Eight years ago, I was fortunate enough to be in Rome, sitting in St. Peter's Square when they elected Pope Benedict XVI. We were in Europe for Duquesne University's semester abroad. I remember sitting in line for over 22 hours to see Pope John Paul II when he was laid out after he passed away. It was a crazy time.
Often late at night, I would often venture out on my own to do some sight seeing. Duquesne University had our classes and dorms in a convent. Nuns would cook us food 2-3 times a day and we had school 4 days a week. Our free time was meant to explore. So, that is exactly what I did.
I would go for a long run in the early AM, grab a quick meal, and be on my way to see some wild places with only a backpack, a passport, and camera.
The mentality was: You only have 3 months here, so see as much as you can. And like I said, we were very fortunate to be in Rome during such a historic time. We were able to see a lot.
As I see all of the coverage on the news about the transition of Pope's, I can't help but reflect on my experience when I was there last time this happened.
Eight years went by in a flash. It is incredible how much has changed.
However, I do know one thing that hasn't changed though - the mentality of "this time is meant to explore, so see as much as you can".
On that note, I gotta run, grab a quick meal, and check-in a few new places today. Hopefully, some historic events happen along the way.
Let me know if you want to meet me there...
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