Hits The SpotTonight will be out last supper together as a tour group with Jamie. Of course, Jamie has a special meal planned for us. Dinner began with an antipasti buffet, which consisted of clams, anchovies, squid, cheeses, meats and on and on; Jamie reminded us that we get a small plate and don't pile it on. The next course was pasta with a little spice to it and clams; it was a good, easy meal to try again at home. The next plate was lamb and also a helping of veal wrapped in prosciutto. Most of us were stuffed, and ended with that plate and a sad round of hugs and goodbyes.
AnticipationProbably the most fascinating and pictured ruin was the Colosseum. Not only was the structure overpowering, but the history was brought to life from the floor beneath to the spectator's seat. It was a mix of activity. Lions, tigers, elephants captured live in Africa fought in the Colosseum. Gladiators trained and fought here as well. In addition, execution of criminals was carried out in the Colosseum. Finally, slaves fought each other and also brought up the animals from under the stage. Somewhere between 170,000 - 250,000 died. In its time, it could empty 60,000 spectators in thirty minutes.
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Rome...Relics, Religion, ReflectionWhen we arrived in Rome, our first impression was overwhelming. Imagine enormous structures, ancient fountains, excavated ruins, the Vatican, and numerous other relics housed together in one extremely populated city. We learned the Romans built for permanence and for purpose, and it had to be
colossal in size. Only by digging deeper into the history of Rome can you develop an appreciation for a city of its stature. RelicsOur next stop was the Pantheon, a pagan temple that was later used as a Christian church. This structure was typically Roman in that it was huge; the height and width of the dome (142 feet) were equal in size. There are no windows; the only light is from the oculus (opening) at the top of the dome.
ReligionViewing the Sistine Chapel in person is the ultimate event during your tour through the Vatican. Before going in, our guide spent twenty minutes explaining how Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. Also, we were told what to look for within the painting once inside. We had seen it in books, but books do that masterpiece no justice. When you are looking straight up, the art appears to be three dimensional. The figures truly jump out at you! The detail and colors cannot be described. Sorry, no pictures can be taken. We do, however, have some other pictures from the Vatican and from St. Peter's Basilica.
We also went through the richest and grandest church in all of the world, St. Peter's Basilica. First of all, it is gigantic; in fact, in can seat 60,000 for a service! The cupola was designed by Michelangelo. If you are willing to climb 554 steps, you can look out at Vatican City from here.
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Adept & AstuteIf you want to appreciate and even love Rome, tour with Francesca. Having lived here since childhood, she has examined the Roman history and added her heart and soul allowing you to experience Rome through her eyes. Francesca breathes passion and life into this ancient world.
The CharmOften times, the pictures taken appear to always be looking upwards at a structure; you can never get a great picture because the subject is too large. The solution is to get a panoramic picture of colossal Rome. Be prepared to go to the top of the Victor Emmanuel Memorial for a picture or plan for someone else to do the work while you rest and relax with a glass of good Italian Vino.
IntermissionRome is known for their unexpected strikes. As a happy result, we toured San Clemente, an eleventh century church, built on top of a fourth century church, built on top of a Roman ruin from the second century B.C. Unlike us, the Romans built for permanence; they did not tear down existing structures but built on top what was. As you went down to each level of ruins excavated by hand, there were plenty of wall carvings, columns, and stairs as evidence of who was there last and why. Imagine touring a building on top of a building on top of a street under the ground!
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Arrivederci!
As you can tell, this was a fantastic trip. It was truly the most enjoyable and memorable trip we have ever taken. Every city we visited had its own "Wow!" moment; some had two or three. Every member of the tour became fast friends. And we cannot compliment our tour guide, Jamie, enough. He was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, helpful, and friendly - - just a great guy and amazing guide. You can tell he takes pride in his work and derives real joy from it. We will never forget the incredible sights, tastes, or friendships that we experienced on this journey. What a wonderful introduction to Italy and to Rick Steves' Tours. We look forward to our next adventure!