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.
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