The Philippines to Rome via England

Celia Salinas rscj from Mexico did her "international experience" in The Philippines to begin her preparation for final profession. She then travelled to Rome for probation (group preparation, lasting about five months) via a few weeks in England...

I came to London after five months in the Philippines, and found myself adapting to various changes: time zone to begin with, and climate, and then came currency, food, transport& But most noticeably, I moved from the tropical heat of the Philippines to the snow of a British winter!

    

I was also struck by changes in transport. I moved from the Jipni, in which passengers create an upper deck out of necessity and because its cheaper to travel that way to buses which were actually made with an upper deck, from which one can enjoy views of a clean, lovely city.

I am grateful to all those whose forward planning ensured I was able to get my Italian visa very quickly. Because of this, I was calm and able to enjoy the rest of my stay: some sisters took Magda and me sightseeing around the city, and I could relax and finish preparing my presentations for probation. I spent a weekend in Oxford, where our sisters have a hostel for students from many faiths and nationalities. It is an interesting city, full of history and the college buildings which make up the university. It was still cold and snowy, but I wrapped up warm and made the most of this opportunity for more sightseeing.

This is only a taste of my experience during these three weeks, in which, as I have said, I was able to relax and prepare myself with my whole being for the time ahead in Rome, which Ive heard will be intense. So I just want to end by saying GRACIAS INGLATERRA, for welcoming me during these weeks; especially to Jane and everyone who helped me get my visa, and to the Barat community with whom I spent most of my stay.

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