In October of this year I visited Rome with my family, a bucket list destination if ever there was one. Walking around the ancient city, I was drawn to the light, the architecture, the light bouncing off the architecture. The blue of the water in the Trevi Fountain, the hieroglyphic carvings on the obelisks. Cobblestone streets in Trastevere, witnessing evening mass in a church by St Peter’s Square, candlelight dancing and words spoken that I couldn’t fathom.
Seeing the Sistine Chapel with my own eyes and knowing that it was impossible to appreciate with all the people stood in the way, taking photographs that they shouldn’t be taking, being scolded by guards. The joy on my children’s faces as we zoomed around Borghese Gardens in an electric rickshaw and rowed on the boating lake, watching turtles dive as our boat got near.
Mosaic floors in the Vatican Museums, expertly carved marble, fig leaves and Egyptian artifacts that feel out of place. The Raphael Rooms. More beauty to take in than you’d need in a liftetime. The skill, the artisty, the genius. Unfathomable fresoes and maps, the longest hallway I’ve ever walked through.
The Colosseum, mighty, ancient, awe inspiring. Our sixth wonder out of seven. The crowds. The hoards of crowds. Suffocating, overwhelming. One of my favourite experiences, walking to the top of Palatine Hill, the views! An expansive Roman Forum, children hopping from one stone to another, too much history to contemplate.
The Pantheon.
Caravaggio paintings in churches where they were intended to be displayed, the light and dark, the drama.
Eating Maritozzo in Piazza Navona, complete joy, delicious. Crossing the Tiber after long days, walking thousands of steps, witnessing treasures in person, seeing the colours change, vibrant pink and orange. A beautiful setting sun by Castel Sant’Angelo.
