Rome, Italy
November 12-15, 2014
We arrived in Rome. We are not counting down the days, but we are counting down the days. We stayed at another B & B, FloweRome. Very nice. Since it was early evening, we decided to venture out and see some sites. We took a bus to the area that was suggested by our hotel manager. Our first stop was Altare Della Patria. This is a beautiful monument that was built to honor their King. Building started in 1885 and was dedicated in 1925. Unfortunately it was closed, so we will return tomorrow for the tour.
Then we walked around,did some shopping and hung out in the square. While we were there we watched an amazing artist and he was creating art with spray paint. Also, there was a guy creating shadow images with his body and fingers. Actually, pretty clever. Then we spotted a cute Italian restaurant, it was packed and we were hungry. Yum. Lee had spaghetti and I had homemade lasagna. Can't go wrong with homemade lasagna. We ordered a bottle of wine and chatted with our table neighbors. A cute couple that just got engaged. Listen to this... He is from Tennessee, but grew up in Dallas, she is from Germany. They met while going to school in England. Now they live in Rome, and work for a global non-profit organization. Their dilemma... Where to get married? Maybe have a Skype wedding?
When we were ready to leave, guess what? It was pouring down rain and we did not have an umbrella. Had to buy one more umbrella before we headed home. Yes have been blessed with umbrellas, even though now we only have three.
The Vatican
Today we woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Rome. I am so excited because today is the day for the Vatican, St. Peter's Bascillia, The Vatican Museum and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. When we arrived the line was very long, but we decided to stand in line since it was a sunny day. Only took about 45 minutes to enter. Then while outside we started taking pics. I wanted to get a good pic of the guards. So I walked over to get a closer shot. After pic, went to join Lee. I was stopped by two of the Vatican security guards and not allowed back into the Vatican. I had crossed over a line that allowed no return. I never saw the sign, because was I so excited about getting a good pic of the guards. I saw other people taking pics too. I told them I was with Lee and we had stood in line to get in. I did not understand the problem since it was a free event. So I tried to go around them. One guard left and returned to his post, but the other guard was in my face and blocking me from entering. Lee said she is with me and we just got here He did not care. I thought he was kidding. Seriously. He threaten to get the police and I said go ahead, that might be better. Told him I did not know I was doing anything wrong and I was just trying to get a picture of guards. Finally the other guard walked over and said let her go. Finally he let me pass. Never want to go to jail, especially in Europe. I really think he was a little too assertive. They need to work on capturing the pickpockets and not little old ladies!
Anyway, we went in the Basilica and it was truly amazing... beautiful, enormous and so ornate from top to bottom. Pictures do not even begin to describe the beauty. They were lightly playing sacred music in the background and even though it was a crowded, it's still felt very spiritual. It was completed in the early 16th century, but actually started in 1506. Over a hundred years! There were many architects, including Michaelangelo, but Giovanni Panini was credited with the painting of the Bascilia. It is one of the largest and the Pope still holds mass many times throughout the year. Sometimes viewed by as many as 15,000 to 80,000 visitors. Wow!
St. Peter. Everyone lined up to touch his foot.
Vatican Post Office where you could mail postcards home.
I could spends days, weeks, and never tire of the beauty of these European historical creations. I am always puzzled how the amazing structure came to be. If I could go back in time, that would be the period I would chose. I want to see all of the workers creating such beautiful art under such difficult circumstances. Well to them it was probably not difficult, because that was the only way they could complete their creation.
The Vatican Museum
Another truly amazing museum that is filled from top to bottom with beautiful works including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and of course the workmanship of the 54 galleries leading up to Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel. I did not see the "no photo" sign, so I was able to take a few pics. They do not come close to the actual colors in the artwork. The spiral staircase that winds up from the first floor is also a beautiful masterpiece from top to bottom.
St. Peter's Bell Tower
On our last day in Rome, we went back to the Vatican so we could climb the tower. There is a handicap elevator, but others must use stairs. For 7euros you could take a short elevator rise and climb 303 stairs or to save money you could pay 5 euros and climb about 300 more steps. We took the 7 euro route. The stairs were tiny and the passage very narrow. Not for the weak heart. No way to get down, but there were a few platforms for resting. But once you get to the top, it is beautiful. The birds definitely have the best view!
Trevi Fountain
I was so excited about seeing this fountain. I still remember the movie and the song. All girls want to go yo Rome, fall in love and throw coins in the fountain. I was ready, but the fountain was under construction and would be for the next year. There were some visible parts and they made a path for visitors so we could throw in our coins and make a wish. Why not, it is estimated that 3,000 euros are thrown in every day. Wow! Well maybe next time. That was my wish.
The Coliseum and The Pantheon
We visited the coliseum, but did not get to go inside. Did tour the ruins around the area. It is amazing that so many parts of early Rome are still in existence. They really protect their historical sites no matter how big or how small.
The Altar Della Partia
Also known an Altar of the Fatherland. Very beautiful and very large. We even got to go to the top for a birds eye view. This building is not that old as it was completed in 1925. It also contains the remains of an unknown soldier.
Other Fun Stuff
So many beautiful building and churches. We had some amazing Italian meals, pizza, and one vegetarian/pasta buffet. Sometimes you really miss veggies. Also, had a great time shopping in the smaller boutiques we found in some of the backstreet areas. Great street entertainment. Great hotel.
Not So Fun a Stuff
Lee had his pocket picked for the second time. We were at the train station headed for the airport to Barcelona. We were at the baggage claim and a young guy tapped Lee on the shoulder. He had his cell phone. He said sir you dropped your phone. We looked at each other puzzled, because I was behind Lee the entire way. Lee said thank you. Then the guy asked for euros. What a trick. They pick your pockets and since it was a phone and useless to him, he returned for money. Of course, Lee gave him a euro and the guy was off. The other time they took his billfold complete with 50 euros. I had mine picked outside Notre a Dame, but she only got my hotel card. Then she returned as if I had dropped it. She unzipped my side zipper and thought she would get money. Not on me.
One day the transportation system was on strike, so we had to walk everywhere. We walk a lot, but we also use transportation when possible. That day we walked 13+ miles. We are ready to sign up with Sydney for a half marathon. Thank goodness it was only a one day strike since we were flying our the next day and needed public transportation to get to airport.
