A long overdue blog post! First, my retreat to Assisi, Italy. I went on a retreat through the school led by Father Russ Rodey on November 17-20thAssisi is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We attend multiple masses during the retreat in Saint Francis’ tomb, Our Lady of the Angels church hovering the tiny church of the Portiuncula, and in a tiny chapel of the Sisters of Sweden. Roaming around Assisi, visiting Saint Francis’ and Saint Clare’s Basilicas’, San Dominiano, wandering through the olive tree farms, enjoying the beautiful views, reflecting, and being at peace was the epitome of the weekend. The retreat brought me overwhelming joy and the peace I have been seeking. As Father Russ said in his homily on Sunday’s mass, “When people ask you about this retreat, you won’t be able to describe the feelings. But, I hope that you will say, ‘It gave me peace and joy and now I am just happy.’”
After the Assisi retreat, I left for Thanksgiving break that next Tuesday, November 22 at 6:30am. This adventure began with an early start and ended with a long day. We took the train to Pisa, Italy. Flew out of Pisa to Dublin, Ireland, took a bus from the Dublin airport to the Dublin train station, took the train 4 hour train to Cork, and got picked up from the Cork train station by my 4th Cousin Jimmy, and drove 2 hours to Castletownbere. This was the first time I met Jimmy. He is my Great Grandpa’s Cousin – making him my 4th cousin. Jimmy and his wife Rosemary live on the same property and land that has been in my family for years. Jimmy has 4 daughters, one in which lives in the house that my Great Great Grandfather lived in and she runs the farm, her name is Lynda. Oh boy, Lynda sure is a kick! She is a feisty one. Jimmy’s daughter Elaine lives in Cork and has two young boys, James, 5 years and Daniel 1 ½ years. The two other daughters live in England. Alright, now that there is a little bit of background on the family, let’s get to the stories! After the two hour long car ride I arrived to Jimmy and Rosemary’s house and Rosemary had cooked a “fry-up” for us! It was filled with foods I haven’t eaten in months – bacon, sausage, potato patties, fresh bread, and Irish cider. I thought Jordan’s smile wasn’t going to wipe off his face. He was beyond excited for some yummy meat, haha I have to admit, as was I! We talked for hours about relatives, who I looked like, and ate delicious food. 
It was then time for the grand tour of Castletownbere. If you don’t already know, Castletownbere is a very small town of a population around 1,000 people. We saw the ruins of the Dunby Castle, the “hotel castle,” giant boats at the dock, my great great uncles old home, and went to a pub owned by another cousin and tried my first Guinness. I struggled to suck down that strong dark beer, but I am glad I tried it. After drinking the Guinness we went to Jimmy’s favorite pub that he goes to every Sunday and I had a half pint of cider. I like cider a lot better. It was a very small quaint little pub. When we returned home, Rosemary had an amazing meal prepared for us filled with steak, boiled potato in its jacket (with skin), and grilled vegetables. It was definitely one of the best meals I have had in months. I LOVE steak! Rosemary is a fantastic cook and they just kept shoving food at me. I was BEYOND full after that meal. That night we curled up in the living room in front of the fire, chatted with some other relatives that came to visit, looked through photo albums, and watched some Irish television. 
The next day we had a relaxing morning, I slept in, ate another delicious breakfast with incredible homemade honey, and explored around outside. The drive to Cork was beautiful although it was kind of a stormy day. As we arrived to Cork, we stopped off at Blarney Cstle. It was a big castle, not quite what I was expecting since it was mostly in ruins on the inside but I got to kiss the Blarney Stone! Rosemary even hiked up the hundred stairs with us. She couldn’t believe she did it since she had a knee replacement last year but she made it! After visiting the castle, we stopped at the Largest Irish Store in the world! It was filled with wool products and Christmas items. I found a beautiful wool sweater dress. It was getting late now, so we decided to head for Elaine’s house for her son James’ 5th birthday party. Jordan and I had a great time playing with the little guys and James clung to Jordan, he is such a kid magnet. I still say it is because he is still a kid himself.
The next adventure I went on was to Rome, Italy! Rome was another great weekend. I saw the coliseum, threw my coin into the Trevi Fountain, went to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, got blessed by the pope, explored the pantheon, and saw many beautiful churches. It was a fun, rushed, busy, exciting weekend. We also went to a bar completely made out of ice. It was chilly, but very fun. I enjoyed Rome, although I think it is a city filled with so much culture and things to do that you can’t just see it all in one weekend. There are stills so many things that I would have liked to have seen. I guess that just gives me yet another excuse to come back to Europe! There are only ten days left until my study abroad adventure comes to an end. Today, Christmas came to 85 Cavour. I woke up after a long needed rest to Christmas music blasting through my pensione, Romona (one of the pensione managers) putting up the Christmas tree, and all my pensione-mates laughing and enjoying breakfast together. I truly feel blessed to be here and I know I will miss and cherish the experience forever. BUT! I still have 10 days left and so much to do! Off I go, to get some lunch, work on my paper, explore the markets to get those last-minute Christmas gifts, and maybe even enjoy some vino at Piazza Michelangelo with great friends. I love you friends and family and will see you in 10 days, for now, I am off to go enjoy Firenze!
