welcome to the first day of our tour
- The Best of South Italy
We followed ETBD guide book advice and reserved an early morning guided tour which allowed us to bypass large numbers of people in line waiting to gain admittance. The tour began on a warm clear day and by mid day was raining. The guides overview with display boards clarified the tourbefore entering the crowded Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Marching through the Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel with no photos allowed there. Begin slideshow>mouse on photo for info
Saint Peter's Basilica
While walking back to the introduction tour group meeting, we reflected on our impressions of the overall. Think about the museums massive sized paintings and tapestries with extremely vivid colors. The intricate larger than life marble sculptures hovering above the people. The idea that someone could creat a Sistine ceiling. The structures massiveness, boldness and aura continued to escalate the further we ventured into the cavernous art and sculpture treasure filled St. Peter's Basilica. There are many items which were acquired as booty from one of the Crusades. The concentration of all the interior is used to promote a theme, a religious ideal. Then think about the Ancient Roman massive Coliseum and its purpose. Then consider the aura of the ancient Forum and the idea of government created, and the effect it has had on us. Could we put this into words? It is about power! Maybe Rick's words apply to make sense of these thoughts. This is how the image of power and influence of the Roman Empire continues today. The emperor became the Pope. The Senators became the Bishops. The orators became the Priests. And the worlds Roman Empire became the Vatican's Church of the World. What do you think?
Susanna leads a Trastevere neighborhood orientation and pleasant group dinner