Life in Leuven!

After lots of organising, people running around getting internet connections, cables, speakers etc we set ourselves up in the old chapel here at the Irish College in Leuven to watch the Grand Final on Saturday morning with a 6.00am starting time!  A great atmosphere but no party pies or footy beers!  Strange!!

After the football it was breakfast time!!  The others went out for a three hour walking tour but I stayed back and had a shower, organised my room and rested my ankle which was looking like this...

It was then off for a late lunch and a beer or 2000 at The Capital. This bar really has 2000 beers from Belgium on their menu and give you a book to help you order on. They guarantee that 92% of them are available at any time. I think it will take us a while.

The a town Hall is a popular landmark and is especially spectacular at night time when they light it up. 

Look who's coming to Leuven!!!

Off to Belgium!

This morning we caught a flight from Rome to Brussels. As usual the Rome airport was an experience - Ben nearly didn't get on the plane as the name on the list from the travel agent (Benjamin) didn't match the one on his passport (Ben), a couple of very thorough frisks going through security and a delayed flight.  Only a two hour flight which was good for a nana nap!

Arrived in Leuven for a late lunch before we were due at the University for an introduction session to our course. After our first session with the Dean and Didier Polyfeyt there was unfortunately a Belgian Beer Reception with many different types to sample.

A slow wander back to the Irish College where we are staying and dinner followed by a complete unpacking of the suitcase and dinner. An early morning tomorrow for the Grand Final!

Still having trouble with photos!!!

Free day!

Today was our 'free day' in Rome apart from a study session at 6.00pm followed by  dinner with the group and the Rector of the Irish College.

We had a great day with Ben van de Camp and the Vansten family (Peter, Prue and their children Tara and Patrick). There was lots of walking, lots of laughter and too many beer stops!

We used the HoHo (hop on hop off) bus and the first stop was the Vatican.

We visited the Castello de Angelo which was used as papal apartments for the safety of the Pope in times of invasion and a mausoleum. There were very medieval parts to the castle with beautiful views straight down to St Peter's and across the city. We then wandered through the streets around the Vatican before jumping back on the hoho bus to Trevi Fountain.

Look what they've done to the fountain Col?!!!

Between April and October they are doing a thorough clean and so we didn't see much. Of course there is still a little pool you can throw your coins into - tick - and gelati shops - tick!

A walk on to Piazza Navona, via the Pantheon, for pizza and beer for lunch was great!

We then walked over to the Spanish Steps where we sat for a while and enjoyed a Peroni while watching the crowds. In doing so we ended up with wet bums (it had been raining)!

It was then a quick trip around the rest of the hoho route and brisk walk to the College to be in time for the study group.

Assisi!

Ok - not sure if anyone is reading this but will continue as it journals for me what we have been doing.

Yesterday was a big day with mass at St Peter's Basilica at 8.30am followed by a meeting with the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education.  Mass was in Italian in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel which was lovely. The meeting was very interesting and I was surprised at how much the Under Secretary knew about Catholic Education in Australia.

Following the Vatican we visited the Catacombs - the oldest Christian burial ground in Rome. There are about 20km of tunnels and approximately 1/2 million people were buried down there. After ten centuries of neglect they were rediscovered in the late 1800s after most of the tombs had been vandalised.  An amazing place!

Our last visit for the day was to the Basilica of St Paul's (outside the walls). We have now visited three of the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and I'm hoping to get to San Clemente's tomorrow - it's a five minute walk.

Today we have been to Assisi!

Although my second trip to Assisi I still found plenty to learn and think about. The artwork in the church and basilica are amazing and our guide, Isabella, explained the story shown in them very well.

The simplicity and courage of St Francis is very clear in the messages of Pope Francis which resonates strongly with the people that we have met so far. Many of them quote the words of the Pope to connect ideas and experiences with the mission of Catholic Education and the Church.

Still having trouble putting photos on so will upload the other posts once I have worked it out.

Walking Rome!

Ok!  Having blog trouble and totally lost all that I had put on when I tried to put photos in!  So now I'm just going to dot point the highlights.

• Arrived safely in Rome and it's hot and sticky. 
• The Pontifical Irish College (our accommodation) is very basic but in a good location. 
• Twisted my ankle this morning and it's sore, bruised and swollen. Icing it!
• Visited the Basilica of St John Lateran - the Mother Church. 
• An obelisk outside that is 2000-3000BC!

• In the building across the road there are the Holy Stairs. Gift from Helena, Constantine's mother, to the Church. Moved them to Rome from the palace of Pontius Pilate. Jesus would have walked up and down them on the day of his crucifixion. Now covered in wood as people were taking bits. You can only go up the stairs on your knees and the tradition is to say an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be on each step. I walked up the other stairs!

• Went to the Basilica of Maria Maggiore - Mary Major - which is the largest church in Rome dedicated to Mary. 
• Then walked to the Colosseum and then back to Irish College. 

• Tea out with the group tonight. 
• Early start tomorrow - mass at Vatican is at 7.30am!!!
• Will make another attempt at photos when I get time. 
• Goodnight!

Only one Bond on Tour!

I head off today for six weeks of enrichment leave in Rome and Leuven, Belgium! Although the blogging won't be as adventurous as the trip Col and I went on last year I will attempt to provide a bit of a diary as the trip goes. Hope you enjoy! Jo-Anne