Day 16

       Today was our last day in Rome and we were given the entire day to do whatever we pleased. Breakfast at the hotel ended at 9:30, so I had to get up in time to eat, which made me get up earlier and start my day so it was a good thing! After breakfast about half of us went to the flea market in Rome, while the others went to get the Pope’s blessing in St. Peter’s Square. I followed a group of girls to the flea market. The flea market in Rome, is supposed to be the largest in all of Europe. I had to admit walking through it was very overwhelming. There were so many clothes, shoes and accessories. It felt like I was just looking at piles of clothes on top of each other and I personally had no interest in climbing over people to dig through the clothes. Luckily, Regina (my roommate in Florence) saw the cutest dress just as we walked into the market. We both ended up getting one and were able to bargain for a cheaper price. I guess, you could call that a success trip, but I did not last too long in the market.
       After the market, me and a couple other girls on the program who are Jewish walked over to the synagogue in Rome. Being that it was Shavuot, we weren’t allowed into the synagogue (services had already ended), but that did not stop us from admiring it from the outside. Being in a predominately catholic city, I had the lowest expectations for the synagogue in Rome. However, I was completely wrong, it was gorgeous! I wished I had gotten the opportunity to see the inside. However, it was fun to see a glimpse of all the members enjoyed Kiddush outside in what seemed to be a garden type setting. While we were already in the Jewish ghetto, we continued to walk around and get a feel of Jewish life in Rome. There was a long strip, which seemed to have many kosher restaurants. It was fun to look at their menus and she the Italian twist to Jewish food.

       Our train did not leave till later in the afternoon, so we just spent the rest of the day walking around the city and stopping for gelato. Overall, I have come to conclusion that I like Florence a lot better than Rome. Rome was too big and seemed not to have as strong of an Italian culture as Florence, but that could also be because I was only in the tourist areas of Rome.

       Coming back on the train to Florence was great! This time, I stayed awake most of trip and was able to admire the beautiful view of Italy. Italy is truly one beautiful country!

       We made it back to Florence just in time to have diner at our homestays. I do not know why, but diner was so delicious today. It was really simple, just pasta with spinach, a while fish and potato’s in olive oil with salt and pepper. But I enjoyed all of it! It must be something about homemade Italian food; there is just nothing better!

The Jews at the Synagogue in Rome!