Travel day(s)!
This is one of my many paradoxes. I love traveling, but I hate traveling. By that I mean, I love exploring new
places. But I hate the process of
getting there. In particular, I am not a
big fan of flying, which is somewhat ironic given my graduate studies. So, as usual, I was a nervous wreck last
night and this morning, barely getting any sleep. I think part of the problem is that I have a
strong strand of the pioneer gene, or whatever they call it. National Geographic did an article on
this. Some people are hard-wired to
explore new things. This is what has
helped humans advance so far. At the
same time, I am a home-body. So while I
like to experience new things, I do not like doing new things. Make sense?
No, of course not. It’s similar
to how I love going to baseball games, but I also hate it because of the big
groups of people. So every time I go to
a game, I am an amazing mixture before going to it of wanting to for the game but
dreading the crowds. Baseball games and
travel: I both want to and don’t.
We had early Mass, 5:00, and left the seminary at 6:00. Of course we are only a few minutes away from
the airport, so I was through security and everything by about 6:40. This for a 9:40 flight. Lots of time to “bond” with my brother
seminarians. As expected, the flight to
Detroit was quick and painless. This
lead to a somewhat lengthy layover in Detroit including lunch.
We got off without a hitch from Detroit. I had upgraded to what I suppose is the
equivalent of business class. More leg
room, free drinks. I was only two rows
from the main door. I was also fortunate
that there was no one sitting next to me, so I was not squished. The only problem was, I could not sleep on
the flight. Just could not get
comfortable. So instead I read a little
and watched some movies. I started with
Wind River, which is intense. Then I
watched about half of Moana. I only
turned it off because I tried to sleep.
After I couldn’t sleep, I turned on a documentary called “Score” I have
been wanting to watch about film music.
It was definitely good, though weird there was no mention of James
Horner or John Newton Howard. Oh well.
When we landed in Amsterdam, we only had about 45 minutes to
run to the other side of the airport and make it through passport control. That part was interesting. When I got to the agent, he didn’t say a
word. I gave him my passport, he didn’t
say a word, just flipped a couple pages, stamped it, and handed it back. Thankfully, we all made it to the airplane in
time.
It was under a two hour flight to Rome from there. The most interesting part was coming in over
Italy, being able to look down and see the coastline. As we descended, I had a great view out the
window of the Italian landscape and the Apennine Mountains in the distance. Again, no major concerns.
Once we landed, we eventually were met up by our travel
guide (our “Italian Mama”) and the bus.
It’s never fun to get off lengthy airplane rides for a lengthy bus ride,
but alas it was about two more hours to Orvieto. There we had some free time to walk around
(there’s not much to see, or I was too tired to see anything). I did find my way into a church dedicated to
Sts. Andrew and Bartholomew. Then it was
time for lunch. I had the local
delicacy, roasted pork sandwich. It was
good, though the pork was cold. Then
more waiting outside in the cold (I stupidly left my jacket on the bus). Finally, we started our tour of the tour of
the Duomo.
From the bus, not the airplane, but you get the idea
Rose window with Agnus Dei
Sts. Andrew and Bartholomew Church
Their rose window from inside
Gensis
Old Testament
New Testament
Last Judgment
It is unusual, an Italian Gothic church. It was built in commemoration of a
Eucharistic miracle. In the 13th
century, a priest had doubts during Mass.
During the consecration, the host bled on the corporal. Since the pope was nearby, a commission
quickly began and proved authenticity.
Today, the corporal is in the Duomo, though it is only exposed a few
days a year to preserve it.
The outside is beautiful, and one can easily see the church
is dedicated to Mary. I found especially
interesting pieces at the bottom of the spires depicting, in order, Genesis,
the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Last Judgment. Inside it is rather empty, but the highlights
are the side altars. On one side is a
side altar covered in frescoes from the Renaissance (partly done by Fra Angelico). On the other side is the chapel of the corporal. When we entered the Duomo, we were told that,
for whatever reason, it was actually exposed today. What a treat!
And that was where we were having Mass (and I was the acolyte!) It was truly a blessing.
Eucharistic Miracle Chapel
They love their Christmas trees (always outside) and Nativity Scenes (always inside)
After Mass, we were all tired and made our way back to the
bus. Next up was another two hour ride
to our hotel in Assisi. Despite our “Mama”
telling us not to sleep until after dinner, I think most of us could not help
it. Dinner was good, a buffet at the
hotel. Now, I am ready for sleep.
Tomorrow: touring Assisi.
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