"Yes the road is calling, so I've got to go"

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." -Confucius

Hi!

So I actually stayed in Rome this weekend, and it was wonderful! I slept in every day, went for a couple runs, went sight seeing, did homework, and relaxed.

Thursday night I went out with a group of girls from MSU, and on the way home we were introduced to the 24 hour bakery. Let me just tell you that if you find anyone who doesn't believe in God, take them to this bakery. It's incredible. And it's cheap.

On Friday I went to a Rembrandt and Vermeer art exhibit. I had a moment where I had to stop myself, and take a moment to pinch myself. I couldn't believe I was seeing "Girl with a Pearl Necklace" in the flesh. Also on Friday, some of the State girls and I decided it was about time we found a theater with movies in English. With luck, we found one in Piazza del Popolo and we saw Revolutionary Road. It was a great movie, intense, heartbreaking, but definitely a must see. It's interesting at movie theaters in Rome, because they have little cafes inside them along with popcorn. Also, they stop the movie half way for intermission. It made me laugh.

On Saturday, I went to the Picasso exhibit at Complesso del Vittoriano. They had two full stories of Picasso, and they chronologically showed his paintings. It was amazing. The exhibit also had a couple paintings that are originally from the UofM Art Museum. Later that day, my friend Abby and I went to Santa Susanna, the American church in Rome. It was AWESOME to finally hear a homily in English. It was also the childrens mass, and the Priest asked all the kids questions during the homily, which is always entertaining. All of the children were adamant on how much God loved everyone, and were quick to share this fact with everyone.

Today, on Sunday, I went with some friends to get some gelato and then we went to study at St. Peter's square. I know, I am a spoiled brat. I can't believe that I actually get to study and be with friends in God's country.

Some fun things:
1. In Italy, the cafes are called Bars. You go in, ask for a drink (my favorite is the cappuccino) and sit while you read or chat with friends. You can take as much time as you want, and you pay only when you are heading out the door.
2. Italian men are starting to gross me out. They are way to flirty, and to them you don't have personal space.
3. I had my first Italian cannoli this weekend. Heaven.
4. Many European cities have a "Carnivale". Venice is famous for their Carnivale because of the outlandish costumes and masks. Carnivale falls on Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras, but the celebrations last for about two weeks. It's fun because you'll see little kids dressed up in costumes for about two weeks (see the Finding Nemo picture).
5. I was able to reserve tickets (finally!) for Easter Mass at the Vatican!!!! For those that know me, you can imagine my excitement. The Pope and I are going to be BFFs.

Alright, well that's about it for news from across the pond.
Hope everyone has an amazing week.
You are loved and prayed for, Kaitlin

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go out and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Harold Whitman