Singing.... and Praying in the Rain!

Wait, what she has posted successive blogs in one week.... impossible!! Not so anymore, my conscience, or rather one very important person to me, has also noticed my long absences and is not happy. I realize now that I must push forward, and tell all!!

I left off after Rome, and what a week followed! Tons of assignments due, and two site trips in Florence to the Medici Chapel by Michelangelo, and then the Palazzo Vecchio for a tour of Bronzino's masterpieces. I marvel every day that I live in the same country, never mind just the same city of some of these genius, and am lucky enough to get to see their gifts to this amazing city every day.

Its really funny actually I realized today that I have probably walked by Brunelleschi's Duomo over 150 times, and some people will never see it in their entire lives. When I say funny, I mean ironically of course, and have realized that is simply not acceptable to become complacent and take anything for granted. Who knows when I will return to this city or these parts, but I intend to throughly explore them before I leave. To this end, I departed Florence with my partner in crime, Michelle, for the mysteries of Assisi over the weekend of the Immaculate Conception (Mary's, not Christ's).

As some of you might know, all of Italy has recently been hit by a torrent of rain storms, and some areas, especially Venice and Rome have flooded. Florence fortunately has not been that badly hit. Michelle and I figured that heading to the hills was a good idea, and chose St. Francis' city for our final destination of the semester. While the rain followed us with huge thunder clouds and loud cracks of lightning, Assisi was beyond belief. I personally think that the rain added a mysterious and medieval quality that might have otherwise been less obvious. It was incredible to walk through empty streets filled with old houses and even older churches. I stood in front of the cross that spoke to St. Francis and moved him to dedicate his life to poverty and helping others. While I was not quite moved to do the same, the Order of the Poor Clares (the female equivalent of the Franciscans) were in constant attendance on the Cross. Heavily veiled, and seated in prayer, a Nun of the Order is always present at the foot of the cross. Standing within those walls I began to understand the real draw that these religions and their beliefs held for the lay public. After the Church of the Poor Clares, we returned to our adorable hotel and preceded to hibernate until the morning when we set out for the wonders of the Basilica of St. Francis. The lower church and upper church were absolutely breathtaking, and I couldn't believe all that had been accomplished so long ago.

We returned from Assisi to a week of preparation for finals and the great exodus that occurs on Dec. 18th when all the amazing friends have made in the last couple months will pack up and go back to America for the rest of their college careers. I am trying to prepare for life here without but it seems pretty unreal to say the least. Lucky for me I received an amazing present today when my brother arrived today just in time to help me move into my new apartment.

That's right, I am now officially living in another country with my own abode and all that goes with it. Its so strange to feel that a piece of this city is for the moment, mine.

That's all for now, please continue writing to me about your own lives at melamed.johnson@gmail.com and I hope to hear from or see you all soon!!

hugs and love,
Lydia