Italy 2009 Rome

Rome (Roma) The Eternal City

And The Vatican

We arrived in Rome, the capital of Italy, around lunchtime on Monday, June 15. After arriving , we checked into the Hotel Villafranca (Best Western). This was probably the closest to being an American hotel that I have ever stayed in while traveling abroad. We then walked a few blocks to the train terminal and had a very quick lunch (pasta again!). Our first stop was at the famous Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

I don't have to tell you what this is. Yes, it is the Colosseum. Construction of this supreme monument began in the year 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. It is the symbol of the Eternal City.

A look inside the Colosseum. Over the years it suffered earthquakes and fires. In 1349 much of it was used to build other monuments and building. Many lost their lives to wild animals down below. When in use, the Romans had a system where the entire colosseum could be evacuated in 20 minutes. It could hold over 70,000 people. It was floored with wooden planks which covered the underground passageways used for storing equipment or for preparing the shows.

This is the Arch of Constantine built for the Emperor Constantine who once ruled Rome. It is the largest and best preserved of all Colassical triumphan arches. It marked the beginning of the decline of imperial Roman art. It reminded us of the Arch of Triumph in Paris.

The ruins of Rome at the Roman Forum.

More of the ruins.

Surprisingly-Julius Caesar's grave.

More Roman ruins. This is the Temple of Antonnius and Faustina.

After a hot afternoon of touring the Colosseum and the Roman ruins we headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. After dinner we all took the underground and headed for the
Trevi Fountain. Ten years ago when I was here I threw my two coins over my left shoulder. Legend has it that if you do this you will return to Rome one day--and I did! So, I threw my coins again. Maybe I will return again some day.

Actually, we all threw our coins.

Last day-Tuesday, June 16

Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basicilica Tour

This is the facade of St. Peter's Bascilica. It is the largest Catholic Basilica in the world. When I was here before I did not get to see the facade because they had scaffolding all on the front as they were preparing for the millenium. Chairs were set up for the next day for the Pope to do his usual Wed. speech. The Louisiana group was going to attend it as they were staying a day longer than we were.

Betty and me in front of St. Peter's.

The Pope's residence . The third window from the right on top is the window he comes out when he waves to the crowd. You have probably seen this on TV many times.

Michelangelo's Pieta inside St. Peter's. This is one of the most beautiful statues I have ever seen. I have a replica of it that I treasure.

A view as you enter St. Peter's Basilica. Would love to put lots of pictures of the inside, but I need to finish this blog and get it published. Below is a sample of what we saw in the Vatican Museum. Wish I could post all of them, but this will give a taste of the beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that we saw.

Last, but not least is St. Ignatius Church where our Sanctuary Choir from First Baptist Dothan sang The Creation in 1999. I just had to go back and I had tears in my eyes as I remembered that special time in my life. What an opportunity we had!! This just has to be my favorite of all the churches in Rome.

This is a picture above the altar of St. Ignatius.

We had pizza our last night at a brick oven pizza restaurant in Rome. We said good-bye to our Louisiana friends and headed back to our hotel for a short night's nap. We had to leave our hotel the next morning at 4 am in order to catch the 6 am flight out of Rome. We flew back to Frankfurt, Germany and then on to Atlanta.

We had one surprise when we arrived in Atlanta. Before we left Rome we were given a sack breakfast. An apple was one of the items that was in it. Friuts, vegetables, seeds, etc. are not allowed to be brought in the the USA. When we went through customs, the agriculture dog followed by his officer approached Betty's bag and started digging in it. She had forgotten to throw out the apple before leaving Rome. Then, he also sniffed out Wayne's bag and found the same. They were taken to customs security and then released. Betty's first thought was that someone had planted drugs in her bag. What a relief to find that it was just an apple!

We had a wonderful trip, but it is always good to be back in the best country in the world. The good ole USA!!!!!