Our last two days in Rome were next to perfect. Other than a few rain drops in the mornings it has been magical.
Yesterday we took a different transit route which involved trains trams and the underground. Took us to an area I love - Trstevere. Wandered around through churches and old greek temples. Up the cobblestone path to Mount Aventino where we looked through a keyhole on the door of the priory of the Knights of Malta (what a mouthful!!)... just so you know the view from the keyhole really is quite stunning... but I'm not allowed to tell you that it is the dome of the Vatican surrounded by climbing roses (woops!!)
Later we enjoyed the Baths of Caracalla (hot baths) ... well we didn't actually enjoy the baths because they are no longer here... but the ruins are huge. Apparently this complex could hold up to 6000 bathers in the many rooms. It is now used as a back drop for operas. Probably had a lot of screaching going on in the old days as well.
Today we said goodbye to this magical place.
Bused to Piazza Cavour - just to check it out before we catch our airport bus tomorrow . Wandered around the area - got lost - got found and got lost again.... as we made our way towards Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. This time we could get in! What a place. Bilt in 118AD it looks, for the most part, brand new. A massive dome supported by 16 Egyptian granite columns. It started it's life as a temple in 27BC then got refurbished and reblessed 145 years later in to a chrch which now houses the bones of martyrs brought from the Catacombs, the tomb of Raphael as well as a couple of kings. Quite a place and the Piazza outside is kind of fun too!
Then we wandered around (getting lost again... great thing to do) till we fouind the Spanish Steps. Much quieter today and a lot more relaxed without the crowds.
By the end of the day we had visited the remains of 4000 mons artistically displayed below the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione. And I mean artistically!!! Where else can you see a clavical displayed as an angel's wing or ribs forming hearts with vertibrae as flowers?? In the last room it says "Who you are now we once were. Who we are now you will become" Arghhhh!
We also managed a last look at the Pieta on our way home (thank heaven for transit passes).
We've eaten well, laughed lots, gotten truly lost and spiritually found. It has been an amazing experience here in Rome.
I lit a candle for a friend who is battling cancer (yes, Linda, for you) in the church of Santa Nicola in Carcere. I had a very special moment of prayer and contemplation, reflecting on the struggles we all go through and the jo that can be found in just the smalest moment if we take the time to look.
I lit that candle for Linda but I also prayed for other friends who are struiggling not only with cancer buit in many ways. It was an oasis of peace amid this chaotic journey we call life.
And so tomorrow we travel to the Netherlands. Our time in the 'boot' of Italy is over. We have had many varied experiences.
From the razy drivers to the broken roads.
From the memories of WWII to the many police in Rome fully armed and ready for anything (wish they wouldn't point those rifles at people!)
From the leaky museum in Sibari to the climate controlled Vatican Museum (complete with security and secret service).
From local pasta with beans (really delicious) to over the top gourmet fare.
From quiet nights in a Trulli to apartment living in Rome.
Loved the food.
Loved the people.
Loved the history.
Loved the sights and (most of the) sounds
Loved the smells of food cooking.
Loved the garlic and picante capicollo.
Loved Italy.