One word for how we feel: exhausted. But, so worth it because what we saw of Rome today was amazing.
Here are the highlights from today:
The Colosseum. Amazing that it is even still standing and very cool to imagine a Gladiator type of scene unfolding there so long ago.
The Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI gave a special blessing/apperance from his apartment today at noon. He spoke in every language! He would start by saying to the crowd "For the English speaking people with us today", and if you spoke that language you cheered. English had a poor showing, but there were many Spanish and German speaking people there. It was quite an opportunity! Here we are being blessed as he finished his ceremony.
That photo is on extra mega zoom - his apartment is really high above St Peter's Square. This gives a bit more perpective. (and, shown here are the tops of columns which are ~100 ft tall).
We also had a chance to see the tombs of all the deceased popes. There are still candle light vigils around John Paul II's grave site. No pictures are allowed for his tomb and everyone is to be silent. Many people were crying and praying.
The Pantheon .. which was closed because of the All Saints holiday. But, we got a Peroni and sat on a fountain just outside the Pantheon for people watching and a rest. (I did manage to find the least ugly pair of sunglasses .. although the forecast called for an 80% chance of rain today, it was sunny all but 10 minutes so glasses were a necessity.)
Trevi Fountain was SO busy because of the previosuly mentioned holiday. The fountain (Rome's largest and most famous) is bascially a wishing well: if you throw in 1 coin you will come back to Rome, 2 and you will fall in love in Rome, and 3 you will get a divorce. I have no idea who made this up! Here is Corey throwing in his coin (true action shot!).
The Spanish Steps were also super crowded .. unsually (said the guide). We climbed up all 138 steps at the end of the day - enough to put us over the edge! We couldn't wait to sit down! The steps are near the fashion district - with Dior and Prada stores lining the street below the steps. Also, Valentino's estate is right by the steps. I made a note to go back and peak my head into a shop or two!! Looking can't hurt.
A bad picture to show the steps, but since there were so many people around you couldn't really tell there were steps anyways. Just looked like a big hill with people everywhere.Time for dinner! We have to plan our agenda for tomorrow .. which is entirely tour free. Also, Corey is craving olive oil ... we haven't had any yet!
Arrivederci (Good-bye).
3 comments:
Thanks for keeping us in the Italian loop. Sure beats watching IU lose to Central Michigan and Purdue beating Michigan today. The description of your trip makes all of us want to be there with you. (Have room in your hotel for a few more?)
hop a plane and come over!! or, if you can't make it in 2 hours notice .. we will just have to plan a trip for next year! Boo to IU loosing and PU winning. Seems that over here soccer is the only sport.
How awesome that you saw the Pope! What a great opportunity even for a non catholic, nice that today was a holiday. Have a great time exploring Rome on Sunday. Are you going to a soccer game?
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