The Aroma of Rome

We went to Rome to visit a Center and to train a new couple serving there.  We also had a seminar with our newly called Italy Area Advisors to give direction and information about the 14 Centers they will supervise in Rome.  They were wonderful meetings.  We spent one evening with the great YSAs at the Center and attended a baptism .  The Italian saints are so fun and vivacious, or you could say full of emotion!!

These two sisters are true missionaries--one served on Temple Square and the other in Romania.
We stayed 2 extra days at our own expense and saw the city.  Rome is everything you have ever heard and much more!!  Every direction you look there is history - some in the lst century.  One of our favorite sights was the coliseum which is huge and partially standing.

Another beautiful and famous sight was the de Trevia fountain where several movies have been made .  Do you remember "3 coins in a fountain"?  Well that's the spot and if you throw them it , then surely you will return. (hope so)

Of course the Vatican is probably the most famous sight and it is pretty amazing.  The Vatican is actually a walled city with it's own gov't., etc.  Inside is St.Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.  St. Peter's square is the "Temple Square" of the Catholic church and is quite impressive.  There are statues of the 12 apostles around the top of the walls in the square.  Certainly no less impressive is the inside of the church (St. Peter's Basilica).

They claim that Peter is entombed here and have a beautiful bronze statue of him near the tomb.

One afternoon we went to the "square" and there were thousands of people waiting so we waited to see why.  Up in one of the windows atop  St. Peter's square the Pope appeared and spoke to the multitude.  Guess we were in the right place at the right time, but we did not convert!!

Just so you know, Pinocchio is alive and well in Rome.  He could be found in almost every tourist shop in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Rome is a charming city aside from all the historical places with it's cobblestone streets, old buildings and sidewalk cafes.   As you can tell, we were delighted with every moment we spent there and would love to return someday .