After we dropped our bags at the hostel, we took the Metro to the Colosseum. The Colosseum is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world- and I could tell exactly why- it was stunning. In Italy, people get an actual syndrome from sensory overload. When I first read about it, bullshit came to mind. After this trip, I understood- there just comes a point when you're surrounded by so much beauty and history it becomes impossible to fully appreciate it.
We took a tour around and learned the history of the great structure. With the many different types of gladiators, countless games were held in the area, but it also had days of disrepair. 
The structure is actually called the Flavian Amphitheater but was named Colosseum after the 'colossal' statue of Nero. 
I could have stayed at Palatine Hill for days taking pictures of the extensive ruins. Every ruler of Rome had built new palaces, not next to, but on top of the previous rulers' palaces.
This statue represents the two brothers who founded Rome, Romulus and Remus. Romulus ended up killing Remus and becoming the first king of Rome. 
The Museo Capital was beautiful, and the weather in Rome couldn't have been more gorgeous.
We went to the Campo de Flor market, the Piazza Campi Digilio and the Piazza Navona where we saw charactering artists and sellers of everything.
The Pantheon was one of the first churches I saw where I felt moved. Instead of massive ornate religion, I was more attuned to comfort and community worship.We saw a few more plazas and gorgeous buildings and then stopped for gelato at the Della Palma- the most amazing and massive display of gelato I have ever seen... heaven.
I saw this beggar while climbing the Spanish steps. I was stunned her humbleness. Usually beggars ask for food or money or just sit on the street and stare, but she just knelt with blind faith that people would give her change.
The Plaza Spagna and the Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain- I tossed in a coin and am definitely coming back to Rome
Around three thirty, we made it to the Vatican. I had about two hours left to do the Vatican and the St. Peter's Basilica.
The Vatican was huge, cold and empty with treasures scattered about like they were the avocados in the Alpha Phi formal room. It should have been stunning, but it put me in an off mood.
The Sistine Chapel... Impressive in the work that went into it, but definitely not thedefining spiritual moment I was expecting.
Steps going out of the Vatican.St. Peter's plaza and Basilica... BREATHTAKING. What the Vatican and Sistine Chapel lacked, St. Peter's more than covered. I don't know whether it was the stunning sunset or the vast area, or the fantastic architecture of the square, but it was literally moving.
St. Peter's and inside the basilica
No comments:
Post a Comment