A trip to Boys' Town of Rome

Boys’ Town of Rome was more than anything I could have prepared myself for. It was a very special experience, an unforgettable one at that. As all 50 of us gallivanted up the drive way, we passed a few citizens who were working together on yard work. We received a warm welcome and then we were off to learn more about the orphanage that Monsignor Carroll-Abbing successfully started over 50 years ago. His mission to create a new chance at life for young boys at risk was accomplished by his courage and the help of many people. Monsignor Carroll-Abbing felt it very important to make the community as real life as possible for the boys. So a democracy was implemented through a hierarchical structure. The “city” of Boys’ Town is run by the mayor, who is elected by the citizens. We were fortunate enough to meet the present mayor, a young boy from Morocco. He was very friendly and accepting of us and happy to answer any questions we had. After just a short visit, I really felt the brotherhood between the boys who seemed to look after one another as if they were one big family. Leaving with a smile upon my face and a sense of satisfaction, I strongly suggest visiting Boys’ Town if you have the chance.

Pizzeria Da Vittoria

Pizzeria Da Vittorio, just mere steps from Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, is rated number 5 on the top 10 pizzerias in Rome. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and we were starved so the girls and I decided we would give it a try. Outside seating was definitely a plus because we could enjoy the nice weather and the delicious food all in one. I started my meal with a croquette, which is fried potato and mozzarella, in the shape of American mozzarella sticks. They were scrumptious, fried on the outside with creamy cheesy mashed potatoes on the inside. However, like a typical American I had to open my big mouth and ask for ketchup. Of course, this evoked laughter not only from our waitress, but also form another waiter she felt the need to tell. I guess I was the joke of the restaurant today. Anyway, the pizza was very fresh and of generous proportion, but what really completed my experience of the pizzeria were the complimentary cookies that came with our check. It was a simple but thoughtful gesture at the end of a tasty meal. Pizzeria Da Vittorio is definitely a stop I suggest if you are ever in the area.

Gelateria della Palma

Gelaterai Della Palma, a block from the Pantheon offers a vast array of gelato flavors, by far the most I have seen in one gelateria. You can see for yourself from the pictures, which only encompasses about half of what they have to offer. The overwhelming selection not only offers a rich creamy gelato but also semifreddi or half frozen mousse, which is available in at least ten different flavors. The only down fall to the mousse is you have to get it in a cup because it doesn’t have the same consistency as gelato and would melt to fast in a cone. I decided on the Mars semifreddi, which was very light and airy with chunks of candy mixed in, but don’t be surprised when it tastes nothing like gelato.

Oh and of course I tried the gelato as well. An even tougher decision than usual with about a hundred flavors calling out to me each one looking mouth watering and delicious. I tried to take a different route than my usual fruit gelato, and went straight for the rich chocolate flavors. My decision landed on Riso e Nutella which was perfect. The smooth creamy vanilla gelato with swirls of hazelnut Nutella mixed with the added bonus of the crispity chrunchity rice puffs. If you can’t tell already I highly suggest this gelateria, it is definitely high on my gelato tour list.

Boys' Town's Church

On our tour of Boys’ Town in Rome we visited their church, which was donated to the organization by the Butchers Union of American over fifty years ago. The church was dedicated to Saint Jude, who is the patron saint of lost causes and can perform miracles for the hopeless, in the hope that he would help the orphans who come to Boys’ Town of Rome in hopes for a “chance at life”.

The aesthetics and structure of the church are much different than what we are used to seeing in Rome. It is a small, unadorned, circular modern building with beautiful tall narrow stain glass windows. The crucifix with missing arms placed in the back of the church is a symbol of Boys’ Town showing the people need to be the arms and hands in helping. We were also told a lot of “ex-citizens” of the orphanage come back to be married or to baptize their children in the church, which shows the strong ties that the boys have to the organization. The stories and generosity of the church make it that much more beautiful and welcoming.

Boys' Town of Rome

From what I gather, Boys’ Town of Rome was founded in 1955 by Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing to aid refugees throughout Italy. It is located south-west of Rome and is run by religious orders and civic organizations. The main concern of the organization is to create a healthy safe haven for underprivileged or at “risk” boys. Here the young boys have the opportunity to live and work in a self-governing community and receive not only an academic education but also the confidence and encouragement to be all that they can be. I look forward to our visit and hope to learn more about the functions and structure of this non-profit organization.

Teatro of Ostia Antica

Ostio Antica, the ancient harbor city of Rome, is found at the mouth of the Tiber River and was once Rome’s main commercial port and military base. As a class we ventured to Ostio Antica to take a close look, for ourselves, at the ancient ruins. While exploring the extensive land I came across the obtrusive ancient Roman Teatro, the main amphitheatre of the ancient city. The enormous structure with a capacity of about 4,000 spectators was originally built at the end of the 1^st century B.C. To my surprise the theatre is still being used today. The massive structure made of brick is supported by numerous arches and pilasters, which opens up to a vast area inside of concrete rows for seating overlooking the large stage with trees and the bright blue sky in the background. I sat in the teatro under the bright sun and watched young girls practice ballet, a slightly different type of entertainment than one would have found in the first century B.C.

An evening in Trastevere

Not knowing what to expect I ventured out of Santa Maria in Cappella, down the long staircase, into the dark dungeon and out through the secret back entrance. Out we went to find out what happens on a Monday night around 9:30 pm in our own town. We wondered down the cobblestone alleyways once again; however, this time the side streets were lit by illuminating street lights. Young people, sauntered arm in arm without a care in the world. The numerous ristorantes that lined the narrow alleys on either side were still happily serving their customers. As we meandered into the square the crowd of young Italians became greater. The base of the center fountain was jam-packed with kids socializing. Although it seemed late, for my standards, for kids to be out gallivanting in the town, here it seemed to be the norm. We continued on our journey stopping every so often to get a quick glimpse of Italy vs. Amsterdam score. Unfortunately, it did not look good for the Italians, although loyal fans continued to sit intently watching the eurocup soccer game. The night ended, of course, with a gelato. All in all, I would say it was a successful and delicious night in Trastevere.