I love it when you call me Il Papa...

Well, I think that should be the theme song for the Pope. Slightly modified but it works. I can't remember what the song is called or who it is by but it was in a Keanu Reeves movie (oh, how lame am I). Emmy and I have been singing it all week.

Today was the day I have been waiting for. I got up early and went to the Borghese Museum first thing. It had a stunning collection of art work. Amazing paintings and unbelievable sculptures. I tend to like sculpture more (not to say I don't appreciate paintings) and I have a favourite sculptor - Bernini. You should definitely check out some of his work. I saw three amazing pieces today and the detail was unbelievable (finger imprints on Persephone, Daphne turning into a tree and the facial expression of David). Google Bernini!

Then I rushed to the Vatican for my date with Il Papa. I was there an hour early so I was able to watch the crowd assemble. There were a lot of people gathered from all around the world. And when the sash for the window was lowered the crowd erupted into cheers. It wasn't even the man himself and they lost their mind. There was a group from Africa that had drums and were singing and dancing. There were Italian groups who were singing hymns and waving flags and chanting. It was unbelievable. And then the man himself appeared. It was so exciting to see him - granted it was from a far but I was so excited. I could not understand what he was saying but it was great to be among thousands of people who were so excited to be there. At the end of the blessing, he spoke to many groups in their native language. I almost passed out when he started to speak in English because he began my shouting out to a group traveling to Italy from, get this, Edmonton Canada!! It was so cool to hear him mention my city! Plus I got it on video!

I was so excited and wasn't sure if my day could get better, but it came close. After a bit of confusion regarding the bus schedule on Sundays, I made it to Emmy's apartment to get ready for the Opera. Yesterday, after 4 hours of shopping, I managed to find an outfit that fit. I realized I do not fit in Italian fashion! Anyways, Emmy and I got all dressed up and went to see the Opera "Iphigenia en Isolde". It is a Greek tragedy about the attempted sacrifice of Iphigenia and the Trojan war. It was sung in French (with French Renaissance costumes and wigs!) and Italian subtitles. At times, I couldn't figure out what was going on (well, most of the time) but I had an amazing time. I was so glad I was able to go to an Opera in Italy. They are very serious about opera and especially the conductors (they freaked out when he came out).

It was a great way to end my Roma experience. I am so grateful to Emmy for her hospitality and company. I was able to do so much in the last 8 days in Roma. But now I am off to Florence. Here I come museums!

So I will chat later and I hope everything is well where ever you are.

Love, Lisa