This week I was lucky enough to have both my family and Ryan visit me in Rome!!!! The fam got here Tuesday evening after spending the earlier part of the week in Rome. The whole day I was like a jumping bean and could not wait for them to get here. I was so flipping excited because I missed them so much. About a half hour before their arrival time I couldn't take it anymore so I started pacing back and forth from Campo di Fiori and our hotel. On my second walk back I saw Meggles and her little head and I ran to her and gave her and everyone else a big hug. To my surprise, I actually started tearing up when I saw them. Who knew I was so emotional?? Anyways, we talked and talked and ate and talked and everyone was exhausted so everyone slept except me because I was too excited. The next day we went to the Vatican to hear the pope speak. At one point we were literally no more than 10 feet away from Pope Francis and it was so cool to experience that with my family. After that, I showed them my classroom building and library and a few cool spots in Rome. We again ate a lot and talked a lot. Side note: we drank at least 2 bottles of wine for both lunch and dinner. Steve-o and Renedawg should visit me in Europe more often. Once again, I got no sleep that night because I was far too excited for the one and only Ryan Utter to make his debut outside the continental U.S. of A. By Thursday morning I was going certifiably insane and I thought I saw Ryan walking into the market in Campo di Fiori. Well it wasn't him. So I, defeated and anxious, walked back into the hotel and there he was in the lobby! I will admit that I cried but only for a second I swear. Then we all made our way to the ancient Roman Forum and the Colosseum! It was awesome showing them around because I know so much about the structures due to my classes here. It was fun being a bit of a tour guide for the day. After that, we visited the "Jesus steps." The steps that Pontius Pilate ruled from and that Jesus walked up and down during his condemnation were moved from Jerusalem to Rome by the mother of Constantine, Saint Helen. The marble steps have been covered in wood, but glass has been put over the spots were there drops of Jesus' blood. The steps can only be climbed on one's knees in silence. It was one of the coolest things I have ever done. It was so painful, but every time you thought about how hard it was, it was followed by a thought of how much suffering and pain Jesus went through. It was one of the most moving things I have experienced in Rome and I could not be happier I was with Ryan and my family. More wine and food followed. Duh. Friday we got a private tour of the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica. Once again, one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I am so happy I got to share it with my family. Our tour guide was so informative and really made the whole experience so interesting and deep. That night we went out for another nice dinner and then more gelato and then the favorite part of the entire week occurred. My entire family went to Scholar's. HAHAHAHA. Side note: Scholar's is the bar I was infamously kicked out of about a month ago for trying to get on stage to sing karaoke. So you can see why I am so humored by the sight of Renedawg sipping a gin and tonic in Scholar's. After that, Ry, Dan, Brit and I went to the Drunken Ship for another drink because why not. The next day we went to Via del Corso, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain. We shopped and just walked around. It was a nice relaxing last day in Rome. Saturday night we went to one of my favorite restaurants and reflected on how great the week was. I still can't believe how blessed I am to not only have this experience but share it with the people I love most. Having my family visit was such a blessing and I couldn't be happier I was able to show them a piece of what my life has been these past couple of months. It was hysterical seeing my parents straight out of Joliet prancing around Rome. Meggles was also owning it. Too good. The whole week was so fun with them. Also, not many nineteen year old girls have a boyfriend willing to fly over 4000 miles and nine hours just for three days together. Just saying. I am one lucky girl.
Now I have only 19 days left in Europe, and I plan on making the most of them before I leave for Christmas! Cannot wait to see you all when I get home!!
XOXO
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