As thousands of visitors come to see Rome’s most impressive sights during this Jubilee year, the true beauty lies in the tiny, everyday moments.
By Nicholas Palmeri
My first week in Rome, my parents and I saw major attractions like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps all in a day. I was starting to worry that I had seen all there is to see in Rome, but I realized that Rome has much more to offer than these three main attractions. Every street, or via, is named after the history of the street.
The warm weather brings the tourists, even more so this year because 2025 is the year of the Jubilee, which brings thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. I understand why some Romans may not like tourists. In that sense, I have officially taken on the role of a resident. I went into the city center to shop and I couldn’t move around. Of course, I was also a typical tourist when I had first arrived, but now, having spent three and a half months here, I know Rome like the back of my hand.
I do miss my family and I am ready to see them again. I even miss my old job, no matter how much I used to say I hated it. I will go back home with a greater appreciation of my family, realizing how important it is to have them there with you. Also, I wasn’t accustomed to the freedom being abroad gave me. I could stay out very late without telling anyone. It was really freeing for me. This way, I developed my own sense of independence.
I realize that life takes people in so many directions. I met people here at the university who are going to stay in Europe. I met other international travelers who were visiting from the States. It’s really amazing to me. There is a whole world out there. Even each of Italy’s twenty regions differ from the next.
One thing I won’t forget is the week that Pope Francis died. I stayed in Rome for Easter. I went to Vatican City the day he died. The streets were somber, the mood low. I also went two days later when he was lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Thousands of people had come from all over the world to see him. There were what felt like a hundred different languages being spoken all around me. The world had its eyes on Rome, and it felt surreal being a part of that experience. I hope that a new Pope is chosen before I fly home on May 8th but I know I’ll be cutting it close.
I felt obligated to see the Pope because I would never get this chance again. I went there, expecting to wait at least three hours to see the Pope, but instead, I was in St. Peters within the hour I left my apartment. I couldn’t believe how quick and efficient they were. It was fascinating to be there. I wish I could have seen the funeral but I was in Venice for the weekend.
