pace

pronounced "pa-chay", this means "peace" in italian. why am i suddenly blogging in italian? well...i found myself awake at 9:30 am this morning, which meant it was time to get back into the routine of going to church. there are about three catholic churches in EC1 - the one i've been eyeing on amwell street had mass at 10, so that was off the list. one was at 11:30, which seemed too late, so the only one left was st. peter's italian catholic church.

really, you'd think the name would have given away the fact that the mass wouldn't be said in english...but nothing here is what it seems, so i didn't really know what to expect. i was running a bit late (surprise) and then a French dude stopped me in the street to see if i would take his picture in one of the red phone booths. since i did this myself just last evening, i could hardly say no.

i was now REALLY late and i couldn't find the street i was looking for. damn, damn. then out of nowhere i stumbled upon the steps (stupid map was wrong) and i scurried inside just in time.



once seated, i noticed everyone else had a bulletin in hand. oopsies. mass began and it was most definitely not in english. :-) it was actually really cool to hear it in italian, and i participated in my own language a little bit...but not too loudly because i didn't want to seem disrespectful. EVERYONE else was fluent and recited along flawlessly.

the whole experience was pretty interesting, despite the fact that communion was a bit disorganized and the lady behind me bumped me in the rear end every time we moved. i think i'd go back again, but i'd need to make sure to grab a bulletin so i could at least play along. could be a good way to learn italian! ;-)