Reverence in Rome

A wonderful Italian man stopped and took this picture of us - we so appreciated the gesture.
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With only 2 days in Rome we decided to take two guided tours - the two places we wanted to see- Colesuim and Vatican City.

We arrived in Rome to the Marriot Flora ( 5 stars ), yes those travel points add up. Soft king size bed, full bath, room service and a view. Set back, Italian TV, yes I paid $15 to watch Speed Racer (the movie) in English.

We toured the Coloseum from top to bottom, they sat 80,000 back in the day.

The large courtyard inside Vatican City where guides teach the visitors about the Sistene Chapel.
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We ate at Harry's Bar (famous papparazi in 50's & 60's) it was ok, love Italian beer. From there we caught the afternoon tour to the Coloseum. We had a great guide, she explained the history of the Etruscans, Romans, Medievil and modern architecture and the impact on the Coloseum and surrounding sites.

We toured the Coloseum from top to bottom, they sat 80,000 back in the day. They would hold 4 events a year and they were funded by local merchants of wealth.There was a covering to keep them in the shade, vendors, fans, marketing basically everything we see today, but they owned the market.

Originals in the museum had grape leaves added to cover their private parts.
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The events would feature man against man or animal. There was no death unless they were fatally wounded. There were doctors of the day and corner men/coaches. The slaughter of slaves was not true here, but they could fight to become part of the show. Most of the slaughter was done at an event called Circus Maximus. This arena was 900 meters by 50 meters and they would slaughter Christians and anyone else who did not buy into the plan. At one time Rome had a population of 3.5 million and at a low of the day 50,000 due to this practice.

This is the hallway that La Mon could not stop photographing.
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The Coloseum shows the designs and repairs of each era. Stone, marble, bricks are easily visible. It is covered with weeds and moss, but no restoration to the glory days. The area is surrounded by gardens, archs and forums. This was a mecca of civilization in it's day. What was amazing is that each generation would cover or recycle the material. So when they excavate or remodel today they find more ruins. It is amazing how they mix the new design today into the existing structures while perserving the past.

This hallway was the map room. The maps do not always depecit North and South as we are accustom to on maps today - they are often depicited instead from the user's perspective.
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There was a church close to the Coloseum where the chains that held Peter in the Holy Land are on display. The story goes that a church member married a woman of wealth from the Holy Land. She met with the Pope and told him that she had the chains that bound Peter, but the Pope responded that the church possessed the chains. When they compared them they realized that each was a piece of the same chain. The chains are on display at the church still today.

The tour finally wound down after miles of walking uphill and down. The work on display inside and outside by the many artists over the years is amazing, Michangelo, Bernini, etc.   We do regret that we went on the late tour because by the time we made it to Capital Hill, it was dark and we couldn't take pictures or really appreciate the art.  However, the New Year's Eve celebration was held at the Coloseum and we would have missed the tour the next day!

First view into the church.
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We made it upstairs in time for room service and bed; off to an early Vatican tour tomorrow.

Vatican City is a separate entity from Italy and only visitors on guided tours are allowed into certain areas of the City (like the Sistene Chapel).

The bus drove under the walls of the city and once again it was a very narrow opening.  Once inside the walls of the City we walked thru the Museum.  None of these pictures can begin to depicit the beautiful pieces.  All of these pieces are originals and you are allowed to take pictures.   Personally, I loved the ceilings and couldn't stop clicking the camera as I strolled the museum.  You get very good at moving and taking pictures because there are so many visitors they don't allow anyone to stop and admire the beauty.  I kept hoping the pictures would allow me to see things the guard did not allow!

Popes
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The tapestry room does not allow for photos to be taken because they are originals, not duplicates.  Also the lighting is very low to reduce the damage.  One of the tapestry depicits Jesus coming from the tombs and as you walk in front of the tapestry - not only does His eyes follow you, but His body changes positions.  It is simply amazing and one can only wonder how long they took to complete the design that is probably about 10 foot by 10 foot.

The guide took us into an open area to explain about the Sistene Chapel paintings.  They ask for vistors not take pictures, videos or talk in the Chapel and once you are inside you understand the reasoning.  It is breathtaking.  Of course, most of the visitors didn't respect the request and not only was a child screaming and her mother yelling back; most were taking pictures.  One can only wonder how long it will be before the chapel is totally closed to the public.  We respected their request and didn't take pictures.  You really should go see for yourself.  It's Micheal Angelo's greatest works.  He had other artists helping and it's easy to understand how they divided the work to ensure an ease in transisition from one artist to another without a defining detail to the change in artist.   So, even though we would love to show you some of the chapel - save your Euros and go see for yourself!

Gold
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Leaving the Chapel and going into the Pope's Church takes away my breath.  Again, all of the artwork is replicated.  This time picture taking is allowed and La Mon couldn't stop snapping pictures.   The gold from top to bottom, statues of Popes --- and the domes.  Just over the top.  Again since we were on a guided tour there was not much time to stop and look, but I must admit that Kevin lost me a number of times in here.  The really nice part of the guided tours is you have a wireless around your neck with an earpiece.  So, you can literally be 20 feet or more from the tour guide and still hear the description.  Of course La Mon was always behind.