2 week notice.

Two weeks left, and I'm dreading leaving.

I've had an amazing experience here, and I never want it to end.
As the end gets closer and closer, I realized there is still so much I want to do! I started making a list in my head, and doing things as the opportunity arises.

My Roman "Bucket" List - Things to do before May 8th at 7 am (when I leave for the airport and the states)

For example, today I ate a Kebab in Piazza San Pietro at sunset. It was one of my goals to finally get a kebab here, so I did!

I want to either get gelato or a cappuccino everyday.
I want to get the famous Nutella Calzone from Dar Poeta.
I want to go to the morning market in Campo for dried fruit and nuts.
I want to go to the Sunday Market in Trastevere.
I want to see the Sistine Chapel.
I want to go to Piazza Navona.
I want to see the Bocca Della Verita.
I want to take the Angels and Demons Tour.
I want to go to the bookstore down the street and buy myself a beautiful Italian book that I can't read (YET).
I want to speak as much of this beautiful language as possible.
I want to talk to old ladies on the bus - the 23 and 990.
I want to have the courage to get up in Scholar's on Karaoke Tuesday and SING!
I want to walk along the banks of the Tiber River.
I want to go to an AS ROMA calcio partito! (soccer game).
I want to say "ciao!" to a child.
I want to drink out of the water fountains on the street.
I want the Gnocci with Vodka Sauce from Tony's.
I want to get lost one more time in this amazing city I now think of as my home.
I want to hear the Pope speak on Sunday afternoon.
I want to climb to the top of the Basilica and admire the city.
I want to drink wine and eat bread.
I want to see a movie at the cinema.
I want to cherish every minute of every day in this amazing, wonderful, strange, enchanting place I call home.

I want to know I made the most out of my experience here, and take it all home with me. My 4 months in Rome.
My pocket full of sunshine.

What a Beautiful day in Rome

It was such a beautiful day, with all the flowers and plants on the Terrace blooming,

that I decided to take some pictures,

make a pitcher of sun tea,

and sit out with a good book.

It must have been at least 75 degrees.
Molto Belle!!

Pasquetta at il Vaticano con Il Papa! (Easter at the Vatican with the Pope!)

Easter morning, I wake up at 6:15.
Put on the Easter Dress mom sent (Which was beautiful by the way), and ran to the Vatican. I even forgot to put on makeup!
I get there at 6:45 and stand in line - near the beginning which was exciting.
Christina got there with our tickets at around 7:15, and we wait to be let in. There is a group of Americans behind us, including an old Grandmother, and she was easy to make conversation with. She said she'd pretend to need to be carried in so we could get in faster. We all laughed.
I wished I had a cappuccino and a cornetto, but knew I was getting my Pasquetta Dinner later! :)
Next, the line starts pushing, we're hurried through security, and I step into the square to see... people running.
Like its Supermarket Sweeps or something.
RUNNING in Piazza San Pietro! I walked, and still managed to get a SEAT, near the front of the square. It started drizzling as we sat and waited for the Mass to begin.
The Piazza was decorated BEAUTIFULLY, with trees, beautiful yellow flowers, grass, light pink blooms on the bushes.
There is an old French couple sitting in front of us, and an Irish Nun next to them. There are two young Russians next to me, A group of Mexican students behind me, and an American family, in their best Easter attire next to them.
We're all here for the same thing. So what if we only understand the one reading or psalm spoken in our language.
Its the experience we're here for. Finding God in that cold, rainy Square. Filled with song, hope, and strangers, who would all be brought together by one thing - The Rising of Jesus.
Soon it starts raining harder. And harder. Its downpouring.


The Sea of Umbrellas behind me.

I sat in the cold rain and listened to the mass, getting pictures of the Pope (Il Papa!) when I could.
Then, a few Priests stepped down into the Square. They were giving Communion. I don't even remember the last time I had communion - and I couldn't believe they had enough to give the thousands of Pilgrims in the Square that day.
The Mass ended, I hugged my friends and I returned home in the pouring rain to prepare myself a Traditional Italian Pasquetta Feast - Ravioli.
I put on Indiana Jones movies and boiled my Ravioli. Topped it with some Balsamic Vinegar Crema, and shredded Asiago cheese. Yummm!
It was delicious, and soon, I was Skyping with my family, who I missed very much.
Mom showed me the Lamb cake, and I was passed from person to person. It was so much fun, especially seeing how the babies have grown! Ethan looks like a little man with all his blonde hair, and Elliott, was smiley as always.
It was really nice to see Momo and Papa, who I haven't seen in too long.
You definitely take holidays like Easter for granted until your sitting on Skype, being shown what the Easter Bunny put in your Niece's Easter Basket.
It was an amazing experience to be in the Vatican for Easter. The singing. Everyone brought together to experience the Mass for the Rising of Jesus.
I will remember being in the Vatican for Easter forever.