Rome, Italy
We woke up around 3 in the afternoon, which I originally thought was too late but which turned out to be perfect. As we started getting ready, I realized I did not have my medication. I apparently left three months worth of blood pressure medication on board the Legend of the Seas. I had the snacks, shoes, games, maps & used bus passes. But I did not have the little pink pills designed to keep me from having a stroke. Well there's no use crying over abandoned pills. We set out to see Rome.
We planned an ambitious first afternoon, based on the proximity of the sites, and recommendations from Frommer's. I bought the guide for Rome before we left and against Jesse's judgment. It did end up helping us quite a bit. Based on its recommendation for one day in Rome, we figured we could see the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Palatine, Roman Forum, and Piazza Navona before dinner, and follow it up with the Trevi Fountain and gelato at night. Ready? Go.
The Colosseum is breathtaking in its enormity. It's like seeing a movie star in person. You know what it is and you've probably seen it hundreds of times. But when it's in front of you, the story of it comes flooding to you and you are overwhelmed.
Also important is what there was not. Massive Christan martyrdom -- although taught to me for years and believed to be true -- appears to basically be a rumor. Yes, Christians were killed, but there's no way to be sure it happened at the Colosseum. For its part, the Colosseum is denying any involvement.
No comments:
Post a Comment