5 Senses of Running in Rome

I am quickly learning that "transition" has many faces, and, when looked square in the eye, reveal many facets about us and our surroundings. Taking this Carolina girl out of her comfort zone has left an indelible impression on me as I continue to experience this culture first hand, as well as, wait with expectation to embrace the differences that surround me. Leaving all that was beloved, secure, and familiar daily stretches me and uncovers yet another layer of doggedness, so to speak, to habituate myself and our family to Rome. 


Never have my senses been so alive and buoyant to the different sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes of a "foreign language". Wrapping my brain around living in the Eternal City is task some days as we are in the midst of a divergent lifestyle. I have been telling the children that we have traded our country roads for the city subway, and I yearn for those country roads the most when running in the city. I miss the stillness of the morning, running by the horses in the pastures as they start their day, always aware of every stride, and the mountains which seem to look down with a watchful eye as I meander along.  I miss the sound of the river, the sweet melody of the birds, and the neighs which always greet the morning routine. I miss seeing familiar faces throw up their hand and give a friendly wave as I pass them in their car or working in the yard. You see, running for me consistently awakens every sense and jump-starts my day with a fresh, new awareness of my life at that moment and allows me to refuel for the day ahead.


Running in the city, in Rome, is new, unchartered territory for me consisting of noisy traffic (buses, cars, scooters, trains, emergency sirens), faces without a name, endless blocks of apartments to house the 3 million people, within a 16 mile inland radius, who reside here, and the historical buildings that have inhabited this land for thousands of years. However, the city runs also contain newly discovered, quaint quiet nooks off the cobblestone path that are enveloped with the smell of freshly baked bread, cappuccino from the neighborhood bar, pizza rich with tomato and cheese, and seasonal chestnuts roasting alongside the vendor trying to earn a few euros. 


As I sit here sharing with all of you, I am listening to the neighbors play beautiful live jazz music from their apartment across from us. Rome has been blessed with abundant sunshine and beautiful skies over the past couple of weeks, of which I am grateful. If I allow myself, I can become consumed and overwhelmed with the innumerable challenges that are in front of us. I have been taking the advice of a friend who encouraged me to focus on the little, daily blessings of God, which will increase my faith, instead of allowing my angst to sow seeds of doubt. 

Whether on a familiar country road or a newly discovered path, running will always provoke my senses and dispense the jump-start I need to begin our day! Join me!

Feast of the Epiphany and La Befana

Ciao friends, I thought I would share some info on one of the most celebrated holidays here in Italy other than Easter. Join me!

The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated January 6 with a national holiday in Italy, and the tradition of La Befana, are a big part of Italian Christmas celebrations. The Epiphany commemorates the 12th day of Christmas when the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts for baby Jesus. The traditional Christmas holiday season in Italy lasts through Epiphany.

La Befana


Italy's traditional celebration includes the tale of a witch, known as La Befana, who arrives on her broomstick the night of January 5th and fills the stockings with toys and sweets for the good children and lumps of coal for the bad ones.


According to the legend, the night before the Wise Men arrived at the manger, they stopped at the shack of an old woman to ask directions. They invited her to come along but she replied that she was too busy. Then a shepherd asked her to join him but again she refused. Later that night she saw a great light in the sky and decided to join the Wise Men and the shepherd bearing gifts that belonged to her child that had died. She got lost and never found the manger.

Now La Befana flies around on her broomstick each year on the 11th night bringing gifts to children in hopes that she might find the Baby Jesus. Children hang their stockings on the evening of January 5th, awaiting the visit of La Befana.

The origins of La Befana may actually go back farther, to the Roman's pagan festival of Saturnalia, a one or two week festival starting just before the winter solstice. At the end of Saturnalia, Romans would go to the Temple of Juno on the Capitoline Hill, to have their augers read by an old crone. Many pagan traditions were incorporated into Christmas celebrations when Christianity became mainstream. La Befana was a good substitute for the old woman who read the augers. The saying auger, originated with this practice, too, as it was common to wish someone good augers.

I have included a picture of many La Befana's that are sold during this time of year. This picture was taken at Piazza Navona where they have a Christmas Festival each year. The children had a blast riding the carousel, eating crepes, watching the clown, and shopping!