Rome thus far is so surreal. Every moment feels like you are walking into one of your daydreams. Not even the mundane experience of grocery shopping is similar to the way it is done in America. There are so many things to look at in the stores; colorful labels grab your attention from floor to ceiling. Which is a pretty good analogy for what Rome is like. Being surrounded by beauty, though incredible, is never entirely satisfying. There is so much to be seen, and almost no possibility of seeing it all.     

Perhaps some of the coolest experiences are being around the things that are several centuries old. Having lived a short 17 years, I can hardly comprehend what 50 years is like, much less 2,140. Going up the different levels of the Castel di Sant’Angelo, you walk through history. Starting with the times of Emperor Hadrian, onto the Dark Ages, and then to the Renaissance. Despite the historical significance of the Castel, having had so many awesome purposes, the view from its rooftop is perhaps the most amazing part. It cannot be done justice by any photo. From there you can feel the essence of Rome. I did not truly understand the charm and uniqueness of this city until that moment. It seemed like not enough pictures could be taken, and none could actually capture the magnificence.

I feel that this needs to be mentioned, because not only was it slightly amusing, but it also really helps you appreciate America in a way. When we were embarking on our tour of the Castel, a blonde-haired woman of questionable appearance attempted to join our student group by standing near us and blowing smoke in our faces. What we first considered a minor annoyance, soon turned into shady suspicions. Our lovely tour guide Jill told us that Pick-pocketers will often pay admission into tourist locations so that they can slowly steal away your belongings while you are distracted. It is so foreign to consider that something like that happens so frequently in Italy and most other countries. We really have it made back home.     

That is, of course, not to say that I am ready to return. Shortly after our fantastic view of the city from the Castel, we witnessed one that was even better: from the top of St. Peter’s Dome.  The climb (with an injured knee that I picked up at the Colosseum) was incredible, mostly because it was so difficult. The winding stairs never seemed to end. What was worse was the vertigo brought on by the harshly slanted walls as you neared the top.  However, once you finally made it you are hit with two incomparable feelings. First, you are washed over with the relief of making it to the top and feeling the breeze dance along your face; second, you understand what it’s like to see everything. On the Dome, you could see every crevice of the city, and each mountain beyond it. To think that some people have this luxury at their disposal every single day is inconceivable. From there, anything is possible. You are in the sky, hundreds of feet above the city. You are in Roma.

After making our way from the Dome, all of the students entered the Basilica itself. Never had I seen such as masterpiece. Every possible surface was covered in elaborate design that was absolutely amazing to behold. That was the hardest thing to grasp. That I was standing on such holy ground. Thousands of people pass over those floors every day in dedication to their God. St. Peter’s is a symbol for every Christian, and even those who are separate from it. To think that such a place brings together people from all over the world. St. Peter’s is a place to learn who you are. No matter who you are and what you believe, there is nothing that can keep your jaw from falling in the presence of Bernini’s famous bronze and mosaics.  The representation of so much power, stability, and superiority cannot be overlooked. It screams at you, and nothing could possibly keep you from accepting that message. It’s  amazing. Ciao!

Brae E.