Yesterday evening we returned after a five day pilgrimage that took us on foot from Viterbo back into Rome, a distance of roughly 50 miles. The highlights of this trek were many, but I will just share with you a few.
Although it rained nearly every day, I found the countryside to be amazing. There's something to be said about actually climbing hills, crossing fields, and carrying your belongings on your back. It brings everything so much closer than say, tossing your bags in the trunk of your car, and passing all of these things by in the blink of an eye. The pilgrimage forces you to slow down and take in everything, a great lesson before the semester begins!
In the middle of this pilgrimage, I celebrated my birthday. It was unlike any other birthday I'd celebrated, as I was not in the States this year, but rather hiking through the Italian villages of Sutri, Monterosi, and Campagnano. The guys made the day special, as we went out for dinner that evening and for some gelato, an Italian equivalent to American Ice Cream, afterwards.
Last but not least, on the final full day of the pilgrimage, we were nearing our destination when we came up on a bit of an obstacle. The route led across a river via a bridge, however this bridge was completely deconstructed. This meant we had to ford the river. Off shoes and socks, up with the pant legs rolled above the knees, and in a line to lift all the packs to the other side. Then we each went across to the other side. Fortunately, nobody got swept away in the fast moving current. This was voted one of our favorite parts to the route!
Now, we have returned safe and sound to Rome, and have moved into Bernardi, the name of the residence hall where we will all live over the course of the semester. Orientation begins this week, and classes the following. Until my next entry, blessings and peace!
Although it rained nearly every day, I found the countryside to be amazing. There's something to be said about actually climbing hills, crossing fields, and carrying your belongings on your back. It brings everything so much closer than say, tossing your bags in the trunk of your car, and passing all of these things by in the blink of an eye. The pilgrimage forces you to slow down and take in everything, a great lesson before the semester begins!
In the middle of this pilgrimage, I celebrated my birthday. It was unlike any other birthday I'd celebrated, as I was not in the States this year, but rather hiking through the Italian villages of Sutri, Monterosi, and Campagnano. The guys made the day special, as we went out for dinner that evening and for some gelato, an Italian equivalent to American Ice Cream, afterwards.
Last but not least, on the final full day of the pilgrimage, we were nearing our destination when we came up on a bit of an obstacle. The route led across a river via a bridge, however this bridge was completely deconstructed. This meant we had to ford the river. Off shoes and socks, up with the pant legs rolled above the knees, and in a line to lift all the packs to the other side. Then we each went across to the other side. Fortunately, nobody got swept away in the fast moving current. This was voted one of our favorite parts to the route!
Now, we have returned safe and sound to Rome, and have moved into Bernardi, the name of the residence hall where we will all live over the course of the semester. Orientation begins this week, and classes the following. Until my next entry, blessings and peace!
congrats on mission accomplished lol aunt judi this is very interesting. i will let mom knoww ur safe & sound
ReplyDeleteIts good to know how you are doing in Rome! Can't wait to hear more about it!
ReplyDeletekeep up the good wrk.the us needs someone like you that is so positive & willing to help people out.you should be very proud of yourself :)lol aunt judi take care
ReplyDeleteGood to know that you have fun overthere. And yeah..Happy Belated Birthday!! I never know when is your birthday. But I hope you have a great one which I think you do. Take care.
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