I realize I haven't posted an entry for quite sometime
(excuses, excuses). Apologies to all three of my readers. But I would like some sort of semi-permanent record of my recent trip. I spent nine exhilarating, exhausting days teaching in India
(the subject of my previous post), followed by forty-eight more conventionally tourist-like hours meandering the streets of the Eternal City. After the purgatorial-like adventures of my time in Vishakhaptnum, Rome seemed a respite indeed. With my spouse's half-hearted blessing and the few quarters I had managed to hide away, I secured a quaint bed and breakfast only a stone's throw from the Pantheon.
The piazza beside my hotel
My hotel was the third building from the left.
View from my room
Where I consumed my Latte and lemon-filled tarts each morning.
Rome proved to be such a different experience than India. India was all about people, people, people, over-stimulation and a powerful sense of the spiritual. I felt lonely in Rome. It is certainly a beautiful city even in a dank November drizzle--- charming and/or overpowering vistas await at every turn. It's also a festive city, but you can only have so much fun watching other people having fun.
I spent a lot of time in the city's famous and not so famous basilicas, cathedrals, and churches praying. I appreciated the quiet. I also took tons of photos.
My photos from Rome (as you will see) are basically of statues and sites. I should have just purchased the postcard book --- though a few of the pictures show some originality and contain (at least for me) special memories. I would like to return to Rome/Italy one day).
I devoted Day #1 to the heart of the city and ancient Rome.
Area around The Pantheon
Why would anyone eat at Mickey D's when the intoxicating smell of piping hot pizza beckons from every corner?
A local band was playing when I arrived. I don't know if this was arranged by the city officials especially for me or mere happenstance?!?
Angels Watching Over Me?
"Doubting Thomas" by Pietro Paulo Bonzi
Entrance at Night
Trevi Fountain (it's always fifty feet deep in tourists but an unexpected, spectacular treat nonetheless).
A favorite (sunshine was rare)
Classical Rome
The Palazzia Venezia (despised by most Romans as a modern eyesore). I found it impressive.
Rome is fig-leaf central.
Ancient Rome (probably the least appealing aspect of my trip --- though evocative to be sure.)
A personal favorite
The Colosseum (duh)
The Spanish Steps (people watching and big dollar shopping area)
Moses (always with the horns) --- third in sculptural popularity right behind Peter, Paul, and Mary (not to be confused with the beloved folk singers)
The view from the top of the steps
A more intimate view (I'm afraid the zoom lens turned me into something of a voyeur)
Modern Rome
Rome is a very walkable city, and I had time in the afternoon to get lost in the various alleyways, main thoroughfares, etc. I snapped a few pictures of a very vibrant "modern" Rome.
Graffiti (Excuse Me!!)
Colonna di Fiorni (popular marketplace)
Hidden courtyards abound
Glitzy, new department store (full of beautiful people drinking coffee or wine)
Don't dare visit Rome without your credit card!
Don't ask me why?
A window from the very happening --- at least at night --- Piazza Navona.
Beggar lady with the Gucci handbag.
This may be my favorite photo from Rome. She saw me (as you can see) snap her picture. Afterwards, she motioned for me to drop some change in her cup. I obliged (wonder how she's going to spend those Rupees?)
Juxtapositon of the old and the new
I spent Day #2 exploring Vatican City (ornate, Catholic devotion on mega-display).
The Vatican
Hunk guarding the bridge leading over the Tiber River
Saint standing over St. Peter's Square
Her sister in Christ
Her sisters in Christ
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter himself
Jesus
The Swiss Guard
The Pope's window
Michaelangelo's Pieta (one of the first and definitely the best thing you see upon entering the Basilica. It's behind glass, yet an undeniably powerful piece of Sculpture.) Worth the price of admission (which was free by the way.)
A very blurry ---and yet another --- St. Peter. This is the one whose foot you're supposed to rub to receive a blessing. I did. Blame it on peer pressure.
St. John and the beggar (well, just the beggar)
Just a shot through a window
The Vatican Musuem (and the admission wasn't free). You weren't allowed to take pictures of the Sistine Chapel (though this didn't stop the hordes of Japanese/Chinese tourists), but it did prove a staggering experience. A true testimony to human genius. Here are a few highlights from the museum.
Life is for the young
The beautiful
The rich
And the strong (detail from "The Lacoon Group" --- one THE great ancient sculptures.)
I had fun exploring the Vatican musuem, but all that reflective solitude made me realize that life can be "ruff" without family and friends.
Miscellaneous Piety
Saints and Sinnners
(from the various churches you find everywhere --- two of my favorite are the Basilica of St. Maria Maggiore and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.)
Another favorite
Peter or Paul?
The Virgin Mary practically rules over Rome.
The angel who watches over the bridge leading to Vatican City
"O Sacred Heart Now Wounded"
Another favorite
Probably going to frame this one --- 6th century Obelisk and Bernini's elephant (felt like India and Italy rolled into one)
A few stained glass shots (had to do it --- all from Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, my favorite church if only because it was the closest to my hotel.)
All in all Rome was a good, a very good experience, but India was GREAT. So, stayed tune for my next entry. I do hope to return to Italy/Rome (I threw a coin over my shoulder into the Trevi Fountain).
