Up bright and early. The Sister yesterday advised us to get to the “Catholic Pep Rally” by 7:00 am. Sister Mary Catherine said they give out WAY more tickets than there are seats. In her orientation she told us how to dress, “knees and shoulders covered and EVERYTHING in between”. Although I certainly feel one should dress conservatively out of respect, there are VERY FEW around me who feel this way. Case in point, the woman in black leggings you could see right through and a shirt that declared, “what the hell” with skulls adorning it. At least she was there…right…
So out the porta by 6:30, grabbed a delicious Italian breakfast and a taxi to Piazza San Pietro.

By 7:00 am quite a crowd was forming, they shuffled us through a few barricades, and by 8:00ish, I was in the front seating area….without a seat. At that point, I watched as people there for Holy experience acted….pretty unholy. My philosophy was that part of this adventure was for me to work on being more patient, so I just stood near an area with lots of seats (reserved for large groups from different parishes) thinking that I might get lucky. I figured if I did not, I was there in the right frame of mind and heart and He would know that.

The people watching was…I do not even have words. Several newlyweds came presumably right from their ceremonies. Old, young, really old…really young and every age inbetween.

The troop of “ladybugs” were so like something right out of a movie.

But of course nothing could compare with when Pope Francesco entered the piazza. All united then. By that time, I had secured a seat. Never speaking more than “si, si, grazie” to anyone. I was seated a few chairs from a barrier when an Italian woman about my age, motioned for me to come over by the barrier. Again, “si, si, grazie.”

See…my forced patience benefited me! The shouts of “Papa! Papa!” were something I will never forget. He stopped his “Pope Mobile” right in front of me and kissed babies raised over the barrier for his precious blessing.
At the end of the audience, the same woman turned to me and gave me a Pope Francesco prayer card. Although I had just purchased several and they are now blessed, the one from her will be my favorite.

roaming 5,812.8 miles

Arriving at the airport I was quickly and soundly reminded that any pathetic attempt I had made in the last couple of years to learn any Italian was silly!
Sure, I can pick out a word here and there, but the speed in which they parlare makes my head spin!
I actually think this is a fun diversion for them…saying crazy, nonsense things to Americans as we say “grazie, si, Si, grazie” and walk off .

My poor wheels. Not sure what I will do on Sunday.

My cool and cozy room.

Fontana di Trevi
And yes, I threw a coin in.

Where I picked up my biglietto for the Papal Audience.

My first Caprese. And Pasta Carbonara from La Carbonara.

And of course a wise traveler always scopes out a spot for domani!
Buonanotte!

Sunset / Sunrise

roaming 81.9 miles

Mom wanted to take me to a lunch spot they found. So….we drove 2 hours to Utopia, Texas and enjoyed a wonderful meal at The Laurel Tree.

I think dessert was my fav!

roaming 800 miles

We always enjoy our trips to visit our children. One is attending the University of Alabama and the other is on the golf team at Mississippi State.
The South often gets a bad wrap but I am a fan! Love the sweet tea AND the hospitality!

Crimson Clover

Everyone NEEDS one of these!

A HARDCORE fan!!

roaming 238 miles

Just on the road for a quick shot of culture.  Picasso Black and White is a current exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts Houston.  Picasso declares color a weakness.  This major exhibition focuses on the artist’s lifelong exploration of a black and white palette.  Paintings, sculptures and sketches are showcased in this exclusive venue.

The visual experience is stunning but choosing the audio to accompany you throughout the exhibit helps to create a more complete and more personal experience.  Hearing his daughter, Maya, share her fondness for her father is endearing.

Of course another highlight of Houston is the wonderful food.  Friday evening we  tried a new spot, Bistro Provence on Memorial Drive.  They had me at Bonsoir.  The food was very good, the ambiance was cozy and French, the service attentive.

And when in the Museum District, we just cannot seem to pass up Niko Niko’s on Montrose.  With the long line that always greets us there, others feel the same way.

The weather Saturday evening was perfect for roaming Highland Village.  A late dessert was worth the wait at SWEET in City Center.

I thought maybe if I put in writing my reason for beginning this blog, it might help me get off GO.

The purpose is 71 days away.  I am planning an adventure through Italy…solo.  I thought creating a blog could have a dual purpose- 1) enable family and friends to view my adventure from 5,766.8 miles away and 2) give me a voice in a country where I do not speak the language.

So there it is, first post.  Nothing exciting, but maybe that it yet to come!

Ciao!