After leaving Pisa we hopped a train for Rome, gaining confidence in our abilities to speak enough pidgin Italian to make sure we were on the correct trains. Rome is a considerably more metropolitan city than Pisa, but in a very different way than London. Buildings are colorful and sculpted, people are leisurely and yet driven by more coffee than you could shake a handful of chocolate-covered espresso beans at. Coffee in Italy is a particularly delightful experience. It's more utilitarian in mode than in America. You go into the cafe, order (in our case)
due cappucino, per favore, sip your coffee with a certain fabulous air of hurry and import, and be on your way. 1 euro at some shops gets you a crossaint and a coffee. Awesome.
Below, you'll find some of our early days in Rome. St. Peter's Square is big. Really big. I tried to get the perspective from the back of the square up the steps of the Basilica, but I'm not sure it gives the full scope. Next, we see some of the odd sense of humor displayed by Roman kitchen stores. They had another one that was a heart-shaped knife block. Hilarious. Third, this big model--about 4 feet across--lies in the Gesu Cathedral. This model is a giant temple, presumably the new temple, surrounded by scale model of the major churches from around the world. Very cool. The Gesu is also cool because it is the resting place of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. His arm is on display--yes, that's right, on display--in a big glass and gold case in one of the chapels. Finally, the Trevi Fountain, which is a huge and busy tourist attraction, as seen by the crowd all over the place. It was formerly the site where several of the ancient aqueducts joined in the city after their 14 mile travel from their source. Now, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city, and it looks really beautiful lit up at night.
We had 4 days to spend in Rome, and touring was the name of the game. There is a lot to see in Rome; piazzas, basilicas, coffee shops, more piazzas, fountains, more coffee shops...the list goes on. In our wanderings--for most Italian cities are easily walkable--we saw a lot great historical buildings and sites. Here I am hanging out with Caesar on a walk toward all the ancient Roman ruins. Below that is the Circus Maximus, the largest section of ruins in the city. Expense to get down into, though. Our friend Alan is studying in the seminary at the Vatican, and he was able to get us tickets for all of the big Easter celebrations going on around the city. Getting to see the Pope is an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones, believe me. Picture three is us coming out of St. Peter's Basilica after a quick tour on Good Friday. After that, we immediately got back in line to get into the celebration that night. 3 1/2 hours later, the flood gates open, and the worst characteristics in mass humanity come pouring out. People pushing, shoving, trampling (almost literally) the sick and old underfoot. Somehow, we made it inside unscathed and got relatively good seats near the center aisle. This was cool because Il Papa comes right down the middle to say "hi" to everyone, and the crowd goes wild. Finally, you'll see Il Papa himself, who is, startlingly, only about 4 feet tall. He's all hat, I tell you. Very worthwhile experience, and a beautiful service, with the whole Passion sung in Latin, and prayers offered in all different languages of the world.
We'll carry on in Part III with a little more Rome, Florence and Venice. Ciao!
