A Pep Rally for the Pope

If you’ve ever traveled through Rome, you know that it is a necessity to hit the highlights like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and of course, Vatican City; however, how many of you would consider seeing the Pope to be one of the “necessary” elements of a Roman vacation?

Seeing as it is Holy Week and Easter is just a few days away, I thought it would be fitting to share with all of you the amazing opportunity my sister and I received while visiting Rome. The day my sister and I visited Vatican City, we were surrounded by tourists; all there to see either St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, or the Pope.

Before leaving on our trip, we realized that we would be in Rome on a Wednesday, which meant that if we could get the okay, we could have a chance to see and hear the Pope speak. Now, we are not Catholic; however, the opportunity to see Pope Benedict, well, that was something we were most definitely not going to pass up.

Due to the intense heat, the Pope opted to hold his weekly blessing indoors, which was quite nice considering the sweat that was already dripping off of me at that point. The line was long but surprisingly, security was quick; thus, our ability to get inside and get a seat quite fast. I felt like I was in a pep rally in high school. Crowds of people filed into this building, all ready and waiting to see the leader of the Catholic Church come and greet his followers and “fans.”

With my video camera in hand, I ordered my sister to snap pictures whenever I told her to. She is not one to take photos but I am. People began chanting, “Benedict Pope” over and over and it honestly began to feel like a concert, that the roof of the place might come off the second he stepped onto the stage area.



Swiss Guard



I looked around and saw the Swiss Guard standing by and couldn’t help but snicker at their jester-like appearances. Soon enough, Pope Benedict entered and the place went crazy! People were cheering and shouting his name…it was like nothing I’d ever seen before. As the various cardinals recognized specific groups that were present, the Pope showed his gratitude by raising his hands and bowing his head in thanks.

Providing a blessing in various languages, he finally presented his blessing in English. In complete awe, I aimed my video camera and sat back thinking, “I am actually here, in the presence of the Pope himself and I have him speaking on camera!” It was unreal. This man, who holds so much power in the Catholic Church, was speaking and I was lucky enough to be in his presence. There are so many people who are Catholic that would give their right arm to hear this man speak in person. It all became quite real right then that the reality of this entire trip was something that most people will never get to experience in their lifetimes.

I look at my parents and wonder if they will ever get the opportunity to travel abroad like that. Yes, we’ve been the Caribbean a plethora of times, but to go to Europe or Asia or Australia, will they ever get that chance. I hope so, because it is experiences like this one, seeing the Pope that is forever etched in my mind.

Have any of you ever seen or heard the Pope speak? What did you think?

To Be Touched or Not To Be Touched…Isn’t That the Question?

If you’re a traveler, or at least in my case, someone who loves to travel but needs more funding to do so, you are at some point going to make your way through a busy airport. (I’m sure many of you already know where this post is going).

With recent breaking news about two children being frisked by TSA agents, I cannot help but be bothered by this. Not that this is “new” news by any means, but seeing it reoccur in the media sparks a major concern for me.

Although I don’t have any children of my own, it bothers me to see these 6-7-8 year old kids being patted down like this. As many have argued, we teach children not to allow adults to touch them, yet, when we go through an airport, it suddenly becomes “okay” for an airport security official to do so. I don’t know how many times my mother told me to never let anyone touch me in any way that made me feel uncomfortable. Is this not sending mixed messages to these kids? I’m fairly certain that a six-year old child is not going to understand why 1) she/he is being pulled out of line to be frisked and 2) why some stranger is touching she/he when the parents have told them never to let anyone touch them in such a way.

I am all for being safe when it comes to flying and understand that in the world we’re living in, it is a necessity to take certain precautions, whether we like them or not; however, when it comes to small children being put through a scanner and then “randomly” pulled out of line for a pat-down, I think it is unacceptable.

In the instance of one 8-year old boy who was flying to Disneyland with his family, he was pulled out of line, frisked, and immediately asked his mother if he was a “bad person.” He was also worried that he wouldn’t be able to go to Disneyland because of what happened. That is horrible to make a child feel that way!

As an adult, I have no qualms walking through that scanner. Whoever is sitting behind that little screen may not like what they see as I’m no skinny Minnie, but it sure beats being touched or groped. Does anyone remember the woman who had to remove her artificial breast when asked by a TSA agent? Or the TSA agent who busted a man’s urinary bag because he didn’t care to listen to the man’s insistence that he be careful when patting him down?

A woman in my state reported to the news that when she flew out of our local airport, she would make sure to wear pants next time instead of a skirt. What does that tell you? I’m sorry but no one is sticking their hands between my legs when I’m wearing a skirt. You don’t go to the airport to be touched in such a way and it aggravates me that people like these agents are capable of doing and asking such things.

All that aside, and back to issue of young children, I understand that new discussion is being brought about in regards to how agents “frisk” these children. As far as I’m concerned, bring the parent back with the child and let them stand there as they pat these kids down. At least the child would feel more comfortable with the parent standing right there reassuring them that everything is okay. No young child wants to be pulled aside, away from its parents like that. I don’t care if it is just a few short feet away or not.

Obviously, this issue is not keeping me from flying. In fact, I’ll be flying to Miami in two weeks for a family cruise, which by the way, I’m very excited. I’m just curious to see how things will go while I’m going through security. Hopefully, I’ll just walk right into that scanner and walk right out. If not, trust me…you guys will know about it.

So I ask, what is your take on all of this? Do you mind the full-body pat downs? How would you react if your child was chosen for one?

A Piece of History

I don’t know if many of you know this, but currently, the flag that flew at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, it is touring the country right now, all 50 states. Today, in my hometown, it made an appearance.


My parents and I decided to spend an hour out of our day and go see this beautiful flag that represents this great country. Attaching it to the ladder of a fire truck, six firefighters and around 10 Army and Air Force ROTC students helped to hoist this wondrous flag into the air, making sure that it never once touched the ground beneath them.

As I watched this symbol of American pride rise higher and higher, the sense of pride flowed through me and I found myself tearing up because of how utterly beautiful this flag was, blowing in the wind.

The mayor spoke, asking everyone to pledge allegiance to this American symbol and I’ll admit, it was quite difficult saying the words because I was so choked up. Hearing them proclaim that this flag flew in remembrance of all those who died on September 11, 2001, it was beyond humbling to be in its presence.

Looking around, I saw firemen, police officers, and young men who wore the uniform. What I didn’t see was a plethora of community members who came out to show their support for this amazing event. No news crews, a few photographs, but that was all. I was immediately ashamed that my community could care less about seeing this piece of history.

I saw several small children remarking about how cool it was to see such a huge flag and I suddenly realized right then that I was amongst those who were not even alive when the towers fell that day. It made me realize just how important events like this one are to the people of this country. I was 16 years old when 9/11 happened and it is something I will never forget, just as my parents remember where they were when JFK was shot, or when the Challenger exploded. These are pieces of history that are etched into our minds…or at least they should be.

Seeing all of these children, I wanted to scream out, “Where is everyone else?!” Why weren’t others in the community here to witness this moment? Shouldn’t this be what we are telling our kids about? That hundreds upon hundreds of people lost their lives that day and the brave men and women who wear the police and firefighter uniforms sacrificed themselves in order to save the lives of others? That 9/11 was a time when people banded together and actually became united?

It broke my heart that people thought so little to attend such an event. Why is it that thousands of people come out to support our college football teams, but they won’t come out to support our country?

Seeing that flag today, it made me realize just how incredibly lucky I am. Not only do I have amazing men in my family who have worn the firefighter and military uniform, and fought to keep this country free, but one of my closest friends just came back from his second tour and is now safely home with his family and friends.

It is events like this one that should bring communities together and remind us that freedom isn’t free; that the United States isn’t invincible; that events like 9/11 will never be forgotten.

More Reviews for All You Travel Lovers

Well...I've got some more reviews for all of you to check out! For those of you who don't know, I have a list of movies and books that I'm wanting to watch and read; all travel-related in some way. Please give me your recommendations as I love to hear them!

Movies:


Roman Holiday: So many of you mentioned that this movie was without a doubt, a must-not-miss for travel lovers such as myself. Well, I took your advice and let Audrey and Gregory take me through the beautiful and amazing city of Rome. Having visited this lovely city, I found myself reflecting back to my time spent there. Although it was only three days, I frequently sighed and “awed” when they arrived at the Mouth of Truth, when they sped past the Colosseum, and when Audrey ate her gelato on the Spanish Steps. Although I am not one for sappy love stories, I couldn’t help but find myself wishing that these two would remain together at the end of the movie. Mr. Peck was quite a handsome man and of course, we all know how beautiful Mrs. Hepburn was during her time…it’s no wonder he ended up falling for her. To spend a day seeing and experiencing the city of Rome, I can relate to Audrey in that Rome is a wonderful place to break away from the norm and open your eyes to an incredible world.

Before Sunrise: I watched this movie just the other day and as much as I love Ethan Hawke, I was a bit disappointed in this movie. I have yet to watch its sequel, Before Sunset, but this movie left me with a “Seriously?” reaction when it was over. Meeting on a train, Ethan Hawke convinces Julie Delpy to get off the train with him in Vienna, delaying her arrival to Paris. Spending an entire day (and night) going, doing, and seeing the sights of the Vienna, the attraction they felt on the train grows stronger and it becomes more difficult to come to terms with the inevitable sunrise that will rise in just hours. When they must part ways the next day, they promise to meet at the same spot six months from that time. Unfortunately, since I have yet to watch the sequel, I am unsure as to how this plays out. As much as I didn’t care for the storyline, I must say, seeing the sights of Vienna, I desperately want to visit this city. The architecture, the parks, the customs and traditions…all of it drew me in.

A Good Year: I literally just finished watching this movie and I’m still a bit unsure as to how I feel about it. For those of you who are unaware of this movie, it features Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Marion Cotillard, and Abbie Cornish. Crowe is big in the investment brokerage business, in London, and comes to inherit his uncle’s vineyard in Provence, France. Now, as much of a jerk as he is in the film, you find something charming about Mr. Crowe. Aside from that though, the chateau and vineyard that you see throughout most of the movie is absolutely breathtaking. If I could sit out on that large patio and have the sight rows upon rows of grapevines staring back at me…I’d be one happy woman. You don’t get to see much of Provence itself, except for a few pieces here and there; however, as I said before, the chateau and vineyard makes up for it. I would recommend you to see this movie and form your own conclusions. If anything, it made me want to grab a glass of wine, a great book, a pair of shades, and close my eyes and imagine I’m in Provence.

Books:

Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach: For anyone who wants to just throw caution to the wind, who has paid their dues in the working world, and who has put everyone before themselves in life, you will definitely relate to Alice Steinbach. This woman works as a journalist in Baltimore and spends much of her life interviewing others and learning about their lives (much like me). Somewhere along the way, she feels she has lost herself and decides to take a sabbatical from work. Traveling to France, Italy, and the UK, she gets the experience of a lifetime. Not only does she visit places that she believes to be important to her and vital to see, but she meets a man who makes a strong impact on her and you find yourself rooting for them to have a long lasting relationship. She takes dancing lessons in the UK, spends many of her days sipping coffee and taking in the sights of Paris, and visits vineyards and elegant shops in Italy…she finds herself again, all while getting the experience of a lifetime as an independent woman.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes: I’ve decided that in regards to this book, I actually favored the movie over the book. The movie provides I believe a look into a woman who is truly discovering herself and what she is able to accomplish independently. Stepping away from an American life and the ho-hum routine of everyday life, she creates a new life for herself in Tuscany (Bramasole). In the book, the storyline is COMPLETELY different. Ninety percent of the book is about the renovations Frances and her husband deal with in regards to their new home. As much as I love reading about the Tuscan hillside and olive groves, it was a bit boring at times. However, I would never go as far as to say it was a boring book over all, just not as “lively” as the film adaptation.

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: I just finished this book and all I can say is that it is by far, one of the best travel books I’ve ever read. Rolf Potts is a genius when it comes to travel. Not only does he provide you tips and advice on the best ways to fund your ventures, but he provides insight and personal stories as to the best ways to really get something out of your adventure. As a vagabond, a person must really see the world instead of just seeing the sights and moving on. It’s all about finding yourself out on the open road and seeing the world for what it really is. The best thing I took away from reading this book is to quit making excuses. You can go wherever you want; money shouldn’t matter. If you want to make it happen and if you want to travel, you have to make some sacrifices.

Old Town Market in Nice, France

Visiting the French Riviera this past summer, I was officially in awe of the things I saw. Nice was full of incredible people, breathtaking sights, and plenty of places to relax. Only getting to spend a day and a half in this lovely city, my sister and I made sure to take in as much of it as we possibly could.



Nice, France



Since I don’t want to give away all of the things we did during our short stay, I must tell you one of my favorite things about Nice was the Old Town Market that we passed through. Deciding what the events of our day would entail, hitting the Old Town Market was a must.

The second it came into view, I was blown away by the smells, the colors, and the freshness of everything. Women and men were speaking as fast as they could, trying to sell and bargain for what lie on the selling tables.


Old Town Market


My eyes were drawn to practically everything, including the fresh cut flowers, the enormously red tomatoes, and the slabs of cheese that make you gain 10 pounds just looking at all of the different kinds. Vibrant colors of lavender stood out among the flowers and I struggled to restrain myself from buying my own personal bouquet.

The vegetables called out to me with their reds, greens, and yellows, all while the meats and cheeses enticed me with their savory/sweet tastes, making my mouth water repeatedly. My sister and I looked at each other, unable to register all of the items we were seeing. Fresh calzones sat under a window, filling the air with a scent that could draw you in from a mile away.

Somehow, we managed to hold our restraint and continue our way through the market; that is until we came to the tea leaves, soaps, and candies. Our mother loves tea, so imagine our faces when we spotted small bags of loose tea leaves just waiting to be picked. Smelling the aroma of each type, I was captivated by each and wishing I had enough money to buy them all. Settling on a flowery scent, we paid for our tea and decided that whether or not our mom drank this, it would forever be a reminder to her that it came from Nice.

I spotted a few small tins that held caramel candies in them, each tin decorated with an old-timey picture of a woman in a large hat. Opting to buy one for myself, I also got one for my best friend who loves these kinds of things.

With our purchases in hand, we finished our trip through the Old Town Market, only wishing we could turn back around and experience it all over again. It is a place where tourists and locals come together to appreciate and observe the beauties of Nice. I assure you, if you ever travel to Nice, the Old Town Market is something you MUST see. By the time you are finished, you’ll want to turn around and start all over again.

My sister and I at a little restaurant in Nice

Why Others Don’t Travel

I was having a discussion today with one of my closest friends. He and I are practically brother and sister and we have quite a bit in common, except the topic of traveling. I, an avid traveler who would love nothing more than to spend my days traveling and seeing as much of the world as humanly possible, cannot understand why others simply express disgust when mentioning the word “travel.”


He and his family have lived in numerous states across the country; however, he has absolutely fallen in love with the state of Arkansas. Spending much of his teen years here, he has grown quite close to many of his friends and looks forward to coming back “home” whenever he can. He believes that there is nothing to see that is worth seeing unless it is within the Arkansas state lines.

Don’t get me wrong, Arkansas is a beautiful state. Yes, we have portions that are nothing but flatlands and old cotton fields, but the northwest portion of the state especially, it has hills, beautiful land, and not to mention, three of the biggest businesses in the world; Tyson, Wal-Mart, and J.B. Hunt Trucking. There is a lot to love about Arkansas, but having grown up in this great state all of my life, a girl needs to get out and see the world.

His argument to me was, “how can you go and appreciate the places of the world if you don’t understand and appreciate your own.” I can answer that…I took Arkansas history my 8th grade year, I’ve grown up in Arkansas my whole life, I have traveled to many areas within my state, and after all of that, I can say 100% that I appreciate where I come from and understand that it really is a great place to live. HOWEVER, I also know there is a bigger world out there and it’s just waiting for me to come see all of it.

After talking with my friend, I started thinking though….why don’t other people like to travel? Is it because they are scared? Are they too comfortable where they are that the thought of actually planning a trip is exhausting? Are they scared of what they might encounter or find on their travels? Or are they just too close-minded to believe that there is anything worth seeing that lies outside their comfort zone?

I have always told myself that whoever I marry or end up with in life, they must enjoy traveling. It is one of my few pieces of criteria that I look for in the opposite sex. I don’t require much, just that you love traveling. As far as I am concerned, life isn’t worth living if you don’t have God, family, friends, pets, and a need to travel.

Pray for Japan

Although I have never visited what I have heard is a beautiful and wonderful country, my heart goes out to those effected by the most recent earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan a few days ago. As humans, we should reach out to those in need and offer our assistance and aid during these trying times.

Unfortunately, not everyone feels that way. Just the other day, I was reading an article about the situation in Japan and read a comment made by someone who was obviously, anti-Japan and anti-Japanese. The person mentioned that they wished ill-will towards the people of Japan because of the atrocities of their past. Blaming the generations of today for the mistakes of those in the 1930s is absolutely ridiculous.

For those who do not know, in the 1937, Japanese forces marched into Nanking, China and massacred hundreds of thousands of people, as well as raping nearly 20,000 women. If you know nothing of this event, it is called “The Nanking Massacre.” What occurred back then though has absolutely nothing to do with the people who live in Japan today. Why should they be responsible for the atrocities committed by their ancestors? That is like blaming me, a 25 year old, for what my ancestors did to Native Americans or for events that took place during the Civil Rights Movement.

Those who harbor these kinds of feelings wouldn’t give 2 cents to help their fellow man. I remember when the country reached out to those in Haiti and people remarked that we should be donating our money towards those in the U.S. and not in Haiti.

Wake up people! Does anyone NOT remember Hurricane Katrina? People opened their wallets and donated their time to help those in New Orleans. You can argue all you want about governmental issues, etc…but I’m talking about downright human decency. The people of the United States are some of the most charitable people in the world and will do as much as they can to help others in need.

I’m deeply saddened by what has happened in Japan and am grateful that a close friend of ours, who lives in Tokyo, was not in the country when all of this occurred. However, those who have experienced this destruction, whose family members have died or are lost, who have lost everything they own, I pray that they find peace during this difficult time. As a religious person, I trust that God will provide solace and peace to those in Japan and to those effected by these recent events.

According to ABC News, there are various organizations that are helping to aid in the relief effort. The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, International Medical Corps, as well as Save the Children and the Salvation Army are just a few organizations that are taking donations. I encourage you to donate whatever you can. You hear people say that no matter what the dollar amount, it helps. They are right…it does.