Rome: The Eternal City
You can't leave Rome without visiting the Vatican. Behind imposing stone walls, it is the heartbeat of the city. Massive and grand beyond comprehension, St. Peter's Basilica radiates power and influence. Nabil and I joined the faithful of all nationalities, lined up and anxious to see the touchstone of Catholicism, and we were not disappointed. It was a sunny day with fluffy, white clouds floating behind the roof-top marble saints that gazed down on us. Before the massive entrance columns, the colorful Swiss guards in their crisp, striped red, blue, and yellow uniforms stood ever vigilant, still and motionless. It was very hot, but no one seemed to notice. Once inside, the air cooled, and the atmosphere became reverent. Marble floors, hand-carved wooden altars, golden crosses, and deeply-hued artwork thrilled and inspired us. To the side of the entrance, we discovered Michelangelo's Pieta depicting Mary cradling Jesus after he is taken down from the cross. It is painfully tender. Moving forward, we were drawn toward the dome and main altar covering the tomb of St. Peter where only the pope is allowed to say mass. Bernini's twisted, seven-story bronze canopy gracefully sheltering the altar was incredibly beautiful.
Through sheer luck, we were able to visit the Vatican Museums by moonlight. Rick's guidebook suggested we make online reservations before leaving home. When I did, I noticed there was an evening available, so I took it, thinking we could save time by going the evening we arrived. Later, I found these tickets are very hard to get, and they guarantee much smaller crowds. We ate at a restaurant across the street, waited for our entry time, and got right in. That night was one of our most memorable. We wound like children, awestruck, through four miles of some Europe's greatest artwork, from ancient to modern. Each room excelled the previous. Particularly impressive to me was the beautiful marble that covered the floors, walls, and even some of the ceilings. Of course, the most breathtaking chamber was Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with its intricate depiction of creation. The intensity of color and detail of design is beyond the imagination. As we left the museum, via a beautiful spiral staircase, we both agreed this was the experience of a lifetime.
Exploring The Streets of Rome
There is far too much to see in Rome, and my mind still spins when I think back to it. There are the structures - the elaborate churches, the beautiful Spanish Stairs, the Trevi Fountain with its promise of a return to Rome, and the iconic Colosseum. Marble statuary and fountains seem to sprout like weeds around every corner. Just as fascinating are the people - Africans in brightly colored garb carrying bulging packages, Middle Easterners sipping strong coffee at crowded street cafes, and Asian tourists in sun visors shuffling diligently through their Roman downloads. An elegant Italian gentleman in a neatly pressed white suit strolls the chic Dolce Vita. The shop windows swell with expensive designer products we all recognize - watches, handbags, jewelry, shoes. A lone chestnut vendor stands near one of the shops, roasting acorns and busily chatting with anyone who stops. We quickly learn that a simple gelato break and a few minutes of people watching can turn into one of Rome's most inviting forms of entertainment. Romans are loud, boisterous, and outspoken, with an unequalled zest for life that is genuinely infectious, and we were thankful to become a part of it.
Goodbye Europe, Until We Return Again
Rome was the end of our trip but only the beginning of our travels. It was everything we hoped for and more. We made great friends, explored places we had only dreamed of, and opened our hearts and minds to a fabulous new world. As H. Jackson Brown Jr. said, "Years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” We're on our way.