As I was getting in line for boarding group number five and quickly finishing my meal from Wendy’s, I thought to myself, “Well, this is it. This is the first time I will be out of the United States.” But it was so much more than just a new experience. I ate new food, learned new cultures and customs and made new friends along the way.
The first few days we spent in Rome were mostly concerned about the history of the ancient city. We were able to walk around the Colosseum and touch the same pillars that ancient Romans touched thousands of years ago. On that same day, we were able to traverse the Palatine Hill and visit Caesar Augustus’ abode. On a separate occasion, we explored Trajan’s Market, the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum. We also visited some places of more recent history, including the Vittoria Emmanuelle Statue and the Jewish Quarter.
The food, for the most part, was also tremendous. We feasted on all kinds of pastas, pizzas, breads, a lot of olive oil, and even more gelato. Specifically, I took a liking to the tiramisu, and some wild boar Ragu pasta. However, as an American, there were a few things which blew my mind. The traffic and lane discipline in Rome was absolutely bonkers, and I was forced to pay five euros for some cheap beads from a street vendor. On another occasion, I stubbornly refused to put on my rain jacket, and got caught in an absolute torrential downpour, and I was subsequently soaked for the remainder of the day.
However, the thing which really stood out to me from the trip were the churches. Not only was the Vatican spectacular, and its museum and Sistine Chapel equally tremendous, but the sheer number of churches in the city was astounding. There were ancient behemoths like the St. John Lateran Cathedral, as well as churches adorned with beautiful paintings from Caravaggio and Michelangelo. I will never forget the beautiful mosaics in San Clemente nor the world famous Catacombs of San Sebastian. We also had a Papal Audience in which we were able to listen to the Pope talk, and watch him be driven around in his PopeMobile. Additionally, I was privileged to visit the Jewish Synagogue in Rome, situated in the old Jewish Ghetto. It was poignant to reflect on the history of antisemitism, both in and outside of the Church, and also enlarge my cultural knowledge and appreciation of our shared spiritual patrimony with the Jewish people.
Throughout the course of the trip, I also made new friends whom I would not have met had I not gone on this trip. Of course we annoyed each other, but we grew in friendship. Specifically, I developed new friendships with some freshmen, despite their attempts to provoke me.
So that was it. Rome: a nexus of art, cuisine, religion and history. Overall, this trip was an excellent experience full of lifelong memories, and I would like to wholeheartedly thank Mr. Dixon and Mrs. Peter for making this trip possible. If you have any inclinations to go on a Priory trip abroad, go for it, I had the time of my life! 10/10, would recommend!
