Ciao, Jerks!: May 2010

Pantheon on Pentecost

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,

they were all in one place together.

And suddenly there came from the sky

a noise like a strong driving wind,

and it filled the entire house in which they were.

Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,

which parted and came to rest on each one of them.

Acts 2:1-3

On Pentecost Sunday, I went to Mass at the Pantheon. Actually, I went to Mass at St Mary and the Martyrs, a Catholic church that was originally the Pantheon.

This is what the Pantheon looks like when half of it is covered in scaffolding.

This is what the altar looks like from far away

This is what the oculus looks like

Mass was packed, because there is a tradition at the Pantheon on Pentecost. When Mass ends the firefighters of Rome situated on top of the dome throw red rose petals upon everyone below. This is intended to represent the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and Mary at the first Pentecost.

I expected a few rose petals, and a cool visual, but I had no idea.

The rose petals fell steadily for quite a while. It seemed as though it was raining rose petals.

Also, during Mass a white bird of some sort (probably a pigeon, but it is nice to think it was a dove) flew into the church and circled the dome for some time. Finally he left, only to return with the roses. It was a really cool moment.

Here are some pictures of roses falling from the oculus of the Pantheon, sorry they kinda suck. (The pictures, not the roses.)

You can see the bird flying on the right side of this picture.

This was such a great way to celebrate the birthday of the Church, and to end the Easter season. The Catholic Church, sure knows how to celebrate. :)

Oh, I also ran into some Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Nashville, who are studying here in Rome. They introduced me to some of their classmates. So, I finally have some friends here. Horray!

At the end of the day I was able to Skype with some awesome teens in San Antonio, it was an excellent day.

Happy Pentecost, indeed.

Here is a video of the roses falling from the oculus of the Pantheon.

I did not take this video, but a nice person I do not know, but I was at Mass with did, and put it up on Youtube so I can share it with you. :)

World's Greatest

I have not been feeling well the past few days (feel sorry for me!).
Dr Google tells me it is either mono, or a just a cold. Anyhow, because of this mysterious deadly illness I slept a gluttonous amount the other night. When I woke up from sleeping a deliciously huge number of hours, I obviously felt better, but also (and more importantly) I felt like a champion. A sleeping champion.
This is why I am writing about it in my blog. I want everyone in the world to know I am an AMAZING sleeper.

Im pretty sure this song is based on my sleeping prowess. :)

Don't worry, a real (interesting) post is forthcoming.

Public Sevice Announcement

Attention Ladies:

Leggings ≠ Pants

Put on some damn pants!!

....the more you know....

Porta Portese

On Sunday I went to the Porta Portese outdoor market in the Trastevere area of Rome. I had never been before, and I had a lot of fun, just looking through all the wares. Everything there is super cheap, and haggling is encouraged.
Here are a million pictures. (Thats an approximation, I havent counted them.)

Lighting options for every price point

Socks and shoes of every variety

Music, in the form of records, cds, and even 8 track

Cold weather clothes

Weapons and military apparel. All of these things available cheaply at a sketchy market seems like a recipe for disaster. (I also think it is funny that slingshots, nutcrackers, and large knives are kept together.)

Works of art (reproductions, really) from around the world

Anything you need to accessorize your outfit

American sports jerseys, and metal band shirts

Homewares

Various food products

(Here is a free tip: Don't eat those olives. They are delicious, but if you eat them, later in the day you might vom inside St Peter's square with 150,000 people there. I wont say that happened to me, I just wanted to give you some free advice.)

Beer steins and silverware. Both great options for a wedding gift.

I also saw a bride at the market. Perhaps she was there picking up some last minute items for the reception. (I hope she decided against the olives. Im just saying)

It was a very interesting place, and I will certainly be going back. Any requests?

Ciao (jerks)

Dog Park(ing)

I thought this was amusing

A place to park your dog when you go into a store.

Now, here is a picture of my dog, just because she is cute, and I miss her.

Wedding Season

Spring time is the offical beginning of wedding season, even in Rome. Last weekend I happened upon three weddings randomly. Here is proof. (Is it weird that I am putting a stranger's wedding pictures up?)