Hi Everyone,
Harold isn't going to leave me alone until he sees that I'm posting this picture first:
Harold got his Pope-selfie after all!
Last night I went on a ghost tour of Rome, but it was more about the dark history of Rome. My guide told us some important information about Rome; there are water fountains all over and they are safe to drink from, and she showed us how to turn the spigot into a traditional drinking fountain.
She also told us about Rome's first security system from the 1500's. Madonellas, artistic pictures of the Virgin Mary were posted in high crime areas and illuminated at night. The Madonella's reminded the populace that they were always being watched by God, and therefore was a successful way to deter crime. There are about 500 Madonellas left in Rome, and I've had fun spotting them around the city.
I was even able to get a nice photo of the Vatican at night.
This morning I got up early, and went to the Vatican for a Papal Audience tour.
Security was higher than normal due to the President's visit, but our tour guide was fantastic, and got us seats right next to the barricade that the Pope rides past in the Popemobile. I was probably about 3 feet away from the Pope!
The Papal audience is translated into several languages, and the Pope blesses everyone at the end.
We saw several brides and grooms, because in the first year of your marriage, if you wear your dress to the Papal audience, you get blessed by the Pope afterward.
I went on a bit of an adventure in the afternoon; my camera memory card is almost full, so I went in search of a computer store to get another one. It's cheaper than buying one near a touristy area! Then I had to find an ATM because I'm nearly out of cash. The ATM's on street corners here look kind of sketchy, so I'm glad I found a bank with an indoor ATM.
I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Borghese Gallery. The gallery might be the most incredible gallery I've ever seen. Each room seems like you are walking into a piece of art, more than just the art on display.
The museum has several statues by Bernini. They seem to be frozen but full of motion at the same time. My favorite is Apollo and Daphne, Daphne escapes from Apollo by turning into a tree. I love the way Bernini captures her mid transition. I couldn't make this one safe for work, so use discretion.
Harold's favorite Bernini sculpture is David, he likes how determined David looks.
I went and saw the Spanish Steps,
and the Pantheon. The Pantheon doesn't look big from the outside, but it is immense on the inside.
For the end of our day, Harold and I went to throw coins in the Trevi fountain for good luck.
Harold isn't going to leave me alone until he sees that I'm posting this picture first:
Harold got his Pope-selfie after all!
Last night I went on a ghost tour of Rome, but it was more about the dark history of Rome. My guide told us some important information about Rome; there are water fountains all over and they are safe to drink from, and she showed us how to turn the spigot into a traditional drinking fountain.
She also told us about Rome's first security system from the 1500's. Madonellas, artistic pictures of the Virgin Mary were posted in high crime areas and illuminated at night. The Madonella's reminded the populace that they were always being watched by God, and therefore was a successful way to deter crime. There are about 500 Madonellas left in Rome, and I've had fun spotting them around the city.
I was even able to get a nice photo of the Vatican at night.
This morning I got up early, and went to the Vatican for a Papal Audience tour.
Security was higher than normal due to the President's visit, but our tour guide was fantastic, and got us seats right next to the barricade that the Pope rides past in the Popemobile. I was probably about 3 feet away from the Pope!
 |
| Eagerly waiting for the Pope |
 |
| The Pope went right past us! |
The Papal audience is translated into several languages, and the Pope blesses everyone at the end.
We saw several brides and grooms, because in the first year of your marriage, if you wear your dress to the Papal audience, you get blessed by the Pope afterward.
I went on a bit of an adventure in the afternoon; my camera memory card is almost full, so I went in search of a computer store to get another one. It's cheaper than buying one near a touristy area! Then I had to find an ATM because I'm nearly out of cash. The ATM's on street corners here look kind of sketchy, so I'm glad I found a bank with an indoor ATM.
I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Borghese Gallery. The gallery might be the most incredible gallery I've ever seen. Each room seems like you are walking into a piece of art, more than just the art on display.
The museum has several statues by Bernini. They seem to be frozen but full of motion at the same time. My favorite is Apollo and Daphne, Daphne escapes from Apollo by turning into a tree. I love the way Bernini captures her mid transition. I couldn't make this one safe for work, so use discretion.
Harold's favorite Bernini sculpture is David, he likes how determined David looks.
I went and saw the Spanish Steps,
and the Pantheon. The Pantheon doesn't look big from the outside, but it is immense on the inside.
For the end of our day, Harold and I went to throw coins in the Trevi fountain for good luck.
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