Okay, so I went to an Italian cathedral for the first time, my Italian Family took me on a little tour around our town to show me a couple sites. Since this was my first time, I was amazed by the beautiful buildings. It was like taking a trip back into history.
Our first stop was the Monastero della Certosa di Pavia, built from 1396 to 1495.
Wow, it was like stepping into a whole new world. The moment I walked inside, the crazy street noise just vanished. It was like I entered this peaceful bubble that totally wrapped around me. Surrounded by saints, you could feel protected in some way.
The place was massive, with these huge arches and stunning paintings everywhere. I was just standing there, trying to take it all in. The light coming through the stained glass was so pretty, casting all these colors on the floor that felt almost magical. I couldn’t help but smile. I gazed at one window of the birth of Jesus in stained glass so vibrant, you could feel it.
I wandered around, feeling the cool marble beneath my feet even with my sandals on, you could feel the coolness, and I was just in awe of how much effort went into every little detail. The design of the floor, like pieces of puzzles to create these stars with colors of white, black and this reddish orange marble.
What hit me the most, though, was how calm everything felt. People were moving quietly, some praying, others just looking around with their mouths slightly open. It felt like we were all part of this special moment, like time just stopped.
I found this cozy little spot and closed my eyes for a second. Listening to the soft whispers around me was like a warm blanket. All my worries? Gone. It was like I was connected to something bigger, like all the stories and dreams of everyone who had ever been there were swirling around.
I looked up at the ceilings of blue, silver, gold and red colors painted, telling stories and beautiful angels flying above me.
When I finally left, I felt so refreshed, like I had this new energy.
Visiting that cathedral was way more than just checking out a cool building; it was like finding a hidden treasure of peace in the middle of the chaos of life. I walked away feeling lighter, carrying that calmness with me, and I can’t wait to hold onto it as I keep going.
My Italian Host Sister Sara was telling me the history of the Cathedral and its surrounding areas. You could feel how proud she was of her town and its history.
Today made me feel like I’m here for a reason, that I made the right choice to bring myself thousands of miles away from my family in Charlotte, North Carolina, so I can experience something good.
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but leaving this cathedral, I know it will be good.
Arrivederci e ti amo,
Zoe
