GL350: The Last Hoorah

It's unbelieveable to think that we only have three more days left here in Rome! I can still remember vividly the first time we got off the plane. Looking back it is overwhelming how much we have visited and learned about in a mere eight weeks. It literally makes my stomach turn knowing I have to figure out a way to pack all my luggage while keeping them underweight and making sure nothing breaks. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED...
Probably the most important thing that happened last week was getting to be a part of the Papal Audience in front of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. So so so so cool, espicially for not being Catholic. Not only were we in his presence, but we were only 50 feet away from him, sitting in the second and third rows with our "red tickets". (BIG thanks to Danilo for that one, such a great experience) I can honestly say I had goose bumps before he came out and took an enourmous amout of pictures. People travel all over the world to get blessed by him, and I am proud to say I am one of those people.
We also visited Nettuo and went to an American Cemetary for soilders who fought overseas in Italy. Being able to give respect to those who served overseas and never came home was very moving. It makes me proud to be from a country where men and women are willing to risk their lives for the freedom of others. While in Nettuno we had class on the beach....no it wasn't warm. Although it was beautiful it was freezing and I found myself making my scarf into a babushka by the end of the hour discussion. 

While the week winded down, the excietement was not over. Friday morning Sydney, Rachel, Amy and I left for London. A case where history repeats iself was present in my day. Thursday night I made the terrible mistake of staying up and doing silly shenanigans unitl about 1:30 but had mindset to shower and pack and be up by 4am to leave for the airport. FAIL. I fell asleep and woke up at 3:25 with an empty suitcase and no shower :(
Friday and Saturday in London made up for any mishap that happened to occur prior. I LOVE LONDON! Deciding to go there the last free weekend was one of the best decisions I've made since I've been here. More than ever I want to travel more and esp. visit London and stay longer.

As we finished this week, we also finished The Talented Mr. Ripley. I can say it was quite an easy read for two reasons. One, because everywhere he talked about and experienced in the book, we have been while in our time here. It was so easy to relate and connect the readings to our own experience. Reason number 'due' is becasue he is a twisted man and the plot line is too good to put it down. The details used in the book to describe Venice stood out vividly for me. "He liked the fact that Venice had no cars. It made the city human. The streets were like veins, he thought, and the people were the blood, circulating everywhere..........pigeons everywhere." After spending a weekend in Venice and making this analogy it makes so much sense and makes me appreciate the trip even more than I already did.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...and dun dun dun, we leave Friday morning. Such a bittersweet feeling, but I know I am taking so much out of this and am beyond excited to share everything with my family and friends ...and cat when I return to the states. May our Walsh Family stay close, and cherish the memories we had together. The next step from here is... REUNIONS AT THE MUSTAFAGA'S! Woot, consider this my RSVP.