Rome via Brooklyn

513 words, 3 minutes read time

This morning, some of us visited the American Academy in Rome where we had the opportunity to physically handle artifacts. To say I was absolutely nerding out would be an understatement. We took a quick little tour through the academy, which was really beautiful, before heading to the archaeologist’s office. The room had these giant cabinets lining the walls, which were filled to the brim with all kinds of artifacts and other material culture. I was so excited to get my hands on everything; this was my first real time getting to play the part of archaeologist and I loved every second of it. So much of our trip has solidified my decision to pursue this degree and soon the PhD, but this moment really set things in stone for me. I was meant to do this work. And now I know it for sure.

When asked what her favorite artifact was, the archaeologist pulled this one out from the drawer. It’s easy to see why it’s her favorite. How can you look at these fingerprints and not shake with excitement? I’d already been feeling so connected to history and ancient people throughout this whole trip, but to see the evidence right in your face like this was absolutely incredible. This piece of pottery was thought of and crafted by someone, and they left their personal mark on it that remained for all these years.

After leaving the Academy, we made our way to this are that overlooked Rome before heading back to Prati. Tina, Isabel, Khadijah, and I signed up to do the pilgrimage to Saint Peter’s Basilica so that we could enter through the holy doors. I was under the impression you could only go through the doors on a pilgrimage, but apparently anyone could enter. I also did it for Nonna, knowing that she couldn’t and would have wanted to, it was important for me to do this for her. So either way, I’m glad I did it.

The pilgrimage itself was a lot more spiritual and emotional than I had expected. Though I was raised Catholic, I wouldn’t consider myself to be a religious person at all. I don’t know how to describe it — and frankly, I don’t enjoy sharing my personal feelings and beliefs on religion, so I’ll skip all that for now.

Walking through the holy doors was a really special moment. The holy doors are opened only every 25 years, so it’s really cool knowing that just happened to be in Italy at the right time to be able to do that.

The inside of the Basilica was breathtaking. Everywhere I turned there was something beautiful to admire and I audibly gasped more than once. I almost passed up on visiting due to timing. I’d schedule a tour prior that got cancelled for whatever reason, and then I couldn’t seem to find the right time to go or even find a ticket to get inside. If it weren’t for the pilgrimage, I don’t think I would have gone. I’m really glad I didn’t skip out.