Flew into tomorrow! Landed today while it was still yesterday at home.
Time zones. 😆
I got the cheap seats so not much sleep was had. I’ll probably forget about that soon. There’s so much to see now that I’m in Roma!
…
By the time I got to the hotel late morning I was exhausted and needed a shower. A very long nap was had! It was glorious.
Then off to St Peters’ Square and Basilica!
There are people everywhere from all over the world. I follow the crowds around until I find my way in through security.
The amount of people is overwhelming since I’m tired. The Basilica is ginormous. It took me awhile to realize Mass was happening at the very front. It looked roped off to the tourist crowd milling about with cameras out. I looked for a quiet place.
Spotted! A side chapel with plenty of open pews and no crowds. It’s blocked off with one entrance. There're no lines. It’s for sacramental confessions. They have a lots of language options too. I got a Dutch priest who speaks English as well. What a blessing!
The confessionals were all made of beautiful carved dark wood and looked portable. A stark contrast to our little rooms back home for confessions.
After some prayer time I go on the hunt for food. And wine.
Bruschetta and a dry red to start.
Note to all: not all wine is delicious in Italy. Or maybe my Kansas palette just doesn’t know best?
Those are definitely anchovies on one. 😂
With the bill comes A “local digestive” I’m told.
When in Rome 🤷♀️. Down the hatch!
Some kind of liqueur that doesn’t make me gag but also not one I’d order.
I’m still hungry-ish. And it’s still early. To the next!
This restaurant has an uptown American vibe. Reminds be of a lot of places I go when roadtripping the states. Fun geometric tiles. Brushed gold fruit holders. Top 40 hits remade into jazz mixes for background music.
Lambrusco: carbonated red wine. Kind of weird. But it’s growing on me.
Carbonara. My new DC friend told me it’s a must in Italy. Praying I can still fit in my jeans at the end of this. 😳
It has GUANCIALE (fancy cheek bacon). Bacon. Cream. Carbs. What more could one want?
Oh yeah. Wine.
I don’t think I’m doing wine right in Italy though. Or maybe I’m too tired still to appreciate it. There’s always tomorrow.
Off to do some work since it’s still office hours stateside.
Looks like fun!!! I am a little sad I won't see you at GROW, but it just means we'll have to find another excuse to get together at some point!