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What a day!! This was one of the most tiring and incredible days! We began with 7:00 Mass in the Irish Chapel. This could not have been more special. Monsignor McDade is from Ireland and a friend of Eileen Cavanaugh's from Denver. We enjoyed a coffee with him after. He is such a joy to be with; we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I also enjoyed the celebrity status of Mother Mary Quentin since there were many references to her.
We decided to brave the experience of walking the steps up St. Peter's Cupola, up and up, around and around. I am so impressed with Mom and it wasn't her first time. It rivaled the mountain hiking with Joe's in-laws, only we didn't have carry-on water! Wow, what a view. We held our own against the French high-school girls trying to muscle our spot away from us. They thought a cute "exuse" would make us move. They don't know Mary Cronley! Ok, so that's a little laugh. It was amazing, though.
Then, we had an 11:30 tour of the Vatican Gardens - a few more hours of walking. To me, this was a great way to experience the Pope's back yard! We were not disappointed by the beautifully maintained landscaping, statues, fountains, and buildings. We have quite a few pictures from this tour. Again, awesome weather. Our guide said that in the summer it is quite miserable. So, maybe not as many blooms, but certainly an enjoyable experience!
AFter an essential nap, we headed out to a local neighborhood for a seafood extravaganza. A friend of Mosey's lived in Italy and this was her favorite neighborhood restaurant. The cab driver managed to find it without too much trouble. Since we were so early (7:00 is practially still lunch time in Italy) we had hte place to ourselves. This was probably good since they didn't speak English. It's a good thing smiles are universal. Basically they just brought out food, about 5 different courses, and we ate. Awesome! The only bad thing was we didn't know they only accept cash, and we almost didn't have enough for dinner and the cab. It was close!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Day 3, Monday March 16, 2009
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We do not have many pictures from Monday. We slept in until 7:15! Mom was late to her morning Mass at St. Anne's, so she stayed for the second one. They're only 30 minutes. Our main tour was the Vatican Museum, so you will have to see my incredible book to enjoy it. I give a big WOW, especially the Sistine Chapel! I found my necklace here. (I wanted one for myself as a keepsake.) It is a silver locket with a gold cross on it and a ruby in the center. I didn't look in the locket until I had purchased it. It is St. Jude! I thought this was fitting with my National Board work. Sister Yvonne Mary said that he found me and that means something. Does it mean I'm a lost cause? They had an interesting story on how he came to be known for that. At one point noone was praying to him, so someone decided that he came to be the "last resort" saint. (or something like that) After lunch we were free! Mosey and I wanted to explore Piazza Navona further, since we had found it while lost the previous night and it was interesting. It is kind of like Jackson Square in New Orleans - art, restaurants, and interesting people (even some under the table purse and sunglass entrepeneurs). There were two amazing fountains in this square. Our drinks were about the same price, though vastly different in size, as you can see from the picture. However, I will attest the power of that little "coffee!" I also bought some scarves, which every Italian wore (and Chicagoan - Mosey had one already). The price was right!
We do not have many pictures from Monday. We slept in until 7:15! Mom was late to her morning Mass at St. Anne's, so she stayed for the second one. They're only 30 minutes. Our main tour was the Vatican Museum, so you will have to see my incredible book to enjoy it. I give a big WOW, especially the Sistine Chapel! I found my necklace here. (I wanted one for myself as a keepsake.) It is a silver locket with a gold cross on it and a ruby in the center. I didn't look in the locket until I had purchased it. It is St. Jude! I thought this was fitting with my National Board work. Sister Yvonne Mary said that he found me and that means something. Does it mean I'm a lost cause? They had an interesting story on how he came to be known for that. At one point noone was praying to him, so someone decided that he came to be the "last resort" saint. (or something like that) After lunch we were free! Mosey and I wanted to explore Piazza Navona further, since we had found it while lost the previous night and it was interesting. It is kind of like Jackson Square in New Orleans - art, restaurants, and interesting people (even some under the table purse and sunglass entrepeneurs). There were two amazing fountains in this square. Our drinks were about the same price, though vastly different in size, as you can see from the picture. However, I will attest the power of that little "coffee!" I also bought some scarves, which every Italian wore (and Chicagoan - Mosey had one already). The price was right!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Day 2, Sunday, March 15, 2009 The Vatican
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Today was Mass, Angelus with Pope Benedict (I do not know proper terminology for this), and a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Square with Sister Mary Hannah. We met Sister Yvonne Mary (she abbreviates "SYM" from our itinerary) at 10:00 for 10:30 Mass. She remembered me also from our childhood retreats in Alma. She was one of the young ones (her words - cute). I was a bit worried because the seating was full. However, we followed her toward the front. We sat in the second row. As she says, "They know us." It was quite a spectacular experience. The program had English to follow along. I love listening to the Italian. I wish I'd learned some before the trip. I spent a good deal of time admiring the Altar, as you can see from my pictures. When we left Mass, we were able to have a very good position for Pope Benedict's Angelus. Although he left for Africa the following day so we could not have an audience, this was a wonderful surprise.
We had lunch, then met Sister Mary Hannah for a tour of St. Peter's. She is full of information, and I caught many people hanging around listening to our private tour guide. A few bits of info...I was impressed by the planning of the church, designed to be inviting to us. Whereas Roman architecture includes huge statues and carvings, those in the Basilica are designed to increase in size as they go up just enough to appear to be the same, so as not to make us feel small when we look up! THis holds true to the writing as well. There is only one painting in the whole Basilica, in the adoration chapel, because pictures are not allowed in there. The rest are mosaics, because they resist light. We learned loads of fascinating facts, many of which I cannot remember. Next time I'm going to have a small voice recorder!
We weren't done! We decided to go to a concert at St. Ignatius, and we walked into the city. (I guess that's what you call it.) We found a neat area called Piazza Navona, a square and surrounding area with shops, restaurants, and a few Irish pubs! (We didn't go to any.) We ate dinner at one of the restaurants. It was good, but not our favorite. We continued looking for the church, but Rome is a curved maze and we never found it. By 9:30 we had it and caught a cab back to Casa John Ambrose, home sweet home.
Today was Mass, Angelus with Pope Benedict (I do not know proper terminology for this), and a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Square with Sister Mary Hannah. We met Sister Yvonne Mary (she abbreviates "SYM" from our itinerary) at 10:00 for 10:30 Mass. She remembered me also from our childhood retreats in Alma. She was one of the young ones (her words - cute). I was a bit worried because the seating was full. However, we followed her toward the front. We sat in the second row. As she says, "They know us." It was quite a spectacular experience. The program had English to follow along. I love listening to the Italian. I wish I'd learned some before the trip. I spent a good deal of time admiring the Altar, as you can see from my pictures. When we left Mass, we were able to have a very good position for Pope Benedict's Angelus. Although he left for Africa the following day so we could not have an audience, this was a wonderful surprise.
We had lunch, then met Sister Mary Hannah for a tour of St. Peter's. She is full of information, and I caught many people hanging around listening to our private tour guide. A few bits of info...I was impressed by the planning of the church, designed to be inviting to us. Whereas Roman architecture includes huge statues and carvings, those in the Basilica are designed to increase in size as they go up just enough to appear to be the same, so as not to make us feel small when we look up! THis holds true to the writing as well. There is only one painting in the whole Basilica, in the adoration chapel, because pictures are not allowed in there. The rest are mosaics, because they resist light. We learned loads of fascinating facts, many of which I cannot remember. Next time I'm going to have a small voice recorder!
We weren't done! We decided to go to a concert at St. Ignatius, and we walked into the city. (I guess that's what you call it.) We found a neat area called Piazza Navona, a square and surrounding area with shops, restaurants, and a few Irish pubs! (We didn't go to any.) We ate dinner at one of the restaurants. It was good, but not our favorite. We continued looking for the church, but Rome is a curved maze and we never found it. By 9:30 we had it and caught a cab back to Casa John Ambrose, home sweet home.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Rome, 1st day, Saturday, March 13
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We followed the advice of world travelers and did not sleep, so Saturday was experienced with droopy eyes, but the excitement kept us awake. We had an itinerary from Sister Yvonne Mary, who preplanned our tours. She now works for tourism "division" of the Vatican, so she knows how to plan and what to see! It was awesome! After some looking around our street and St. Peter's, we did the Scavi Tour. Note: I will do my best to represent some of what we learned. I did keep a journal, but my facts may not be perfect. Remember, I was somewhat in Nat'l Board shock with no sleep for about 24 hours. This is a tour of the tombs ("city of the dead") beneath the Basilica that go back to early Roman times, before Constantine. They were not allowed to bury people within the city limits, so this hill was used as burial ground. Within the past 20 years (I think) they have "dug out" this underground city that had been buried itself when Constantine built the first church on this hill. You can not believe how intact these ANCIENT ruins are, with color still on the walls and urns still intact. Our tour guide was a young Italian Archaeologist with 10 years experience there. Mom said it was better than her first time. Enjoy the slideshow! (not allowed to take pictures on that tour) I'm getting closer to figuring out how to embed it, but there are still some technical difficulties. I adjusted the seconds in Google, but it didn't change here. I'll keep working! You get the quick tour...Also, please comment if you'd prefer the album to a slideshow.
We followed the advice of world travelers and did not sleep, so Saturday was experienced with droopy eyes, but the excitement kept us awake. We had an itinerary from Sister Yvonne Mary, who preplanned our tours. She now works for tourism "division" of the Vatican, so she knows how to plan and what to see! It was awesome! After some looking around our street and St. Peter's, we did the Scavi Tour. Note: I will do my best to represent some of what we learned. I did keep a journal, but my facts may not be perfect. Remember, I was somewhat in Nat'l Board shock with no sleep for about 24 hours. This is a tour of the tombs ("city of the dead") beneath the Basilica that go back to early Roman times, before Constantine. They were not allowed to bury people within the city limits, so this hill was used as burial ground. Within the past 20 years (I think) they have "dug out" this underground city that had been buried itself when Constantine built the first church on this hill. You can not believe how intact these ANCIENT ruins are, with color still on the walls and urns still intact. Our tour guide was a young Italian Archaeologist with 10 years experience there. Mom said it was better than her first time. Enjoy the slideshow! (not allowed to take pictures on that tour) I'm getting closer to figuring out how to embed it, but there are still some technical difficulties. I adjusted the seconds in Google, but it didn't change here. I'll keep working! You get the quick tour...Also, please comment if you'd prefer the album to a slideshow.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Rome, Spring Break, 2009
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These are my pictures. I only have pictures from Sat/Sun because I blew out the battery for my camera trying to recharge it. You'll see repeats in the daily entries.
Wow, where do I begin? We left Birmingham March 13 and returned March 20. Mosey flew by herself (sad) from Chicago as we could not work out combined travel. We were met by Sister Mary Hannah at the Rome airport and continued to go from there! I won't go step by step (right now). I cannot describe the incredibleness of everything that we saw. Rome is just a city intertwined with historical architecture, statues, fountains, art, and people. It is a marvel to walk around and just SEE everything. There is history EVERYWHERE! I think what amazed me most is that these features are just THERE. They ARE the city. You do not have to go to a certain part of town to see anything. An example is that the piazza where we changed buses and ate pizza with the nuns has the spot where the Roman Senate House was, where Julius Caesar was murdered. Sister Yvonne Mary mentioned casually over dinner that we should go see it on our way to another spot.
I will continue to write more detailed entries, and hopefully figure out the pictures!
These are my pictures. I only have pictures from Sat/Sun because I blew out the battery for my camera trying to recharge it. You'll see repeats in the daily entries.
Wow, where do I begin? We left Birmingham March 13 and returned March 20. Mosey flew by herself (sad) from Chicago as we could not work out combined travel. We were met by Sister Mary Hannah at the Rome airport and continued to go from there! I won't go step by step (right now). I cannot describe the incredibleness of everything that we saw. Rome is just a city intertwined with historical architecture, statues, fountains, art, and people. It is a marvel to walk around and just SEE everything. There is history EVERYWHERE! I think what amazed me most is that these features are just THERE. They ARE the city. You do not have to go to a certain part of town to see anything. An example is that the piazza where we changed buses and ate pizza with the nuns has the spot where the Roman Senate House was, where Julius Caesar was murdered. Sister Yvonne Mary mentioned casually over dinner that we should go see it on our way to another spot.
I will continue to write more detailed entries, and hopefully figure out the pictures!
National Boards are done (almost)!
Between January and March 12 I spent many days getting up before 4:30 and going to school. Upon returning home, I would get on my computer almost until bedtime. Weekends were more of the same, without school to "interfere." After Rome, I had a few days to finish up, and I mailed the portfolios March 27. WHEW!!
National Board work required extras for my regular job, and then writing about it for the portfolios. In addition, gathering "evidence" of my teaching. It was a very busy, stressful time. This was the most difficult experience ever, professionally. I believe my personal and profession growth will show itself in the future in many ways. I am grateful to get back to my life and am slowly catching up. I have to take a 4 hour computerized test in June, but I am not worried about that right now. Unfortunately, we do not find out if we earn the certification until November. Remember, only 40% of candidates earn it in their first year, so I accept that I may have to redo parts of it. The good news is that I do not dread that. Most of the battle was understanding what to do, and I feel pretty good about that now. I just ran out of time once I figured it out, so my last weeks of working were dreadfully stressful!
National Board work required extras for my regular job, and then writing about it for the portfolios. In addition, gathering "evidence" of my teaching. It was a very busy, stressful time. This was the most difficult experience ever, professionally. I believe my personal and profession growth will show itself in the future in many ways. I am grateful to get back to my life and am slowly catching up. I have to take a 4 hour computerized test in June, but I am not worried about that right now. Unfortunately, we do not find out if we earn the certification until November. Remember, only 40% of candidates earn it in their first year, so I accept that I may have to redo parts of it. The good news is that I do not dread that. Most of the battle was understanding what to do, and I feel pretty good about that now. I just ran out of time once I figured it out, so my last weeks of working were dreadfully stressful!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Boring update - better than e-mail?
Dearest Family, I love you!!! I'm feeling very loved with all of the wonderful birthday songs, phone calls, and cards. I replayed the kids singing multiple times!! I am so sorry that I am not talking to you! It's been a rough couple of weeks vocally. I only went a day or so without talking. National boards and writing workshop warrant speaking to my students. By the last group I can hardly do it. I'm also fighting a chest cold that makes it worse. Needless to say, by evening the phone is that last thing I want to try.
I'm afraid THursday was pretty typical. The kids were great, as usual. They always make me feel good! I met with my NB mentor after school, and didn't get home until after 6. Greg and I went to our Mexican restaurant. We look pretty bad as a couple when I can't talk. It's kind of funny, I guess. He even orders for me. People probably think I'm not allowed to speak or something. The waiters and owners know about my voice problem, at least.
We've had beautiful weather. It's raining today, but that's good for working! In case I haven't said, all of the writing and copying and "evidence" has to mailed by the end of March. My goal is to be done with all 4 portfolios before Rome. Then I'll have the 3 hour test, scheduled for June 4. I'll be very stressed this next month, but after that I should have a life again!
I'm making a short visit to the Boog family tomorrow, with computer in tow. Can't wait to see them! Maybe Marin can help me revise.
One month until Mom, Mosey, and I go to Rome!! I am so excited!
I love you all!!
I'm afraid THursday was pretty typical. The kids were great, as usual. They always make me feel good! I met with my NB mentor after school, and didn't get home until after 6. Greg and I went to our Mexican restaurant. We look pretty bad as a couple when I can't talk. It's kind of funny, I guess. He even orders for me. People probably think I'm not allowed to speak or something. The waiters and owners know about my voice problem, at least.
We've had beautiful weather. It's raining today, but that's good for working! In case I haven't said, all of the writing and copying and "evidence" has to mailed by the end of March. My goal is to be done with all 4 portfolios before Rome. Then I'll have the 3 hour test, scheduled for June 4. I'll be very stressed this next month, but after that I should have a life again!
I'm making a short visit to the Boog family tomorrow, with computer in tow. Can't wait to see them! Maybe Marin can help me revise.
One month until Mom, Mosey, and I go to Rome!! I am so excited!
I love you all!!
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