In Roma II

Thursday, June 17

OK. So a little later became a lot later. In the intervening times much has happened.

On Thursday we visited the Vatican. Given how busy we were I declined the Papal invitation to a private luncheon in his apartment in favor of continuing our exploration of the Vatican Museum and grounds. I suspect he wasn’t really that disappointed to miss us and was actually just being polite…

We saw sculptures, tapestries, paintings, carriages, some more sculptures and a few more paintings. Seems that everyone who was anyone (and a few who were no one) in the medieval/renaissance art world had to get in a few brush strokes on the subject. I was struck by how everyone painted Jesus as a cute, fat little baby and then as a gaunt, ascetic man. Must have been in the rules somewhere. The tapestries are amazing; hard to believe how old they are and how much detail is in them. The best are in a special climate controlled room that is dark and gloomy to avoid light fading the colors more that they already are. Incredible the amount of work and craftsmanship that went into them. Absolutely amazing! Probably my favorite place in the Vatican Museum was the hall of maps where the known world was recreated along the walls and ceiling. After the museum we went to St. Peter’s Square. The Sistine Chapel is well worth the wait in line to visit – it is an absolutely amazing place, and HUGE. I couldn’t believe the size of the place, the complexity of the art work and the overall impact. Religious art and structures were as much a worldly representation of power and place as they were manifestations of devotion and faith. St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel sets the bar for in both regards.

Leaving the Vatican we went for lunch in Piazza Navona which is a beautiful place surrounded by cafés, anchored at both ends and in the middle with beautiful sculptured fountains. The highlight of our lunch was a delightfully delicate Trebbiano d’Abruzzo which was the perfect antidote to the 95+ degree weather. Don’t have a clue what we ate – not so memorable as it is purely a tourist destination. After lunch – which could’a (should’a) turned into an afternoon affair – came a walk to further sites…

…somewhere along the way we came across this Italian Cow painted in the red and green for which Italy is famous. Reminded us of home so we stopped to chat a while…

The last special spot was the Spanish Steps which is a place not to be missed if only for its references in so much popular culture (Special prize for the first person who can name the West Texas singer/songwriter and the name of the country-folk song that makes a reference to the Spanish Steps.) as well as it’s impressive stonework and beautiful view from the top. Not to be named is the one of our group who didn’t want to climb them…

Then on to another dinner in an outdoor café, a couple more bottles of good Italian wine, blah, blah, blah… …you know how it always goes in Rome.

Ciao!

John and Jill