A Few Pretty Cool Things...

I went to the Papal Audience today and Pope Benedict XVI spoke to me! He said (Thank You) "Grazie" to my "God Bless You". I guess I was a little nervous he was right in front of my face talking to me because I said "God Bless You" again! He said (Thank You) "Grazie" again! I was up front again after the audience with a couple of young students standing next to me. John Connolly is from Wisconsin and Shelia Jenne' is from Washington. John had waited 8 years I think to do what he did today. He purchased a zucchetto (the white beanie type hat) from Pope Benedict XVI's tailor and gave it to one of the guards. They actually took off the zucchetto from Pope Benedict XVI's head and replaced it with John's and gave John the one The Pope was wearing! He was so excited. I'll have to check out the pictures online. The Pope spoke about St. Paul fostering our love for Christ.

Last week had a surreal American feel to it. I went to an Irish Pub with a Canadian couple and watched American football. Father Karl and my brother Clarence would be happy to know most of the bar was cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win over the Atlanta Falcons. We ate cheesburgers and pattate fritte (french fries). After class one day I walked right into the filming of a Ferrari commercial. Cool, huh? I was just another tourist in the background eating gelato with my classmate from Korea, Jaehyoung. Also, as I only have one English speaking TV channel (BBC World from London) on the other channels I have caught some American style programs... Ballando con Le Stelle (Dancing with the Stars) and La Isla Famosa (Survivor). My classmates got a laugh when I told them that we eat alligator in Louisiana. I told them we eat it fried, blackened with spices etc. but I don't think they believed me. I tried to explain about Cajuns etc. but don't think it translated well. My friends tease me when we go out because I frequently order my favorite dish. It is a pasta with panchetta (bacon), red pepper flakes, tomatoes etc. Amatriciana...a traditional Roman dish. But I still do try new things everytime I go out...deep fried stuffed zucchini flowers, meat stuffed olives etc. Yum!