When in Rome

I recently spent 10 days in Rome, Italy attending a political conference (of all things). It was hosted by a group called Lymec (www.lymec.org) and it's basically an organization of young, radical European youth. How cool is that?? As I am a part of the Young Democrats of America, Lymec invited two YD's to come consult with them on the issue of transatlantic relations, recent US and European political trends, and getting young adults involved in politics. I really didn't know what to expect when I went to Rome but I decided hey, you only live once....I went early to be a tourist and see all the sights. If I figure out how to load pictures onto this blog I'll post some. My favorite thing was St. Peter's Basilica. I was able to be in St. Peter's Square on Sunday when the Pope comes out and does a blessing. I could only see the top of his hat but still--what a thrill! St. Peter's is absolutely breath-taking, with all the art and statues and wonder. I celebrated Mass there and while I am not a Catholic I have been a frequenter of Mass for several years.
My least favorite Rome site was the Colleseum (I don't think I spelled that right). You can't go in so basically all we could do was drive around it. Boring. I mean, a few jumbotrons with lions eating some unsuspecting soul would have been something to entice visitors. Maybe this is why I am not in advertising.

But, the conference was the main purpose of my trip. The students were terrific hosts and thankfully the official language of the group is English. I was able to visit one on one with most everyone there and learn more about what inspires them, how their government works, and what they really think of Americans. Believe it or not, Europeans don't hate all Americans. They did question HOW George W. Bush won again, but it wasn't like they were trying to blame us or anything. Several were amazed at the un-democratic process of the Electoral College and I tend to agree with them. Whatever happened to one person, one vote?? Sigh.
I did not like the Roman bus transit system--it's basically throw everyone onto a bus like sardines and drive like a madman. I'm not quite sure, but I think I may have gotten pregnant on the bus, I was so squished up against some guy. I guess I'll find out...(to my family, that's a joke).

All in all it was a great time and despite my anxiety about traveling all that way it was an easy trip. I hope the Lymec folks will come to San Francisco for our Young Democrats of America convention this summer as it is a taste of American politics at work.

And as the old saying goes, "when in Rome do as the Romans..." I'm also going to apply the adage of "what happens in (insert city) stays in (insert city)." There are some things you just don't need to know!!

Peace