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Published: August 23rd 2008
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… well that might be a slight exaggeration. However, I do have a theory. For the past two mornings we have consumed very questionable vending machine cappuccinos and while fueled with these drinks have defied both time and space! You can be the judge…
In two days we have visited the Parthenon, one gothic church, three Baroque churches, the Borghese Gallery, Trajan’s Column, a really freaky crypt (Cappuccin), the Colleseum, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitol Hill, Capitol Hill Museum, Mamertine Prison, and Trevi Fountain. Phew! And all in 100 degree weather! Think I’m lying? We have intense sandal tan lines and a checked off Rick Steves’ book to prove it!
What have I learned from all this? First, man cannot live on vending machine pastries alone. The good news? Vending machine breakfasts are cheap (roughly 3 Euros for two people). The bad news? Sugar lows and meltdowns lead to very frustrating moments, even in Rome.
The lesson we learned: The more convenient food is; the more expensive and less appetizing. This is the story of the soggy Paninis (sandwiches) we bought outside the major tourist attraction, the Trevi Fountain for not so reasonable prices. While eating
The Borghese Gallery
Complete with stolen pictures and free audio guides. the sandwiches and forcing it down for pure energy, I kept thinking I should be paid. It was a challenge, but there was no reward!
The other lesson, walk down the whole block and comparison shop when making dining choices. We were desperately hungry, but gave in and bought soggy sandwiches. Only to find a cheap and friendly pizzeria two stores down, after the fact! The final lesson, (David will testify to this one), NEVER USE THE RESTROOMS IN THE COLOSSEUM. Enough lessons… back to our adventures.
It would be impossible to sum up each of the attractions we visited. We saw and learned so much, I don’t think I could do it justice on this blog. However, we do have 500+ pictures from the past few days, so if you are interested in a slideshow and narrative account, just let us know!
The Pantheon, Colosseum, and Forum truly lived up to their reputations as wonders of the world. They oozed history. Being inside these sights, you couldn’t help feeling like you had been transported back in time when these places were operating and full of people in togas. Ancient Rome must have been incredible. It’s incredible
The Colosseum
Here is a view of the grand colosseum constructed in 80 AD. With Rick Steves' scholarly appraisal we learned all about the fascinating details of this giant death trap! now and all that remains are a few columns, large boulders, and a TON of historical significance! As we walked around I kept hearing the voices of past history teachers in my head. Mr. Ruhlman would be very proud to know that I actually did learn something about the significance of the varying types of columns and how the ancient Romans created aqueducts. I really should have gotten a better grade in that class!
Near the Roman Forum is Mamertine Prison. This is the prison where both the Apostle Paul and Peter were held. On the bottom floor, David and I got to touch the column that Peter was chained to. I was really excited to touch it, but it was surprisingly moist… which made me glad that I always carry hand sanitizer around! (That’s another key lesson I have learned in Rome!).
At the Borghese Gallery we saw an exclusive private collection of Classical, Renaissance and Baroque art that was commissioned and acquired (and stolen!) by the wealthy Borghese family. We were given free audio guides when David asserted himself after we learned that the website gave conflicting information on ticket prices. With the help of the
Palatine Hill
Centuries later, only a tree remains where the grand palace of the early Roman emperors once stood. audio guides, the gallery was amazing. I love art, especially Renaissance art and it was fascinating to see the pieces in the rooms that they were made to be in. It gave more perspective than a row of paintings in the museum room.
I am sure it is funny for true art aficionados to listen to David and I talk about our impressions, but I am excited to be learning more and to be able to identify techniques and meanings within famous pieces of art. Sometimes David and I just laugh about the subject of the art itself and what is or isn’t being reveled… We also enjoy taking ridiculous or inappropriate pictures with the art. We have seen A LOT of art in the past week and it helps to keep things spicy.
Finally, the last thing I have to mention is the Cappucin Crypt. Here lie the bones and remains of 4,000 monks (as well as a few mummified bodies). The bones are arranged in four rooms and hallway. The final room has a sign that says: “What you are we used to be; what we are now you will be”. True, but not the
Emperors private stadium
Even though the Colosseum is only a stones throw away, the Emperor of course had his own personal race track. Totally reasonable. most cheerful motto I have ever heard. The crypt itself was just disturbing. The bones were arranged into shapes, arches, decorative art. It wasn’t uncommon to see 50 scapulas arranged into the shape of a swirling spiral… or in the most frightening room, pelvic bones making up scythe carried by a mummified corpse in monks clothes. I left the crypt not so sure how I felt… I still don’t know.
We love Rome. It truly is the eternal city. We have seen so much, but it still feels like we have seen so little! Four full days and we have only cracked the surface of what Rome has to offer. Both David and I are excited for a little break from the cosmopolitan scene. Tomorrow we are going to mass at St. Peter’s and then we are going to a really small village called Monte della Tolfa for cooking school. I am REALLY excited to learn how to make all the delicious foods I have been eating here!
Hope this blog finds you well. We may not have internet access while at cooking school, but we will post when we get to Naples. Love you all!
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John the Great
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Dude, I just found your blog page last night!!!!
Man I got some catching up to do. You guys are awesome, have fun!