We get up around 5 am to get ready for the Papal Audience. Yes, that is my wedding dress! During the general audience, there is a blessing for newlyweds said. Couples are encouraged to wear their wedding garments, if possible, so I brought my dress along for the trip.
We walk the half-mile over to St. Peter's square around 6:30, which doesn't open until 8:30 am, but already there is a short line forming at the gate. When the doors opened, we were shown to a special section of seating for newlywed couples, just behind where the Pope would be sitting. By 10 am, it was already blazing hot and the humidity was intense. Let me tell you, organza doesn't breathe, and we didn't bring a hat or umbrella to guard against the sun. At that point all we could do was offer it up.
The pope arrived around 10:30 am, and the place just erupted with cheering. It was unlike anything I'd witnessed before. Not to mention the rockin-red shoes Papi was sporting were sweet!
We listened to the readings, and the Pope's reflection on prayer (translated in about 9 or 10 different languages), as the sun beat down on us. Though it was difficult to concentrate, the experience still left an impression, particularly at the end when he recited the blessing for newlyweds. It was all in Italian, and was not translated, so I didn't understand what he said, but trust me when I say you could feel the love in the place.
When the audience wrapped up around 12:15, we made our way back to our hotel to change into clothes better suited for touring the city, and rushed off to the Metro again. Just about every stop on the metro was home to something historic and spectacular, including the Republic Plaza, the Spanish Steps, Santa Maria Angeli, Triton's Fountain, Trinita de Monti, Piassa del Popolo, and many other sites.
Two of our favorite stops were St. John Lateran and Scala Santa ("Holy Staircase"). St. John Lateran was a breathtaking church, with enormous sculptures and intricate marble mosaic floors. The Holy Staircase is believed to be the steps from outside Pilate's Palace, the steps Jesus would've walked only hours before death. Visitors to Scala Santa are invited to climb the holy stairs, but only on their knees, praying as they ascend.
Our last day in Rome, we revisit the Vatican to climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. It was definitely worth climbing the 551 steps to the top. After buying a few souveniers from the Vatican, we started back to the hotel before we realized we almost forgot one last necessity for a visit to Rome: Tiramisu!
On the way to the bus stop, we happened across – you'll never believe it – a festival! Actually, a street fair, to be more exact. We stopped in for a slice of pizza and beer. As part of the festivities, airplanes buzzed overhead, spraying the colors of the Italian flag. It was a spectacular end to the first leg of our trip. On to Slovenia! Ciao!