I felt good to be back in Rome after my trip to Germany and Paris. It already feels like home. Even better I was happy to see my girlfriend, Laura, who came here on her Spring break from University of Pittsburgh, one of my favorite people from my Pennsylvania home. I couldn’t wait to show her everything I could in Rome. Also the weather is really getting beautiful here now. In the middle of the day you never need a jacket and the sun is always shining it seems.

We took advantage of the good weather, traveling all over the city. We went to St. Peter’s, somewhere I had not been yet. Piazza San Pietro is the most beautiful Piazza in Rome, well technically it’s in the Vatican, but you know what I mean. A huge colonnade surrounds it. Two massive fountains stand opposite each other inside. Numerous saintly statues sitting high on the colonnade perpetually stare down at the crowd. And of course there is the Basilica dominating the one side with its enormous Dome. Inside is an artistic heaven on earth, especially with the heavenly masterful work of Michelangelo, La Pieta, kept in a chapel on the right side. Crypts of the popes are located all over, their faces carved in the richest marbles. The tremendous Baldacchino over the altar is also a sight to see. But perhaps the greatest sight is at the top of the dome. We climbed all the way to the top to see perhaps the best view of Rome. We left St. Peters but later returned for the Pope’s Sunday blessing. Unfortunately it was given by a substitute as John Paul II, il Papa as the Italians call him continues to recover from an illness. I believe he is doing much better now as Holy Week approaches.

After San Pietro, I took Laura to many of the other sights in Rome I had already been to. It was great to go back to the Coliseum, Forum, and shopping on del Corso. We also got a free tour of the Pantheon and Santa Maria della Sopra Minerva courtesy of Professor Dabell and art history class. Rob also had some friends visiting and we had a great dinner altogether in Trastevere. On our last night in Rome before heading on the southern Italian trip we planned, just Laura and I went out to Colle Oppio. It is a restaurant/lounge overlooking the Coliseum on a hill of the same name. It’s a great place for night views of the Roman ruins, and great dinners and drinks.

Having someone from home to share Rome with was great. It is a fantastic city that everyone must see. Having Laura around also made me miss everyone from home especially my family though, and I knew it would be very tough when she had to go. But I will be home soon and I can’t wait to see everyone again. Right now I can’t help but just continue to indulge in my great experience here, however a little homesick.