This was the day that we had planned this whole trip for and I am so glad that it was set on the last full day of our vacation. It was like the "crown jewel" of our whole trip (like that English reference I threw in there?)
We had made arrangements to have a driver take us to the temple and bring us back. I didn't want to leave anything to chance on this important day. Our driver was so kind and friendly. He told us that he had attended the open house and had taken 3 or 4 other groups to the temple since that time. While we were doing a session, he visited with the missionaries in the Visitor's Center and was proud to show us his own Book of Mormon (Italian) which the missionaries had given him.
There is much that can be found about this temple. As mentioned it took a long time to build for an LDS temple. One amazing part of the story is that this piece of land had to be examined for archaeological items. As it is on a beautiful spot on a small rise on a hill and had been a farm for many years, there was worry that items might be found which would have halted longer the building of the temple. However nothing was found on the actual property although things were found about 100 yards (or maybe feet) from the property itself.
Our view of the temple as we walked into the grounds...
Gary pointed out these rows of clouds--"like french bread on a shelf."
And there were flowers....
I loved the reflections of the sky and clouds in the stain glass windows....
The stream that flows from near the front door down to the pond at the base of the gardens...
The reflection of the temple in the pond...
We got there early so we would have time to enjoy the grounds and the visitor's center without being rushed and just in case of traffic problems. This is a gorgeous stained glass window covering many part of Christ's life. I believe the artist is from Lehi, Utah, and has made stain glass windows and art for many temples.
A view from the statue of Christ to the temple---see the reflection of the temple in the marble floors, pointing to Christ as do the teachings inside of the temple. They point us and our lives to Him.
Statues of the 12 original apostles line the back wall behind Christ...(except for Judas Iscariot)
The visitor's center---
We had made reservations for the 10:30 session about 6 months before and we were told to arrive 45 minutes early at the temple to assure our spot. The session was filled and as a majority of people were English speakers the session was in English and headphones were provided for everyone else including the Italians there in their own temple to do their work. The temple like all of them was beautiful inside and had touches of Italy throughout just as it should. It was special moment to share with this part of my family.
One last view.
Some street views on the way home:
This is the type of bus we had ridden in the day before.
Area near our hotel-
Our fountain one more time---
Like in all big cities worldwide building is always ongoing--
After the temple, we ate, played games, packed for the returned trip, and headed to bed early. We caught a early morning flight at 6:30 am which meant we left the hotel at 3:45 am. or so. We flew from Rome to Amsterdam, flew (on our feet) to our next gate to catch our flight to Salt Lake, and arrived home about 12:30 pm Thursday afternoon, September 26th--tired, but so happy! Happy to be home, yes, but so happy that we had gone and for all of the things we saw, did, and learned and the fun we had together doing it all.
Thanks, Mom Hall, Charon, Vonette and Gary K. for being the best travel companions--for the adventures that we shared, the conversation we enjoyed, the food we ate, the bridges we crossed, and all of the photos you let me take! It was amazing! There is nothing I would have changed about any of it!
Do you want to go back? Or use your passports on another part of the world? Just let us know. Love you all---and of course, to my own personal travel companion, Gary. I know that we will have many journeys ahead whether in our own backyard or across the world. It is always better with you there! (Well, maybe not BYU Women's Conference, but anywhere else.)
And now readers, the trip is over and it is back to the normal every day stuff my life is made of.
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