Un nuovo papa!!!! The selection of a new Pope. What an amazing thing to have experienced here while I am in Italy. As I write this blog, it is 11pm on the eve of this decision. I feel so blessed to have been here during this time, and I am not even a religious person! This is truly a life experience which I will never forget.
My homestay Mom, Sylvia, called me
into the dining/TV room right after the white smoke had been released from the
chimney of the Cappella Sistina. I posted up in the soft, comfy chair in front
of the live coverage waiting for Papa Francesco to emerge on the balcony of St.
Peter’s for his public address. Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina, the
first pope of this era to not be European, asked the crowd in St. Peter's
Square to bless him as he started his new "journey”. He spoke clear,
simple Italian, so that even those who know little could understand. I feel
very good about this pope after he bent over and prayed along with the
thousands of people; the moment of silence chilled my bones. The conclave’s
decision, in a time where the Vatican could consider evolving, truly shows
their willingness to lean in the direction of modernization as the faithful
are.
After, Sylvia and I had a wonderful
dinner together discussing the past, present, and future of Italy. I feel so
proud to be able to sit and converse, completely in Italian, about events so
close to the heart of the citizens here. Unfortunately I have no pictures to
commemorate this historical event, but I cannot ignore the irony of this
situation. About one month ago, I made
plans to go to Rome this weekend. With these recent events, Italy has treated
me too well! I will live history this weekend, and I cannot wait.
But prior to this, I have some other
recent experiences of mine that I wish to share. Two weekends ago, my friend
Liz and I traveled to Verona and Padova (Padua for us Americans) to explore the
Veneto region of Italia. We were in search of a Romeo and Juliet experience in
Verona and the Scrovegni Arena Chapel in Padova. Making both of these goals
come true, we conquered. Friday morning
Liz and I hopped on the Sena bus leaving Pz. Gramsci in Siena, and 4 hours
later were in the city of the Capulets and Montagues. Verona is a beautiful,
rich city of Northern Italy where Shakespeare set his tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Walking down the main
street to the city was an experience I will never forget. The energy of the
people on this gorgeous spring day was amazing. In my opinion, being in Verona
felt very similar to being in a city of the US. Especially when we entered the
main Piazza where beautiful brightly-colored, neoclassical buildings surrounded
us. Yet I knew I was in Italy when a giant, ancient Roman Arena found itself in
the dead center of the square. Wow, magnifico. Italy is truly an ancient place
in preservation. The modern day government buildings encompass this antique
giant made of ancient stone. Liz and I continue our day doing all of the
tourist things such as finding the balcony of Juliet and rubbing the right
breast of her statue for good luck. Of course all of this is fiction, but we
had to play into it. For dinner we had the classics of Verona: a polenta,
salami, and Veronese cheese plate con vino rosso. So delicious.
After a night in Verona in the quaintest hostel, we are off to Padova via un treno. We were there in search of Giotto’s amazing frescos of the Arena Chapel. Luckily Liz had reserved us tickets ahead of time. Before the Chapel, we were able to explore the city. I got the feeling while in Padova that I was in France, although I have never been to France haha, but this is how I imagine it to be. Perfectly manicured lawns with beautiful fountains, and the shinning sun. Una bella giornata! A day in Padova filled with art and sites left me tired and ready to pass out on the bus ride home to Siena.
Megan Kessler, Brandeis University
CET Siena Student Correspondent
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