Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Rome is many things... but above all, it is exhausting.
So, I took the train yesterday morning, to this hot and sunny city, whereupon our group headed immediately for the Colloseum. The Colloseum is, well, collossal -- but it was also in direct sunlight, so it was difficult to enjoy the place as much as I would have liked to, since I was in a lot of physical discomfort. Also, I hadn't had coffee yet, so I was not in the best of moods, bt considering that yesterday was my first "off" day out of the whole time we've been in Italy, I'd say I'm doing pretty good. I took the obligatory pictures, walked around, and finally headed for lunch, after which I felt much better. A few of us went into the church of San Clemente, and into the relics of the ancient Rome that lie beneath the church -- which was really an experience.
Afterwards, we headed to the Foro Romano, which is an incredible expanse of Roman ruins; I could have spent more time going through the columns and crumbling temples, but of course we sped right through it in the interests of time. It was lovely during the day, but I really would like to take pictures of everything at night, so I think I might go back this evening. Plus it's going to be cooler then, which is a definite plus.
We passed through Michelangelo's trapezoidal piazza with the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius in the center -- the actual name of the piazza escapes me -- and there is a museum in one of the buildings that I must find time for, somehow. But for yesterday's agenda, tired and hot as we all were, the Pantheon was next. However, on our way to the building, we were graced by the sight of the Pope's limo and escort vehicles speeding through the streets of the city.
The Pantheon was incredible. I'd forgotten that Raphael's tomb was there -- but even without that, it was an astoundingly beautiful building, covered with multi-colored marbles and columns and statues. Truly gorgeous, and the dome with the light streaming from the occulus is really more impressive than it seems in pictures. I took lots of pictures in that one place alone. It is a spectacular space.
Today was the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica -- I'll continue about that later tonight.
| 11:31 AM |
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