After three flights with a combined flying time of eleven hours, we finally touched down in Rome.
We waited for our transfer to the hotel to meet our tour directors and fellow travelers. The bus did not leave the airport for an hour and a half, so we had a little time to catch our breath and take in the moment ten years in the making.
At the Rome Airport, waiting for the bus to take us to the hotel
We saved money while searching for the perfect Italian vacation. We endured the heartache of having three previous trips canceled. And now, we were sitting in the Rome Airport. It felt surreal. My body was tired from being up for twenty-four hours, but my mind was racing with excitement knowing our journey was about to unfold. A million thoughts came to mind… What would be our favorite city? Did we pack enough clothes for two weeks? Would Seppe and Lucca behave while at Happy Tails? However, the thoughts that kept coming up the most… Is this happening, or was I dreaming? I had to remind myself that we were at Rome Airport and about to discover our Italian dream.
Not only was my mind racing, but also my heart. My AppleWatch had notified me that my heart rate was above 120 beats per minute for longer than ten minutes with no physical activity. I was not nervous. Instead, I was beyond excited, filled with great emotion about the trip.
The bus was scheduled to leave at 3:30, but our hostess said it would be closer to 3:45 because more people were a part of our tour had not yet arrived. The time quickly passed, but thankful we had this opportunity to rest. We had never experienced a flight longer than four hours or having to make three flights in less than twenty-four hours. Our hostess left the waiting area after we talked with her. By 3:40 pm, she had not yet returned, and I wondered if we correctly understood her. We went outside to look for her and our bus. A cabbie came up to us, offering us a ride to the hotel as we looked around. He didn’t speak much English, so I didn’t understand what he was trying to ask. I mentioned Trafalgar, the bus, and the hotel’s name. He just looked at me strangely. I said NO, and we walked away because I knew we wouldn’t be going with him to the hotel. We walked to the entrance and went back to the waiting area. At this point, a gentleman walked up to me and asked if we were waiting for the Trafalgar bus. We said that he and his wife were also waiting for the bus and that they had seen us when we talked to the hostess. We spoke only briefly when the hostess arrived and told us we were ready to leave. As we walked back outside, and the same cabbie came up to us again and offered us a ride to the hotel. Again, I said NO; we continued to follow the hostess.
We were on the bus, ready for our thirty-minute ride to the hotel a few moments later. The journey gave us a glimpse of the sights of Rome. Our hotel was located near Vatican City, in the heart of Rome’s city center. Our bus driver Vincenzo maneuvered the large charter bus from the highway to the narrow city streets with ease, around the mopeds, bicycles, and minicars. Vincenzo parked the bus in the hotel’s parking area, located in a city’s residential area.
We arrived at 4:15 pm. We walked inside, where Sally and Iya waited for us. As our tour director, Sally would be leading us on our journey for the next two weeks. Ilya, our well-being director, would ensure that COVID protocols were followed and that everyone was taken care of. We had a few forms to sign, tags to add to our luggage, and to get our room keys. Sally let us know that we didn’t have much time to settle in. We were to meet in the lobby at 5:30 pm for a bus tour of the city and a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
We made our way to the room on the third floor and realized that we had only one hour to get acclimated before we had to leave. We thought, WOW, this is amazing. We are already getting started. In less than five hours, we arrived at the Airport, gathered our luggage, went through customs, met our hostess, waited for the bus, traveled to the hotel, met our guides, and checked in. And now we are on the bus again, touring the city. One of the many mind-blown experiences that this trip had to offer.
The bus departed from the hotel, and for the next hour and a half, we experienced many treasures of Rome. Sally provided us with information about the next thirteen days, as she called them, the practicalities; and a little bit of the history of Italy and Rome while providing details about the things we saw – the Colosseum and other ancient ruins, the Vatican and other religious markers and the shopping districts and other modern aspects. The City of Rome is described as a lasagna because it is made up of multiple layers built on top of each other, just like a lasagna would be.
We arrived at San Marco Restaurant for our Welcome Dinner, the first of many dinners together. We sat at a table that included Ron and Marilyn, the couple we met at the Airport, and Margie from Tazmania, Australia. The dinner was designed to allow the travelers to get to know each other and settle in. The dinner offered a traditional Italian meal with bruschetta, meats and cheeses, salad, pizza, and dessert. Each course came out individually – first the bruschetta, then the meats and cheese, followed by the salads. The server brought two pizzas to the table for everyone to share. We didn’t realize that they would continue to bring more pizzas. We lost count of the number, but it had to be at least ten different types before they brought out the desert. But the crust was super thin, so eating one piece was like eating one bite of a traditional thick American crust. I enjoyed all the varieties – cheese, mushrooms, and meats. The only exception was the one with sardines on it, which tasted too fishy for my liking.
We talked with our companions and learned about their travel experiences while taking part in a non-stop meal with all of the pizza delivered to our table. I knew that this was going to be a truly memorable experience. And my expectations were right on the mark.
On our way back to the hotel, Sally let us know what to expect tomorrow during our time at the Vatican and the Colosseum and the tour that would take us through the streets of Rome. We arrived back at the hotel with a stomach full of Italian favorites and a mind full of anticipation. This was no longer a dream but a reality.
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Wedding days are lovely affairs, no matter if you’ve decided to invite all of your friends and colleagues to a big ceremony or spend time with your partner and a couple of family members after a quick wedding registration and a small celebratory event afterward.
There is no “right way” to get married, processes that people consider enjoyable and necessary for them. Traditional and non-traditional routes are equally valuable. After all, tradition sticks around because those habits and practices can often make a worthwhile day, well-formatted, and give everyone a chance to enjoy your union. Non-traditional events are fantastic because of how freeing they can be, and of course, they may be less expensive than renting out a huge hall or venue for such an occasion.
No matter how you plan your wedding day, however, most people want to feel confident on their wedding day. After all, those in attendance will be focused on you, so it’s important to feel happy and vibrant instead of worried when your big day is here. With this in mind, please consider the following advice:
Be Certain Of Your Outfit It’s essential to be confident in your outfit to the degree you can. However, this doesn’t mean you have to look “perfect,” however that can be defined. This is a practical question. Can you move in it comfortably? How about when sitting down? Is it appropriate for the environment? For instance, a full gown with a long train may not be suitable if you hope to get married on a beach, even if you have a group of people happy to lift it. Whatever you choose is valid, make sure you’re satisfied with it, and you’ll be more comfortable throughout the day.
Trust Your Hair & Makeup Artists It’s essential to trust your hair and makeup artists to the degree that you can or find those you are happy with. This means agreeing with the look beforehand and ensuring that you can wear it comfortably. It also means having a backup that you can trust just in case, for whatever reason, your first doesn’t show. When you agree in advance, you don’t have to worry about a new style that you didn’t plan for.
Consider A Dental Checkup If you hope to smile in your photos, it’s essential to ensure your dental environment is checked beforehand. Some choose to go for a teeth whitening procedure; others wish to ensure that specific issues, like mouth ulcers, are prevented ahead of time. Others may need more intensive therapeutic work depending on their needs. No matter what your dental environment is like, a visit to your dentist before the wedding can ensure your smile and beam all day long, referring to your photos later with pride and enjoying the day in question without insecurity.
Choosing the Right Person to Officiate But you should also keep in mind that who stands with you at the altar shapes the energy of the whole ceremony, so choosing an officiant who feels right is just as important as picking the venue or décor. Some couples prefer a more traditional route with a religious leader, while others want something more personal or modern.
But it does help to know the difference between a chaplain vs pastor, as well as just anyone who can legally officiate (some people even choose friends or family). Again, it’s up to the couple and what they want; some want traditional, some don’t want anything remotely formal, and both are totally fine. But the right officiant can make everything feel meaningful.
With this advice, you’re sure to feel more confident on your wedding day and enjoy it immensely, just as you deserve to.
When you work out, your muscles go through a lot of stress. It is essential to allow them time to recover to become stronger. If you don’t give your body enough time to rest and recover, you might not see the results that you’re hoping for. This article will discuss the importance of recovery and how it can help improve your overall fitness level.
Why Is Recovery Important? Recovery is significant because it allows your muscles to repair and become stronger. When you work out, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibers. These tears are what cause your muscles to grow back bigger and stronger. However, your body can only repair these tears if it has the time and the necessary resources. That’s why it’s essential to give your body the time it needs to recover after a workout.
If you don’t allow your muscles to recover properly, they will become weaker over time. This can lead to injuries and setbacks in your fitness journey. Additionally, not getting enough rest can also lead to fatigue and burnout. It’s essential to balance pushing yourself hard in your workouts and giving your body the time it needs to recover.
How Can You Help Your Body Recover? You can do a few things to help your body recover from workouts. First, it’s essential to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of protein. Protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair. It would help if you also stayed hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
In addition to eating right and staying hydrated, you should also focus on getting enough sleep. Sleep is when your body does the majority of its repair work. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night to give your body the rest. Finally, you can use active recovery methods such as foam rolling and stretching to help improve blood flow and reduce soreness.
Recov Faster protein concentrate can also help your body recover to ensure that you get back to your favorite exercise in no time.
What Are The Benefits Of Recovery? There are many benefits to allowing your body time to recover after workouts. Recovery can help improve your performance, prevent injuries, and reduce fatigue. Additionally, it can also help you reach your fitness goals more quickly. When you give your body the time to recover, you’re setting yourself up for success!
Allowing your body time to recover is essential for any exercise routine. By taking the time to rest and heal, you’ll be able to come back stronger than ever before. So don’t forget to schedule some recovery time into your workout routine! Your muscles will thank you for it!
How Much Time Should You Spend Recovering? The amount of time you need to recover will depend on a few factors. These include the intensity of your workouts, age, and overall fitness level. Generally speaking, you should allow at least 48 hours for your muscles to recover between workouts. However, you might need more time to recover if you’re starting.
In conclusion, recovery is an essential part of any exercise routine. It allows your muscles to repair and become stronger, which can help you reach your fitness goals. So make sure to take the time to rest and recover after your workouts!
This weekend, my hubby and I celebrate Passover and Resurrection Sunday. We are Christians, but we stand in support of Israel. We are interested in the historical context of Judaism, and we celebrate Jewish holidays and actively learn about Jewish customs. This year, in particular, we wanted to know more about the Passover Seder.
Have you heard of the Seder meal?
Chabad.org provides excellent resources about the Jewish faith and holidays, including the Seder meal. Seder, the Hebrew word meaning order, is celebrated during Passover. Family members of all ages retell the ancient story of when the Israelites were freed from enslavement in Egypt. This story can be found in the Book of Exodus of the Bible and the Shemot in the Jewish Torah. The order of the Passover seder meal is read from the Haggadah, which is the Jewish text of the Israelites being freed from slavery.
We just started learning about the significance of the Seder meal and why it was so critical for Christians to celebrate. The Seder is typically conducted in a family home, but it can also be in a synagogue. This week, my hubby and I watched a Seder service from Eagle Mountain International Church (Kenneth Copeland Ministries ) that incorporated Jewish and Christian meanings. My hubby and I found it to be quite moving but also informative. We decided that we needed to celebrate our freedom with the Passover Seder meal and our traditional Resurrection Day service at church.
We watched several teachings from Rabbi Jason Sobel on the final week of Jesus’ life. Rabbi Jason explains how Jesus’ return to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the Cruxification are deeply rooted in Jewish customs. He further said that the Last Supper with Jesus and the twelve apostles was a Passover Seder. This video from Rabbi Jason explains what the Seder meant to the Jewish people and what it means to Christians today.
Rabbi Curt Landry describes the Seder in his blog post, The Nine Blessings of the Passover, “This list of reasons why Passover matters to God is in no way a complete one, yet it repeatedly tells why Passover is vital! Passover is not just for Jews, but for all who call upon the Name of the Lord!” This video show Rabbi Landry’s Seder service on Friday. And another post that I recommend by Rabbi Landry is Celebrating Passover as Believers.
The Passover Seder service video at Eagle Mountain Church is below:
My hubby and I will now celebrate the Passover Seder with Resurrection Sunday during Holy Week. No matter your religion, thanking God for your health, life, and freedom while celebrating Passover would be an excellent idea to incorporate into your family traditions.
When you live in a home, you want it to be the best environment. Well, this ends up all coming down to you. The atmosphere in your home is only down to the people who live there, so if you have a problem with the way it is right now, you need to make sure that you are actively trying to make changes. In this article, we will be looking at some of the things that create a good environment, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.
Clean The first thing you need to do is make sure that your home is clean. We’re sure you don’t want to live in a dirty house, but we know that cleaning can mean a lot of work that you don’t have the energy for. The best thing you can do for yourself here is to keep it clean. Please find the time to do one big clean of the home and then do the little bits needed to keep it in this condition. Instead of waiting until it gets to a point where it must be done, never let it get that wrong in the first place.
We know that this sounds simple, and it is, but we also know that sometimes even just taking the recycling outside can be a chore after a long day. Just tell yourself it’s better this one-piece now than 50 down the line.
Safe Another thing that you will need to do is make sure that the home is as safe as possible. Your home should be the place in the world where you feel safest, so you have to do whatever it takes to make this accurate. This might mean installing a security system to ensure that your home feels more secure. Or, it might be more to do with the repairs that need sorting inside the home. For example, you might need to get a drywall repair service out to you soon to sort out any issue you are having.
Happy The final thing that we will mention is that for the environment to be as good as it can be, the home should be happy. You can achieve this by ensuring that everyone can speak freely in the house about whatever they feel the need to, by spending time together, and so much more. Do what you can, and we know that the home will be filled with love and laughter, creating a happy environment.
We hope you have found this article helpful and now see some ways to tell if your home is the best environment it could be. It’s important to understand that your home does not have to be these things all the time, well, except for safe. We want you and your family to live in the best possible environment, and ensuring that your home has these things as much as possible is the best way to do this.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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