Another one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It reminded us a lot of traveling to see the Emperor while living in Japan many years ago to hear his New Year’s blessing and speech to the people. While we are not Catholic and not super religious, we decided to take part in this trip. We arrived early to St.Peter’s Basilica. The piazza was eerily empty. We walked around to look at the Christmas tree and nativity scene that was placed in the middle and then made our way inside the church. There was still more time to revisit the church again and be re-amazed at the grandness of this place. At last morning mass began. We soaked up the hymns and preachings and were as respectful as we could be. Although, I did see a lot of tourists there holding up phones and video recording many things. They are probably used to it here, allowing outsiders in and all, but it didn’t feel right; so I only got a few shots and only when it was appropriate. We finished just in time to walk outside, find a good spot, and listen to the Pope’s Christmas speech to the people. The piazza outside the church was no longer vacant. Crowds of people were in every direction- even above! It’s still amazing to think back on how we were in one of the most historical places on Earth, watching a man known and loved by millions around the world, at such a special time of the year. Wow.

Afterwards we were starving! We were taken to a restaurant not from the Basilica with a very cute theme that served traditional Roman dishes such as saltimbocca.

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