Dascalescu Update Week 2

 
Phew! It’s been a busy first week and a half. We started our family's version of homeschooling. Our mom found a stationary store right next door to our apartment. Because Italy is in the southern part of Europe their winter is much warmer than what is happening in Pennsylvania. In fact, when the sun is shining we do school outside on our terrace. FUN FACT: Lemons and oranges grow here in Italy. There are so many on trees. Even in a city like Rome, it's normal to see them growing on a tree on a street corner.

Benvenuta!

Welcome To Our Neighborhood! 

Here in Rome, we live on a street called Via Urbana. In our neighborhood, it is very busy and very loud. We hear cars, ambulances, barking dogs, and lots of happy people eating in cafes and shopping along our street. Our apartment building doesn't have an elevator. We have to climb up and down 3 flights of stairs which is a workout!

 Speaking of lemons, our dad showed us a special store that ONLY sells products that feature lemons: Limoncello, lemon soap, lemon sorbet, lemon lotion, lemon gelato, lemon custard; etc. When we ordered a lemon gelato- they put in inside of a real hollowed out lemon!  

 

 One Sunday, our family woke up while it was still dark outside to beat the crowds to St. Peter's Basilica in a special part of Rome called Vatican City. The Vatican is actually a different country from Italy. It's where the Pope lives. St. Peter's Basilica is very special as it is a church that is also a huge museum full of religious art made by Michelangelo- including the Sistine Chapel! The plan was to beat the crowds and go inside of the church to the tippy top of the dome to see one of the best views of the city of Rome. We were surprised when we got there and there were tv cameras and the entire piazza was set-up for a special event!  

 

We didn't know it but we were walking into a special televised church service where first responders, veterans and military members from around the world came to attend this special service lead by Pope Francis. It was SO cool to be there seeing the different uniforms and flags. And it was also special to be there with our own dad who is in the United States Air Force.