The Eternal City – Rome, Italy

Monday, May 26, 2014

It was hard to get up at 5:45 AM this morning.

Yep, 5:45 AM.

I’m not sure I was even awake when we headed downstairs to hop on our tour bus.  It’s a good thing my cabin-mate is an early-bird; she gets me going in the morning and gives me gentle reminders of the time!

Today, we toured The Eternal City. I love Rome! I was surrounded by archeological and artistic treasures of centuries past – how could I not enjoy a day spent in such beauty?  Our tour itinerary included the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona.  Again, I had the opportunity to visit these sites in 2009 and I was delighted to return.  Last time I was in Rome, I tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain which is believed to ensure your return – I guess my wish came true!

Sidewalk Cafe in Rome.

Trevi Fountain, Rome.

Scott in front of the Trevi Fountain.

Our tour guide demonstrating how to drink from a fountain.

Streets of Rome.

Outside the government building in Rome.

Piazza Navona.

Something new:  When in Rome in 2009, I saw the exterior of the Pantheon but never went inside.  This time, I had the privilege of seeing the interior of this amazing structure. I was blown away by the fact that the Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD! Can you imagine? Very few buildings have survived the passage of time in such pristine form. [When I have more time, I will post a video of the interior that I recorded with my cell phone.]

Pantheon in Rome.

Pantheon in Rome.

Dome in Pantheon.

After a quick lunch, we were taken to Vatican City – the smallest country in the world. Our first stop was the Vatican.  I was frustrated that the tour only allows for a few hours inside the Vatican Museums because I could easily spend two days inside. There are sculptures, frescoes, tapestries, painted maps from the 1500’s, paintings from the masters, and of course, the Sistine Chapel.  There really is no possibility of absorbing everything your eye can see, especially in a few hours; and since I am not an art major, I don’t always know what is in front of me unless someone explains it to me.  What I CAN appreciate though is the remarkable beauty – and that makes my heart sing.

Ceiling Panels in the Vatican.

Vatican Gallery.

The next stop was St. Peter’s Basilica and Piazza. We were able to stand under the central balcony from which a new pope is proclaimed and where the pope delivers his blessing on various holy days.  If I am not mistaken, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world; it can hold 60,000 people. It would take a whole day to see all the treasures inside St. Peter’s – the most precious being Michelangelo’s statue of the Pieta (1498) which shows Mary cradling the dead Christ. Created by Michelangelo when he was 23, it is his only signed work.

Scott admiring St. Peter's Square.

Vatican Guard.

Pieta by Michelangelo.

Last stop was a post office in Vatican City so I could mail a postcard to my cousins Thomas and Abby in Texas. Then I stopped at a gelato stand where I enjoyed a delicious lemon gelato before the bus ride back to the ship. Thank you, Scott!

After dinner we had to split our time between Disco night on Deck 4 and Ballroom dancing on Deck 6.  So many choices, so little time!

Tomorrow is a sea day and I’m going to sleep in!