Day 1 in Rome

This morning we went to Vatican City to see the Pope.  We took the subway.  There were so many people on the train, we had to go to 3 different doors to get in.  The crowds on the train were nothing compared to how many people were at the Vatican.  There was a big youth conference taking place in Rome that included youth groups (alter servers) from all the countries of Europe.  We talked to a priest from Germany who told us that there were 55,000 kids there; 40,000 from Germany.  It was a sea of people, from all different countries, waving flags and singing.  It was amazing.  After waiting for almost 2 hours, the Pope arrived......by helicopter.  It was so cool.to see the Pope.  Although he was so far away, I was able to get a good picture of him.  

Then we took the subway to see a big church called Santa Maria Maggiore.  It was built to honor St. Mary and the Immaculate Conception.  It was the biggest church I have ever seen.  I took a ton of pictures.  While we were in the church, I lit a candle for my grandma.  I think she would really love this church.

I had my first Italian gelato today.  Chocolate!!  It was 'superb'.  We ate it in front of Trevi Fountain along with probably hundreds of others.  I was so tired, I had to go take a nap.  I think I am still on California time.