memories from a trip to Italy
One of the most amazing trips of my life was in year 2000, in Italy. The occasion was the Jubilee year celebrated by the Catholic church - maybe you remember the news on TV talking about 1 million young people gathering from all around the world to Rome. I traveled with 58 other people from my home city - Bucharest. There are many details which faded away, but I will always remember the fantastic atmosphere of joy flowing on all the streets of Rome, so many young people speaking different languages, carrying their country flag, singing, dancing in the piazzas. Incredible... At that time I didn't have a real camera, I used one of those one-time use Kodak camera, but I am glad I have some pictures that captured a few of the multitude of happy moments and exquisite views.
During our stay in Rome we were "lodged" in the sport facility of one of the schools, like most of the other groups. There was only cold water for the morning showers, but nobody cared, it was so awesome to be there. The days were long, starting at 8 am and finishing late, around 12 am. We walked a lot, entered so many beautiful churches and museums, and exhibits, admired many piazzas (piazza Navona was the best!). We had a pass for all the public transportation means, which helped a lot for going in far places of the city. A funny thing was that during our stay, we didn't see too many locals; most of them had gone to other places, until the "invasion" was gone...
The last two days were the most interesting, all people gathered in one large, large place - Tor Vergata- where on that Sunday the Mass was celebrated by John Paul II. It was amazing to hear that ocean of people applauding and cheering for the Pope. Indeed, he was the most loved one...
After our return, we needed a few days to land into reality again. I am looking forward to visit Rome again.
|
|
