Roma

Michael and I arrived in Rome on July 3rd and we spent the next two days there leaving on the 6th to go to Venice. After a very early flight and some airplane sleeping, we arrived in Rome. Luck was on our side when we arrived at our hotel and our room was ready for us. We took a well needed nap before setting out at around 2 in the afternoon. Our hotel was at the top of the Spanish Stairs, so we strolled down them and too a few pictures. One of the best discoveries of the day, which would serve us well throughout the next few days, was that the city set out various spots of public water fountains that spout out fresh cold water. Filling our bottles, we set out to find the Pantheon. Upon discovery, we entered the building that was once a temple for worshipping Pagan gods and goddesses, but now it is used as a Catholic Church. In its niches, there are still some beautiful sculptures. Then we moved on to Piazza Navona with three fountains. One of them was sculpted to depict four of the world’s greatest rivers. Lastly, we went to the Trevi Fountain for some pictures and coin throwing for good wishes. Day one was fantastic, but we went to bed fairly early to prepare for the next day.

For day one pictures, please go to this link. http://picasaweb.google.com/jess.metcalf/RomeDay1#

On day two, we set off to Vatican City. The museum attracted our attention first that day because the crowds could become unbearable. We went through exploring more forms of Ancient Greek and Roman sculpture than one, outside of an art major, would ever need to see. However, we did see some incredible frescos throughout the entire museum. The Vatican Museum ends with the Sistine Chapel which is phenomenal. Some people think it is overrated, but I think that they are insane. Michelangelo’s work is simply unbelievable. The scenes he depicted on the ceiling are from Genesis with the highlight of Adam reaching out towards God. Yet, my favorite is the first panel where God is spinning to create light and dark. I had been there on a previous trip, but when Michael walked in his jaw dropped in astonishment. He gazed around the room completely floored by what he saw. We moved into the center of the room to listen to our audioguide about the room. I really cannot do it justice to describe it here, so y’all just have to go there for yourselves. After the museum, we went into St. Peter’s Basilica. Again, the beauty of that place cannot be described by me, but let me tell you that the basilica is worth a trip alone to Italy. We wandered around there for a while until our feet hurt so badly that we found a place in the piazza to stretch and take a break.

Day two pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/jess.metcalf/RomeDay2#

Day three began with a trip to the Galleria Borghese. The gallery is inside of an old villa where a cardinal used to live. He was a lover of art, thus, collecting some of the finest paintings and sculptures. We got an audioguide again which was well worth the price. After the gallery, we trekked to Ancient Rome. There we went to Circus Maximus, Piazza Bocca d. Verità, Palatine Hill, the Roman forum, and of course the Colosseum. Quick story, Roman street beggars have a thing or two to learn from those of Cairo. As we were walking to the Colosseum, we passed a lady in nice boots, cigarette in hand with a cup for money in the other. All she needed was a coffee mug near by making her the most fashionable street beggar ever. It is horrible to see people having to beg for a living, but seriously, no one will give money to someone when it is clear what it will be used for once received. We wandered around the area for quite some time and almost did not make it into the Colosseum because the Pope and China’s president decided to visit there that day. Nevertheless, they left and we explored the ancient ruin. Michael absolutely loved the Colosseum, and I have to agree that it is spectacular.

Day 3 Pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/jess.metcalf/RomeDay3#

Stay tuned for Venice! By-the-way, I am well aware of what kind of shoes I am wearing.