Mass lasted about an hour and a half, short according to our guide. Everything was said or shown on screen in at least 6 languages, Latin being the common language. Communion found Eucharistic Ministers holding flags to help pilgrims locate the priests distributing in a mob like fashion. It seems effective though as everyone had been served in a short period, 10-15 minutes. In the Basilica, we discovered stained, fused, broken glass art: Stations of the Cross, Mysteries of the Rosary and Apparitions of Bernadette. (We discovered icons at another entrance during Eucharistic Procession the next day). After Mass, others and I wandered the Rosary Basilica following some others from our group. A large mosaic of each mystery from the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries had its own side altar in the Basilica. These were completed in the early 1900’s, each several stories high and at least 20 some feet wide. The recently added Luminous Mysteries had the honor of gracing the façade of the church. We also visited the Adoration Chapel and what I think was the
I tried pizza for lunch again and have decided that the French version of pizza is not one reconcilable with mine, but I’ve been spoiled.
A souvenir stop netted me the holy water fonts I was looking for and a thimble for Mom. There’s also a candle in the shop, 5’6” and 165 lbs. there will be no more excuses from the altar servers regarding candles, thank you. I dropped off my souvenirs and returned to the large statue of Mary at the center of the shrine for our tour of the Jubilee Way.
At the statue I found others of the so-called ‘blue scarf group’ awaiting our tour. Several seemed tired and ready for a nap rather than a walking tour. We received our badges and first sticker for visiting the Grotto. (Each location comes with a sticker.) We visited the St. Bernadette museum before heading the ‘cachot’, a former prison that an extended family member owned. It was deemed cold, damp and unlivable for convicts and had been used as a barn. This space of 4’ by 6’ housed a family of 6. We then traveled to the church rebuilt on the place where she was baptized. The original church burned down, but the font itself remained intact (made of stone). Finally, we traveled to the hostel where she lived before becoming a Sister of Charity in Never. It was here that she received her First Communion. Everyone is invited to venerate the altar here. It holds a relic of St. Bernadette. Our guide for this tour is a full-blood Italian. She lives in a community called “Casa de Maria” (House of Mary) in
On returning to our hotel, we noted that mini-golf was on the list of things to enjoy. We went in search of it, having been told by the desk clerk that it was located on the 10th floor. Our search ended without a game, as we could not find an exit to the exterior of the building that did not have the possibility of being alarmed. We did find two deck areas, one with a foosball table, overlooking the river and providing a bird-eye view of the city. As dinner approached, we gave up our search in favor of food.
Dinner proved fabulous, though many of our group is wearing thin on breads and cheeses. Tonight we had vegetable soup, chicken and bread stuffed with potatoes and cheese. A fruit tart for dessert completed the meal. It was agreed that we wanted gelato.
After dinner, several of us again gathered in the lobby to attend the Marian Procession. This time it was cold, but no rain. Rosary decades were divided by language and though one could figure out what was being said it was difficult to follow in your own language. I wanted to respond in English, the announcer was in German (for example), the person to my right responded in French, on my left, Italian and so on. We had only finished the first two mysteries upon returning to the Rosary Basilica. Everyone crowded closely and raised their candles for each Glory be. I got a couple of great pictures of two of our pilgrims bundled up with their faces lit by their candles. The large group shots were mostly blurry, but the streaks of light and color in the darkness provided what a fellow pilgrim called, “composition.” There were also large numbers of people on the ramp leading to the crypt and Immaculate Conception Basilica. On our way home, some discussed attending the following night and getting pictures from that angle.
I hung out in the lounge for a while after changing into my pajamas. I hoped to have my pictures downloaded. By the time I left at
Everyone enjoyed sleeping in this morning, especially the computer crew who were up past
We shared the English speakers Mass at
After Mass, another pilgrim and I explored the crypt between the Basilicas and then went to the Immaculate Conception Basilica, but Mass prevented us from too much exploring. We wandered down the trail exiting the baths and then decided to try for the fortress looming on the hill. We passed the Way of the Cross and unfortunately did not have or make time to return. Catching the blue line we’d followed the day before, we found an interactive map which my friend deciphered and took off in the general direction. I followed and after many minutes of long winding, uphill trekking, mostly along the blue line, we turned down an alley and there it was. We entered the lobby, but found no one from whom to purchase tickets. It turns out that the fortress is closed from
By
As
Home for dinner, but I decided against the Marian Procession this evening. I really wanted to do the Stations of the Cross, but it’s too dark and I don’t want to go alone. Others stayed home as well and we prayed Evening Prayer together though we were both nodding off. There are still pictures to do this evening. I got everything packed as we’re leaving tomorrow and headed for bed. I’m thinking the afternoon sun on the roof did me in, or maybe that was the hike.
Our last day in
An hour and half later we were back on the road, no worse for wear, but allowing the stress of the stop release. We put a few miles behind us before stopping for more ham and cheese sandwiches. Our Pilgrims’ Prayer today included a line about ‘If my meals of bread and cheese aren’t to my liking Lord, may I remember that I’m a Pilgrim, not a tourist.” You have to love the sense of humor.
We arrived late in
We had an excellent salad this evening including celery root (semi-radish-like), beets, carrots and greens. The steak, to my taste was cold, but mostly rare and too much gristle for my liking. French fries are good anywhere and they were hot. Many were also thrilled when ketchup appeared at the tables. Plain yogurt with raspberry syrup completed the meal.
The rooms here are bungalow style, cute and quaint. The twin beds are pushed together with one coverlet. Tomorrow the roads will be nasty as we head into
Today’s breakfast the best so far, applesauce, chocolate and regular croissants, Lady Grey tea and the French version of instant oatmeal, just add hot milk. I got on the bus pulled out my pillow and slept to the best of my ability. The roads are curvy, windy and generally nasty. I don’t even want to think about them.
Lunch wasn’t so hot, more ham and cheese. Edible, but I’ve had better on this trip. We listened to an interesting CD about Tom Smith. He was speaking about his conversion to Catholicism. He began as a Mormon and then switched to Protestant before becoming Catholic.
Our next stop is
We stopped for Mass at the Basilica of St. Maria Ausilatrice near the tomb of St. John Bosco. We watched a short movie there and toured the museum that was the first home for boys that he opened. The local guide spoke Italian so our tour guide translated for us.
Stop number two at the Basilica of the Holy Shroud. Mass was just starting as we arrived. Pictures were minimal and the Shroud of Turin is behind a curtain, but the life-size photograph and negative are on display.
Our first dinner in
Tomorrow Sienna and
I happened to be handy when the computer gurus needed another pair of hands. Once the pictures are uploaded, we get to title them. One guru clicks and I copy. We got almost all the
More rolls for breakfast! Cookies and nutella are portable and make a great snack, yum! Two more cribbage games this morning, I lost both, the first by an obnoxious margin. I was almost lapped around the board.
I borrowed a sudoku book from
We spent the afternoon in Sienna. Our first stop is for Mass at Basilica Cateriniana. St. Catherine’s head and finger reside here. Her head was discovered incorrupt upon exhumation of her body and so was moved to this Basilica. The site of her home is now several small chapels. Moving up and down the hilly roads of
Dinner tonight is no fewer than six courses. I skipped the third appetizer and most of the fruit and probably should have skipped meat, green beans and Italian tater tots (though the tots weren’t bad). The green (pesto?) and chicken flavored rice and cheese penne with tomato sauce and a bit of meat was very tasty.
Everyone is worn out form our long three days of travel and seems in need of a laugh. Happy pilgrim to the rescue, with stories upon stories she had the 8-10 people at the end of the table in stitches! No wonder I didn’t really want to eat, I was laughing too hard to swallow properly. Everyone was red-faced and howling at some point. I was waiting for someone to choke or pass out from hyperventilation.
I helped haul luggage after dinner and then attempted to retire early. Our room is a railway station!
Round two is St. Clare Basilica beginning with two and a half hours of free time for lunch, shopping, etc. we went off looking for lunch. We ended up at the fortress on top of the hill overlooking the city. Sun streaks break the clouds over the picturesque landscape. The Basilicas’ bell towers stand tall in the cityscape, but dwarfed by the surrounding mountains.
I picked focaccia with sea salt and rosemary for lunch. Just bread, but good bread, not that tooth cracking stuff we enjoyed in
Back down the hill, near our hotel is Our Lady, Queen of Angels. St. Francis often prayed here and later died here. From here, we retired to the hotel to rest before dinner. For several, this meant a few bottles of wine and some fun songs, another night of much laughter and tears for the Pilgrims. Dinner went better this evening as we’ve learned to say “no” and gain smaller portions of what we do want.
I sense a cold invading, smoke must have knocked down my immune system long enough to let it in, grr! I took Zyrtec to help me sleep. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.
Morning routine interrupted by an early fire alarm. No fire thankfully, but apparently some weren't ready to go yet. We’re on our way to
Cascia is a beautiful hamlet nestled in the hillside. Many stairs, elevators and escalators are needed to transport Pilgrims from bus parking at the bottom of the hill to the Basilica. The town is mostly deserted now as tourist season is over.
The upper Basilica is simple and stunning including the relics of St. Rita. The chapel is equally beautiful and everyone seemed touched having Mass there. No pictures in the Basilica, but we took many in the chapel. The lower Basilica, also simple and elegant, houses a piece of breviary page soaked in the blood of a host. The host disintegrated between the pages of the breviary while being transported to the home of an ill person, very intense.
Gelato is no where to be found as many places were closed, but the sandwich shop had a yummy salami and cheese sandwich. Dessert consisted of another game of cribbage.
On the bus, we’re sharing stories of our favorite or most touching moments. Each is more moving than the last. I slept maybe an hour when the roads worsened, only woke up when everyone gasped. Apparently, we rounded a corner and there was an equally big truck going the other way. Our drivers are amazing! We’re told
We had breakfast on the bus to make our audience with the Pope. Much hurry up and wait ensued. Crackers with jam, phony orange juice in a box and tea did little to ease the stomachs this morning. We added crackers with peanut butter and fun-sized candy bars.
The American flags were handed out and helped keep the group together. We missed being officially announced, but managed to make a huge racket when the overall welcome was given to American Pilgrims. The standard welcome was repeated in no fewer than six languages. Two hours later, we were released for lunch. We had pizza and lasagna. Lasagna is great, but not Grandma’s, Mom’s or mine. The gelato here is just as good here. Returning to St. Peter’s we enjoyed an afternoon tour from our guide, a seminarian from the North American College. St. Peter’s is more than massive. Sections inside were blocked off for various reasons. As we toured through a few folks dropped back and went outside, as it was overly warm and crowded. Michelangelo’s Pieta now resides behind bullet proof glass after incidents with a shotgun and an ice pick. We celebrated a late Mass, in Italian, at the altar under the Holy Spirit window just behind the Papal Altar. I thought I’d figured out the Gospel reading, but someone else had the daily readings and it wasn’t there. We know what to say when and where, but when you try to think in English surrounded by Italian speakers it doesn’t work very well.
We briefly lost two folks after Mass as they went to the designated meeting place, the Obelisk, while everyone else headed directly for the bus. We found them! I remembered my evening prayer on the way home and entered the hotel just before the thunderstorm started.
No rest for the weary tonight, exhaustion, illness, aches, pains and general grumpiness marked dinner this evening. Food helped, but a good night’s sleep is definitely in order. I ate my spaghetti, but snapped at one in my avoidance of the second course. I also shut the window which was chilling me, but felt good to them. I did have dessert (always a sucker for sweet stuff) and went to bed. Twelve hour days are not good for Pilgrims.
Lucky me I had to get up twenty minutes before the alarm went off. The rolls at breakfast were great, but no protein at all. We visited the St. Callixtus catacombs directed by our Salesian priest guide. Steep stairwells and tall, narrow passages lead pilgrims past thousands of niches, many of which were built for children. Here is the original tomb of St. Cecilia, a martyr and patroness of musicians. In this dark, cool place is a room where several Popes were buried. After being converted to a chapel, it housed several more martyrs, who were killed there during
Our next stop is
We intended to see Tre Fontaine and the Pantheon, but a demonstration blocked the road. We had lunch near St. Mary Major instead, three blocks from the main train station. Our guide informed us that pickpockets abound there. My lunch, a vending machine’s finest egg and salami sandwich, which I followed with a chocolate croissant and gelato, allowed enough time to take a walk and play cards. We were kicked off the steps of St. Mary Major for playing cards, though no money changed hands. After a brief tour of St. Mary Major, our group was herded back onto the bus.
An early evening in the hotel gave us plenty of time to play cards and relax. After dinner, more card games, including garbage rummy. The computer is available today, but the uploading of the pictures takes a long time and the connection keeps cutting out.
We left at
Across the street are the Holy Stairs in Scala Sancta which Christ climbed to see Pilate. The only rule here is that the Holy Stairs must be climbed on the knees. These stairs have been climbed by so many the treads are warped similarly to those in the Leaning Tower of Pisa, though four wide rather than one. We bought prayer books with a prayer for each of the 33 steps. Less than ten stairs later, my knees ached. The people ahead of me were not going as fast as I could pray a Hail Mary and so I struggled up each step, as Jesus must have. Overarching the top step is a fresco of Christ on the Cross. Behind this is a face, not painted by man, behind glass and above a golden tabernacle. Some arrived after the stairs closed so they climbed the side stairs meant for going down. These are stone, not wood and there are more of them! One pilgrim ran into a friend outside St. John Lateran and consequently ended up the last one on the bus.
We headed back to St. Peter’s for free time. We arrived around
After much confusion as to which line lead to the cupola (the viewpoint on top of the dome) and the crypt we started in the crypt. Paul VI, John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII are all buried here. Blessed John XXIII has been discovered incorrupt. According to our guide from our previous tour, his eyes were sealed shut as they occasionally opened and scaring people. I bought a postcard of John Paul II’s tomb as no pictures were allowed.
We then got in line for the cupola to take pictures of a few of the mosaics we’d seen on our way to the crypt. While in line, we noted that: a) to climb 551 steps to the top will cost one 5 euro b) to climb 320 steps after taking the lift will cost 7 euros. It took perhaps two seconds to decide to climb 551 steps. Tickets punched, the climb began. The first batch of stairs is wide both in elbow room and in tread. Metal stairs and tight spiral staircases remind me of climbing the Statue of Liberty. Before getting into the dome itself, we get to the roof. On the roof, we are at the same level as the statues of the Apostles and saints. Just above here, one 
goes inside the dome and looks down on the Papal altar and the Holy Spirit window. I could see the place I’d sat for Mass two nights before and the people below looked ant-like. The circular mosaics, like the Holy Spirit window are approximately six feet across.
Heading outside the viewing rail, yet inside the dome the climb continued. Shortly after leaving the inside viewing area the walls tilt to accommodate the curve of the dome above and below us. After the tight stairs, being in the open air is great, but the view is 100% worth the climb. Stunning views of the square and surrounding area prompt many pictures and a few short videos. From here, the Apostles and saints seem about the same size as they do from the ground. People in the square are tiny. Climbing down we discovered a souvenir and drink shop. Yes. It’s true. Leave it to the Catholics.
Back on the soil vs. on the great monolith, that is St. Peter’s, my friend hit the ground running in search of a chalice. He’d done some searching on our previous trip and as this was our last day, hoped to find one to take home if possible. A few days earlier, we were asked for a donation toward a chalice as a gift from the Pilgrims. I’m hoping that he doesn’t find one, or decides to order it from home so we have a chance to buy it for him. Lunch doesn’t slow us down though (neither did a bit of rain), pizza and ham and cheese panini are easily carried through the street. I bothered to grab some water from my bag to help swallow. I’m still not sure about this part hot, part cold sandwich. We stopped in a few shops, looking for a place that we had seen from the cupola. I’m not sure we ever found it. I felt bad still eating as we entered the first shop and I was still eating my sandwich.
Just before heading back to the bus, I was led back to the shop where he’d seen two chalices that he liked. Only one was present. Having seen the looks of some of our group, I had a good idea why, but I didn’t say anything. With everyone on the bus, we settled in for a long ride home.
After dinner, we checked out maps of our 2600 mile journey. This doesn’t include the 300 miles from
Our fearless leader received a pink, girly, Rosary from her future coworker for her hard work on the trip. Our spiritual director then got the hot seat as they presented the gifts. First, a new paten, which he immediately said was his new cookie plate. Then the two chalices, the first gold and silver with embedded red stones. The second, gold with enamel work showing Our Lady of
A
Upon arrival, we discovered that the
A delayed departure from
After a system wide reset, the video player worked properly and I was able to watch Prince Caspian from start to finish complete with lots of battles and not much plot, though I’d consider getting the sound track.
I’ve decided that middle seats are not kosher. It is hot and getting out is a pain. Thankfully, two others from our group are next to me so I get up when they get up. I also get up when the person on the other side gets up as well. In general, it’s ok, though I usually have to bother the person I don’t know to get back in. I want to sleep, but I’m too stiff!
We made it home all in once piece after two extended delays in Sea/Tac. Our lives are forever changed for the better, because we lived it together.
Monday, November 3, 2008
I'm Back!!!!
Hi all,
I didn't manage to get online while in France and Italy, but you can check out the 1000 plus pictures at: http://s467.photobucket.com/albums/rr31/ollparish
Some of these pictures are mine, most are not.
FYI: Being Catholic and all some of these pictures are of the in-corrupt bodies of saints. These people died a long time ago and their bodies did not decompose. It's kinda funky, yes, it creeps me out some too. Just thought I'd warn you.
Enjoy,
Holly
I didn't manage to get online while in France and Italy, but you can check out the 1000 plus pictures at: http://s467.photobucket.com/albums/rr31/ollparish
Some of these pictures are mine, most are not.
FYI: Being Catholic and all some of these pictures are of the in-corrupt bodies of saints. These people died a long time ago and their bodies did not decompose. It's kinda funky, yes, it creeps me out some too. Just thought I'd warn you.
Enjoy,
Holly
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