Benedict's Place

So I went to the Vatican within the first couple days of being here and it was amazing. I only went into St. Peter's Square and the Basilica but wow. It's an astoundling large and beautiful place. Not to mention the center of Catholicism. I liked thinking that somewhere in that place, the Pope was just walking around, talking with his priestly friends. I of course will be going back to check out the museum because it has some of the greatest works of art in the world. I read somewhere that admission is free on the last Sunday of the month. Is this true? Because that would be this Sunday and if I can get in free, I willbe there as soon as it opens. Also, I could spend another entire day in the Basilica (Michelangelo's Pieta is right inside the door!) and check out the Popes' tombs and all. I definitely want to go to Mass there very soon. And Easter!! I am so excited to be here for that. Mom, Dad, Galen and Nolan will all be visiting then too. I haven't had an Easter with family since I went to college so that will be nice. Not to mention I just get to be with my family after not seeing them for months and months.
Being here is one of the best things I've ever done but it does make me realize how much I love being able to spend time with my family. Even when I'm in Iowa and I can't see them as often as other people do, it's not that difficult to get home. And I can always call them. Here, though, it's different. I love Rome, but I love my family more and it's strange to think I can't just pick up the phone and hear their voices. Well, I could call them but it might be a random time in the middle of the night and it would be super expensive. What I'm saying is this: my family is the best thing ever and they should all come visit me in Rome. Also we should do a family backpacking trip (well the kids should anyway because that would hilarious, Dad would want to be climbing mountains or something alone). Yes, family, we will conquer the world.
On another note, one of my professors here is a working archaeologist. He teaches to pay the bills and then spends his entire summer doing fieldwork. His main site is Ostia Antica which we will visit in class. Anyway, he said that if anyone was interested in archaeological work or had connection with that field of work (Classics majors!), then he would be happy to take them t Ostia to actually help out. What! I am so there. It would be awesome and a good experience, especially if I get to go to Nijmegen this summer. Note to self: I have to turn that application in soon. So Dr. Eric De Sena, yes, I will be an archaeologist and you can be my mentor while I'm in Rome. I kind of want to be just like him when I grow up. He even mentioned people wanting to be Indiana Jones when they grow up would be good candidates for going to Ostia and I thought, "Well, yes. Of course I want to be Indiana Jones minus the Nazis, snake pits, and generally extreme danger."
OK now. This has been extensive, rambling, but very entertaining for you. Maybe next time I'll explain some awesome Italian culture that I am trying to figure out. A domani!