Buongiorno! I am officially in Rome, the Eternal City! And so very happy to be here!
After leaving the cruise yesterday morning at Civitavecchia where the cruise ships dock, Denise and I took a bus to the train station. From there, we took a train to Termini Station in Rome and found our hotel nearby.
Our first stop after checking in was for food. We found a covered street cafe not too far away. Pizza and cappuccino were on my menu. I was in heaven! The absolute best pizza I have ever tasted, straight out of the forno oven with crispy, slightly singed edges. I couldn’t help but dig in before I thought about taking a photo! AWESOME!!!
Our next stop was for an umbrella as the rains were torrential at this time. The storm that was predicted, had arrived with great force yesterday before morning. The barrier protecting the dock from the sea stands at least 20 feet tall, and the waves pummeled it constantly and came over it when they did. I couldn’t even imagine being out in the middle of the sea in such a storm. Being safe at shore was worth by-passing a great city. Looking forward to seeing Naples at another time.
It is an adjustment not being on the cruise. It’s quite an awesome way of life. I really loved this cruise, though I have to admit that I was not sure if I would. But it is quite refreshing to wake up in a new place every morning. And with views like the ones I was blessed to see, I could live that way, which is what some of the older passengers are doing.
Some of these passengers I spoke with, love the arrangements of having everything at their reach - an ever changing social life, doctor’s care with ‘house calls’ if needed, a housekeeping service, a wide variety of great food and beverages, and a fresh view of the world every day or so. Sounds like a great plan for retirement, or sooner!!!
Being in Rome is surreal. Ever since I was younger, I had heard about Rome or read about it, or seen it on maps I loved to mull over. To actually be in such a dynamic and vibrantly historical city is a dream come true. This city needs no promotion.
After checking in and looking at a map, we found our starting place and made plans to do a walking tour. We wandered around the neighbourhood and suddenly, there it was. The Colosseum!
This amphitheatre was created, commissioned and completed by the three emperors of the Flavian Dynasty - Vespasian, and his two heirs, Titus and then Domitian - from 72 to 80 A.D. Further construction was completed by Domitian during his time as emperor (81-96 A.D.). For this reason, it is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre.
This monument is awe inspiring, not only for its sheer size and grandeur, but also for the history of this place. During its prime use, it held from 50,000 to 80,000 people.
Often the history was tragic, especially for the first Christians, who were martyred as they were used as pawns for sport in the early years or killed as criminals for refusing to revere the Roman gods.
It was also the site for gladiatorial shows, hunts, and other perverse entertainment ordered by the reigning emperor of the time.
The grounds surrounding the Colosseum house the relics of the Flavian Palace, arches dedicated to Titus and Constantine, the Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Also part of this area is the basilica, San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter In Chains). This basilica is where the chains, which were worn by St. Peter, during his imprisonment and at the time of his death, are said to be kept.
This is also the basilica where Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of Moses is located.
It is a city where history is still alive. From its churches, basilicas, and cathedrals; its monuments and statues dedicated by and to various emperors; its influence brought to Rome from those nations which were conquered; with its opulence and finery everywhere one turns.
The rest of the day was spent walking around, finding fine restaurants to try the most delicious authentic Italian food and wine, and window shopping.
We also stopped by a cafe to catch a football/soccer game with some of the locals in their jerseys and scarves, waving banners and cheering like nothing I have heard before. So jubilant, mixed with a few curses, when a referee made a “bad” call!
This morning, we decided to head to the Vatican. Mostly to see this phenomenal site at the Vatican City and hopefully get into the museums located there. And yes, it is Sunday so we were curious as to what we would experience. We were not disappointed!
We took a city bus with directions from a number of helpful people. A lovely older Gentleman took care of us. On the bus, he stood beside me and gave me an audio tour in Italian of the passing monuments, buildings and historical events, which may have taken place at these spots. He then came with us to the Vatican and made sure we arrived there safely!
After some time, we headed through the security checkpoints into the Vatican City. Since it is its own country, I was surprised that my passport was not checked. I would have liked to get my passport stamped with a Vatican City stamp!
Security was quite high due to the recent Paris attacks. Not only were there police units on guard, but military and I’m sure plain clothes details were working the crowd. I certainly felt safe!
The atmosphere was so festive. There were so many people from other nations, dressed in their native costumes, dancing, bands playing, banners flying, people clapping and milling around taking photos. It was as though we found a great party where everyone was welcomed!
We found ourselves close to St. Peter’s Basilica and up against a barrier. The clock sounded for 12 o’clock noon and the entire crowd went silent. And then suddenly, a window across the way opened, a papal banner unfurled, and out stepped Pope Francis waving to the eager, cheering crowd waiting below. How fantastic!
This man has greater than “rock star” status, especially here at “home”. Such a beacon of hope and light for others, of all faiths, of all nationalities as was witnessed this day!
Pope Francis is the 266th pope in the history of the papacy, with the first being St. Peter. He is originally from Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina. His real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
He is considered a polyglot, being able to speak three languages fluently (Spanish, Latin, and Italian) and can understand five languages (German, Ukranian, English, French and Portugese).
His father’s family was from the Piedmont area of Italy, but emigrated to Argentina in 1929 when Benito Mussolini and his fascist regime came to power.
He was ordained as a Jesuit priest in December, 1969, and was elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Upon becoming pope, he took the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi.
Due to security reasons at this time because of the Paris attacks, I presume, there was a large screen set up for the crowd to see Pope Francis up close, in real time!
This screen was overlooked by a large statue of St. Peter!
For about 30 minutes, Pope Francis spoke poignantly, yet firmly, about peace and the call to forgive those who seek to hurt others. It was timely encouragement given the terrorism that touched so many lives just over a week ago.
After his motivating advice, the crowds cheered and chants went up for him. He lingered for a while, waving to the crowd before stepping back and then he was gone. What a pleasant surprise to have shared this experience with so many!
We stood in line for entry into the basilica. The Vatican museums were closed on Sunday but the basilica was open. The doors leading to the basilica were enormous. And then we entered.
Mind blowing! That is the only word that suits my first impression. The opulence, luxury, magnificence of the interior was just WOW!
Works of art in paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and tiling. Marble holy water fonts; detailed sculptures of angels, popes and altars; famous paintings depicting Bible scriptures... from the floor to the ceiling, and on every wall. It was all so gorgeous and overwhelming to be surrounded by such beauty! It was awe-inspiring, leaving me speechless!
We wandered for a couple of hours. I snapped photos everywhere and at every turn. A photographer’s dream, for sure! It was just so much to take in, that at least with photos, I can revisit this place and absorb the experience over and over.
After leaving the Vatican City, we found our way slowly to a city bus to wherever. It’s great to be adventurous, and we decided to get off the bus at a spot that looked appealing.
Since it was now late in the afternoon, we were getting a bit hungry and so the hunt began for a restaurant. The neighbourhood we began to explore was enticing with all of its historical excavations.
At one point, we came across an area where at least six different eras of history and architectural achievements could be seen. I just love that these areas of the city are respected and cordoned off from the public to preserve and study, rather than destroyed or vandalized.
Eventually our stomachs rumbling with hunger got the best of us and we were becoming “hangry”. We had to find somewhere to eat - QUICK!!! It wasn’t pretty!
We stumbled upon a little corner restaurant (trattoria), which we found out was family owned and served homemade dishes, including the dessert selections.
If you are ever in Rome, stop by the Trattoria da Bucatino. I highly recommend this most extraordinary restaurant. You won’t be disappointed!
After we ate and were leaving, I saw the owner and went over to thank him in my broken and limited Italian. What a Gentleman! So jovial and appreciative! I just had to get a photo with him.
We caught a cab back to our hotel from a stop nearby, packed and repacked, and prepared to leave early the next morning for the airport.
For so many months, we planned for this trip and now it is over. Why do great events always go by so much faster than the time it takes to prepare for them?
I may have said this before, but I am so grateful for being able to have had this opportunity. I am so thankful for being able to see phenomenal ancient and historical sites, to have met wonderful and diverse people from so many great nations, to have experienced this trip of a lifetime in such great health and kept safe in doing so!
And now, I get to go home with lots of fantastic memories I won’t soon forget! I hope this will inspire you to travel, near or far, and make unforgettable memories of your own.
Thank you for sharing such a spectacular trip with me!
Until the next one...be safe and be kind to one another! Peace to you all!
Ciao, Jae
P.S. As a side note, I would like to give a big thank you to www.britannia.com, www.history.ca, and Wikipedia for their historical and invaluable information, which helped me to answer many questions on these areas I have visited!
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