So I may not be Princess Katie, but that doesn't mean that I don't crave an escape from all these trainings...meetings...required certificates...forms...meet and greets...house-hunting...you get the drift. Granted I didn't fall asleep on a bench and meet a tall, dark and handsome reporter who showed me around Rome, but I did see many of the same sights. I say some because if Rome wasn't built in a day, there is no way I can see all of it (or even a fraction of it) in a mere day.
My day in the Eternal City was jammed packed. Of my sette to do items, I crossed off cinque. So what did I do? Keep reading!
My day stared off in North Rome at the Piazza del Popolo. This main square not only marks the center of the city but also the traditional north entrance to the city. In the center of the square there is an obelisk surrounded by those adorable lion fountains. Like most piazzas there are churches and other fountains that surround the large area. I didn't check out any of these churches because I was nervous of being delayed/I figure someone else is going to want to check them out so I'll be back one of these days. (Apparently these churches have a ton of artwork and I believe it based on their doors and walls.)
At the south end of the plaza there are 3 roads leading into the city but I think Via del Corso was the most interesting. Why? Well if you look down it you can see clear to the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Since I come from the land of curves, turns, and hills this concept is somewhat crazy.
Cappuccin Crypt
I don't think you can think "Rome" without the mental imagery of the various sights and random historical events. Well that's how my brain operates and in my mental picture of Rome it includes the catacombs. Although there are lots of famous ones to visit, I picked this crypt instead? Why? Well, you can't take pictures so I have to rely on the internet to provide you images. Seriously- check out that link. I'll hold.
Yes. Those are bones! Isn't it amazing? Those are the bones are from Capuchin monks that died during the lifetime of the crypt. They would exhume the the longest buried monk to make room for the newly deceased who was buried without a coffin. The bodies spent 30 years decomposing in the soil, before being exhumed and used in decorating the walls.
*If you haven't lost your appetite and interesting side note- Cappuccinos are named after these Capuchin Monks who wore brown robes.
Confession time. I found myself identifying the various bones in each arrangement (apparently I did retain some of that anatomy knowledge). Another confession? I didn't think this was creepy at all. Well, I did when I started to think about how when those who were arranging the bones may have said, "hey, please pass me Brother John's right fibula" but other than that I was just in awe. Talk about being resourceful!
After walking through all the crypts, you find yourself in the 6th one looking at scene of judgement day. On the ceiling a skeleton holds a grim reaper scythe and a chandelier of bones hangs overhead. The words "What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be..." leave you with an oh-so somber reminder that life here is only temporary.
Trevi Fountain
Yep, the fountain you throw a coin over your shoulder so you can make it back to Rome. It was crazy busy in the late morning already but coins were a-flyin' and the fountain was a-flowin'. Definitely a touristy place but on another visit it will be a great hang out place with a scoop of gelato (or two) and a fabulous friend to chat with while we comment on the folks passing by.
Colosseum
For years I've heard stories about how dirty and crowded this part of Rome is. I've had images in my head of this enormous, smog covered ancient building in the middle of a round about (because they had to build the road around it) with cars 3-4 deep driving around. Please tell me I'm not the only one?! Well, the Colosseum was dirty and falling apart (it is kind of old) but it's still a remarkable piece of architecture- especially when you remember when it was built!
I ended up caving and paying for a tour, mainly because I didn't want to wait in the long ticket line. The tour was actually pretty good and filled in some of the gaps that my reading had left. From inside I couldn't help by be in shock that this ancient building and what took place on the arena and in the passageways below it. I couldn't get enough of all the views and arch ways either- so here is a major collection of the pictures.
Palatine Hill/Roman Forum
By this time in the day my feet were covered in ancient civilization dust, my face had less makeup on it than it started with, and my arms had gained a ton of freckles. I was still functioning, but in the heat of the sun I was fading fast and really didn't want to be looking at piles of rubble pretending I was in a one time 150,000 square foot palace. I had to laugh when I heard two little kids complaining at all the destroyed buildings. The little girl suggested that they tear down the half buildings and use all the remnants to build something new... I don't think she understood exactly what we were touring.
While waiting for this tour to start up I did some walking on Via del Fori Imperiali and checked out some of the Roman Forum remains. This street was also scattered with statues of famous Romans. Somehow I ended up at the Victor Emmanuel Monument where I saw even more impressive buildings and snapped more pictures of my favorite sights.
