Roma Uno

My first official day in Rome! So much to see and do, and Megan and I just have so much fun together, always! We slept in, which was wonderful, as  I was still recovering from the jet lag/jet lack. British Airways called at 730 in the am, and then finally delivered my long lost bag at around 1pm, Rome time.

Megan and Sarah (Megan’s roommate and friend) and Karen (Another of Megan’s sweet friends) went to Mr. Pucci’s for brunch, a very eclectic Italian café, which was so fun, even though it was a little cold and dreary out. It’s a false stereotype of Italy that it is always warm and sunny! Had my first Italian cappuccino!

Megan and I then proceeded to the Center (of Rome) to check out a phone store that she needed to go to. We wandered a bit, went to Sant’Eustachio for their infamous espresso and then proceeded to find a gelato shop. Yummmm I had coconut (I’m on a kick!) and fruit salad(lots of anti-oxidants!) and Megan had Nutella crème and pistachio, which was just delightful. The gelato shop happened to have a bar of sorts to sit at, and in our typical fashion, 20 minutes in Megan and I were both crying! Not because we were sad, but just because life is so good and so sweet and we love each other so, and there wasn’t even alcohol involved this time!! ;)

Then Megan wanted to take me to see some of Caravaggio’s paintings in a church down the street, and on our way through the cobblestone streets, this was the conversation that took place:

Megan: Oh yeah, I think…yes, the Pantheon is other there – ish, I think…

Allie: The WHAT???? THE Pantheon????!!!???

Megan: Yes! There it is! It’s there! (Points down the alleyway directly to Allie’s right)

Allie: AHHHH!!!!!

Caravaggio

Then Saint Catherine’s Church, where we arrived just in time for Saturday vigil Mass with the Dominicans, and home to

Gothic style architecture

A statue of Christ the Redeemer by MICHELANGLO (Just, you know, normal, everyday MICHELANGELO)

St. Catherine herself (literally, everything except her head, which resides in Siena)

One of the most gorgeous depictions of Mary I’ve ever seen, in a tiny side chapel

To the servant of God…every place is the right place, and every time is the right time.

-     From the   Letters of St. Catherine

Then home again to Megan’s where we made a delicious dinner together of sautéed zucchini, which seems very prominent in Roma this time of year.

Also a side trip to the wine shop, two doors away and so cute, a necessity, of course!

We then talked, and laughed, and cried, and laughed some more all night long!! Megan is one of those beautiful souls in this world with whom you can really, truly be honest and authentic, as naturally as breath, and not only have her love you no less, but all the more, and with whom you can sit for hours, philosophizing and exploring both your own and the world’s deepest sighings and secrets. Absolutely beautiful, and such a gift.

So much fun, a wonderful day of new experiences already, the sights and sounds of Rome, all ending in true human connection, the very best of all ;)

But we're gunna start by drinking old cheap bottles of wine
Sit talking up all night
Saying things we haven't for a while, a while yeah
We're smiling but we're close to tears
Even after all these years
- The Script, song compliments of my brother