Caesar shuffle and Prayers with the Pope

Aqueduct on Palantine Hill 

 A couple of days since the blog has made an appearance mainly due to the tiredness of the authors.
It certainly was a huge few days in Rome which filled our minds with images and information to last a lifetime. Night time was not the time to write the blog and try to convey thoughts to others - it was just a time of reflection and processing.
We started with the Caesar shuffle - The Palantine, Roman Forum and Colosseum along with the other 'sites' of Rome - Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and then ventured to the Vatican.

Colosseum

Temple of Saturn - Roman Forum

Pantheon

 To walk in the area of people of history that we learn about in school - Roman emperors and the like was mind blowing. Certainly never thought that this would occur. To see Roman ruins lying on the ground almost forgotten about was astounding. As was pointed out people only really became interested in archaeology in the last century so it is no wonder that things were not preserved before that.  

We did the tourist things - were astounded by the immense proportions of the building of Ancient Rome - you have to say this for them they certainly knew how to build things. Amazing what a captive workforce of slaves can achieve.


Then we took to walking through the streets/lanes/alleys (narrow pathways anyway). Almost each time you turned a corner you happened on another magnificent building. We managed to find the church of St Ignatius and marveled at the architecture and artwork when from the outside it was a building not really any more impressive than those around it.

St Peter's during Papal audience

 Unfortunately the Trevi Fountain is still undergoing significant restoration and the only water in the fountain were two trickles from the water dispensers. We also made the mistake of trying to follow the street signs to the Trevi Fountain which meant we managed to 'lose it' for a while.
After a whole lot of walking we collapsed back at the apartment. The next days were spent mainly at the Vatican - early entry to the Sistine Chapel on an organised walk which was worth every cent. To stand in the Sistine Chapel with only about 100 people - as opposed to the several hundred when we went back through later in the day was mind blowing. Such a privileged experience and one in among so many others for which we are so grateful. The tour through the Vatican Museum where it was a case of just not knowing where to look - so many priceless items from history. We then went to have a chat to the Swiss guards to organise tickets to the Papal audience on Wednesday and just like that we had tickets - hard to believe.
The highlight to be in St Peter's Square with thousands of others for the Papal audience and blessing was again mind blowing.

Papa Francesco

On the Tuesday we met some young people from Milan - there were 7000 of them at the Vatican making their 'profession of faith' - it was a bit like World Youth Day in Sydney all over again but in the Vatican.

Wednesday afternoon we had the Scavi tour at the Vatican - the tour of the excavations under the Basilica including pagan mausoleums and the tomb of St Peter. I must admit previously I did not know the detailed study which had gone in to verifying the remains - a man in his 60s from the first century and then the 'circumstantial' evidence supporting the fact that they are St Peter's remains. While not definitive proof (which is not possible as we don't have his DNA) it is certainly enough for me. 

We then had to rush to the train to make it to Naples - fortunately we had the blessing from Pope Francis in the morning so we survived the taxi ride and arrived at the station with plenty of time to spare. We were being 'looked after'.

If you get the sense that we are all just somewhat overwhelmed by our time and experiences in Rome you would be right. 

Off to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast to celebrate our wedding anniversary!   

Elizabeth's Anecdotes:

Roman drivers are seriously insane, like certifiable. I don't like flying but the cab ride to the Termini was more terrifying! The lines on the road are but a suggestion, texting while driving, kids on laps in the front seat, we saw it all. As pedestrians it was hard enough to remember that the cars were coming from the other direction, but you also had to be aware that they don't have to stop at crossings, or red lights it appears.

Whackiest sight at the Vatican:Nuns in full habits with their iphones on selfie sticks taking selfies! That and the nun with road rage leaning on the horn in Vatican city.

Most annoying: People selling the selfie sticks every 5 metres! That and the smokers.

Most mindblowing,: Standing on the remnants of the marbled floor in Augustus' Doma and knowing he had walked on it before me!

Transport revelation: A furniculare is a cablecar inside a tunnel. Don't go looking for a tram like we know it, Made this discovery in Naples last night.

Love to all S and E.xxx