Here I am in Rome--what can I say?

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Sun Sep 29:
Vatican (free Last Sunday of month)--but--l-o-n-g lineup. We decided instead to walk around Vatican wall headed west. Long way around. Finally found St Peter's Square about 11.30. Pope was saying mass. Went through security just to get into Square. Actually heard him speak and saw him (from a distance). A special experience. I still remember witnessing Pope John 23 saying mass inside St Peter's in 1961!

The rest of our day held unexpected experiences too. we got off a bus at Largo de Torra Argentina because we spotted ruins-- 4 temples uncovered in 1926 (?). Also, nearby theatre where several operas were premiered: ie Barber of Seville...

Walked to Palazzo Venicia, Victor Emanuelle's monument. Huge! I decided to hop on #80 bus to ride around Roman Forum. That was a joke. I spent at least half an hour just looking for bus stop. Then found myself out in the suburbs. Metro back to centre, then I walked from Circus Maximus towards Forum, to Colosseum. Very impressive sights enroute--i.e. red bricked massive arches that were braced to keep them from falling down. Back at our apartment we had thunder and lightning show on our patio after a home cooked dinner. just one of our days in Rome!

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