A bunch of us were out enjoying the beautiful weather tonight, walking through the Piazza Navona, gelato in hand, when we saw a group of people in the center of the piazza. They had 4 or 5 of these miniature hot air balloons, which looked like plastic bags with a large votive in them, and were setting them off one by one. Every time one launched successfully they all cheered and clapped, then set up the next balloon. Watching the balloons was a spectacle. They would just barely make it above a crowd of people, and would then quickly start to rise in the air. They all followed the same path, leaving a trail of lights over the piazza. It seemed like they would get miles away within minutes of being let go, their light still visible high in the sky. It was hard to take my eyes off of the lights, hoping to watch them travel on until they were no longer visible. A feeling of realizing where I was at that moment, being in Rome, working at the Vatican, hanging out with some really awesome people, all hit me at that moment.
These next three months are a fleeting moment. They will pass me by as quickly as the balloon takes to get out of sight. It just made me realize I have to take it all in and take notice of every little detail until it is gone.
By the way, if anyone knows of any significance of the balloons, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. For those who don't know how to comment, right below this post it will say "comments". Click on that, then type your comment and either sign into one of the existing types of accounts, or if you don't have one click Anonymous and just make sure to leave your name in the comment!
Tours this weekend, lets hope for good weather.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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Ryan I have been reading your blogs everyday and I am delighted to know that you are having such a wonderful experience.I don't know the significance of the balloons but if I find out I will let you know. Patty and the boys and I are going skiing today at aplace called Campgaw in Mahwah NJ. I'll let you know how it is. I'm glad I finally learned how to post a comment and communicate with you because I'm interested in what you are doing and how you are doing. Today's weather is supposed to be sunny and 48. A rarity in Nj in January. I hope you get to look up Aunt Joan while you are there I think you would find her funny and interesting. OK enough for now. Have fun and stay safe. Let me know in your blog if you get this comment. Love Uncle Bobby.
ReplyDeleteRyan,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you finally mentioned having a gelato! I love Piazza Navonna with the Bernini fountains and statues. I remember going into the church there to visit, St. Agnes, because that is Grandma M's middle name and getting her some patron saint holy cards. We ate at some of the cafes there also. I can't believe you are already there two weeks! I am so glad you are taking advantage of everything you can see.
Love you,
Aunt Nancy
Scenes like the one you described above and the moments of impact and realization you felt seem, to me, the epitome of a foreign travel experience. Life is made up of moments, strung together in time, and the ability to have such a profound experience that you're able to instantly recognize such a powerful moment as an important one in your life must be an amazing feeling. I truly envy that feeling, as I'm sure many who have not traveled much do.
ReplyDeleteHey Ry - love reading your blog and checking out your pics. Don't know if I mentioned this in my email, but my flight is booked (and my bank account is crying) and I will be visiting you in March! Can't wait to see you and experience some of this great stuff myself! When I'm back at school I'll ask my roommate to let me use her Mac so i can skype you sometime!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jamie
Uncle Bob,I got the comment, and I'm going to contact your aunt! I hope the skiing was good!
ReplyDeleteJason, thanks for the awesome words man, when we make it big we'll be shooting movies in places like this,
Jamie, Can't wait to see you in march! I'll start planning now, anything you want to see or do?
Aunt Nancy, A gelato specific post is coming soon, once I do some more research...
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you gave specific instructions to post a comment. I think it was meant just for me ( hahaha). We are glad you are having such a great time and seeing such awesome sights. What a great experience for you. We are all well-except for Carly has had a fever for 5 days. She is here with me and she loves looking at the slide show. She wants to see more pictures. Carly wants to know what kind
of instruments they play in Italy. She also
wants to know if you understand the language.
I think they are two very good questions for a
six year old. Molly turns three on Saturday
so we will be celebrating again. We miss and
love you. Keep safe and have fun!
Aunt Mar