M's expertise... Say how many times have you visited Pompei,M? But I agree it's worth it. You mentioned that the exclavated area had doubled since your first visit. Any changes this time?
Colosseo Weren't you amazed as much by what was below ground level as by what was above? I guess I've seen too many pictures, films of the walls (inside and out) and was surprised to see how many underground levels there were.
claustrophobia climbing up the Vatican dome Nice to see pictures again and be reminded that the view on top of the Vatican really is worth it. I remember curving around (to fit the dome curve) on my way up. Yes, we did make it, Marty!! and on a nice day.
Rats! Here I sit - at work checking out what your are up to and where you are now - shush don't tell the boss - Don't you two ever work? Now you've got me wanting to head to the book store to get some materials to read up on the places you've been. This is so cool!!
Roma Yes, well, can't wait to go back to Rome, and Stephanie has never been there! You are right. It is impossible to get any idea of the scale of things until you have been to St. Peters.
colonade spot Gorgeous photos...even with the contrast from the rain. Befitting of caravaggio's chiarroscurro, actually. I am thoroughly enjoying these blogs...though it is greatly increasing the number of times I take someone's name in vain. Do apologize to the pope for me. Speaking of the smallest nation...did you stand in another line, albeit an important one...namely at the Vatican post office? I vividly remember doing that with mom and dad so I could have stamps from yet another country! Ciao.
"Pope's Curse?" As you mention, Communist rule with implied attempts to surpress the church must have been frustrating for everyone. Do you remember in East Berlin when it was still under USSR control that on the Alexanderplatz a cross 'miraculously' appeared on the glass windows on the square? We saw it. I wonder what phenomenum produces the color on the basketball stadium. Also - loved the 'Viking ship' suspended at St. Peter's and Paul's church.
Delightful Glad the weather is nice and the sites seem lovely. . .your commentary is lively and the pictures are truly great! I'm learning a lot. . .I'll check out some of the websites later. Loved the photo of you and the jazz cave CD fellow: he'd found a kindred spirit!
Day One Walking Tour Agree -- St. Anne's doesn't fit on the Place de la Concorde but in the Jardins, soit Luxembourg ou du Louvre, pourquoi pas?
Your commentary is great and the pictures fantastic!
OZ? Not that I have seen the movie in quite a while, but don't the fields remind you all of the scene in the Wizard of Oz, when they are about to head down the yellow brick road to the castle? Or is this just an effect of the thera-flu kicking in. Looks like a beautiful day there. Sorry we missed it. Ciao.
What fun and a great idea! Love the pictures. The sun was a big plus for seeing the true colors of the stunning flowers. . .and we certainly were NOT alone!
Mars Rover I love the Mars Rover tilled "earth" shot. But I identify more with the single yellow in a sea of red...hmmmm...wonder what a shrink would say about that?
sally
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M's expertise...
Say how many times have you visited Pompei,M? But I agree it's worth it. You mentioned that the exclavated area had doubled since your first visit. Any changes this time?