So, this is how it went: After something like 15 years, my good friend Kerry, who I haven't seen since I graduated from Millikin University in 1992, found me or I found him via email and just like that (the temptation to write 'Shazam' here is great, but I am resisting) we are back in touch and making a plan to meet in Rome for a little dinner. I know, who does that right? Well, Kerry and I apparently do and it was jet-setting style fabulous, surreal super duper fun. In this photo we are self-portraiting, avoiding the rain, being astounded by flocks of bat-birds darkening the sky and being impressed with ourselves for meeting in Rome for dinner.
I stayed in one of the University neighborhoods and loved it. My hotel was gorgeous but novel, an all time favorite combination of mine, and my neighborhood was nothing but art, as you can see from the photo. I know it looks rough, but it felt safe and energetic and artistic and perfect for me. It may take awhile for an American or a Briton to allow Graffiti and motor bikes and huge broken doors and people smoking everywhere to be just a regular part of a regular neighborhood. For us these are all things that we equate with bad neighborhoods where sad things happen. I don't know if making meaning about how things look serves us very well in the USA, but it would compromise an experience or two in Rome, that is for sure.
I did my best to see all the big sights during the four days I was in Rome, and the Colosseum was one of those not to be missed things. The building was impressive and the history is mind-blowing. I can't tell you how odd it felt to me to be standing in the stands looking down on what would have been the floor of the Colosseum had I been there during the 4th century. I cannot get my mind around how any of the original structure is still standing, but much of it is. Now the floor is missing so you can see all the secret spots animals and gladiators and whatever would pop up in surprise attack style to try and foil the challenger of the day. I can't imagine the thrill, the adrenaline and the horror of watching a spectator sport of this nature. Wow.
I loved Vatican city, and it was surprisingly easy for me to block out everything I think about Catholicism and world politics while I was surrounded by the incredible beauty of the place. There were people dressed in clothing that suggested they were people of position in various religious organizations. I was particularly moved by many of the nuns I had the opportunity to secretly (I hope) observe.
Yes, I did stop in my tracks when I saw this banner with the face of Martin Luther King on it, draped across the front of a church in the center of Rome. I know it's cliche, but sometimes I really am so proud to be an American.
Rome is one of the most beautiful places I have experienced. It is a special place that is totally Italian (as people not from Italy might think of Italian), but more so. Kerry described it perfectly by saying that Rome is "so Saturated". It is. There is no better descriptor. In every single way Rome is overwhelming to human senses. There was too much to take in by sight, by sound, certainly by taste, and even by touch. Saturated. This old, crumbling, fountain embedded wall is just typical Roman, everywhere, nothing special amazingness. If there is any reason not to live in Rome, it's to ensure that all of this everything doesn't become normalized. If Rome is your bar for average, there is very little else in the world that could be experienced as amazingly fantastic.
One of many astounding ceilings in St. Peter's Cathedral. I nearly wept. When I got into the Vatican Museum and saw the ceilings there, I did weep. Well, actually I cried. I wanted to weep, but there were so many people around I just couldn't let go like that. Had I been alone, I would have been on my knees.
This picture is ancient ruin turned cat refuge. Isn't that fantastic? Julius Caesar used to live here or at least work here (so I'm told), but now the cats do. They are a rough and tough bunch, these cats, but they have quite a home. Apparently if you want a cat that carries Caesar's breath, you can adopt internationally from here. I would worry about assimilation myself, but there is something rather alluring about caring for a cat that has tended the grounds of J. Caesar for centuries.
Ah yes, here we have the archway to the entrance of the Roman Forum. I know that I felt blessed by intellect from walking under it. Don't I look smarter? I'm on the grounds of the Forum and filled with reflective, important, world guiding thoughts that strangely left my mind as soon as I left the Forum. Well, maybe not right away, but my deep and impressive thoughts were most definitely gone by the time I stepped foot back on English soil. What does that mean? Could intellect possibly be somatic?
I have many more pictures; too many for this blog to support, but it doesn't really matter I suppose, in that images of Rome are everywhere and the Roman experience is as subjective as anything else. For me, I cried more than once being so overpowered with beauty. I sang out loud in the street because i was so happy. I sat in neighborhood squares enjoying statues and fountains and tried to look Italian. I met an old friend who introduced me to some incredible new stuff (Kerry knows Rome like the back of his hand and with him I had some of the best food, the best views, and definitely the best gelato that Rome has on offer). I found a bookstore that sold used books in English and I spent something like $10.00 on a beat up old copy of Practical Magic, which was perfect for the occasion. I was lost more than not but never panicked because I had a map and always enough cash to get a cab. I drank wine everyday and ate cake to my hearts content. I was assaulted (emotionally) by flower sellers near the Trevi Fountain which was the balance to the beautiful but intense assault on my senses that Trevi Fountain asserts through it's magic and magnitude. I rolled my eyes in ecstasy and made embarrassing noises in public while eating. I could go on, but I probably don't need to. I love Rome. I tossed coins in the fountain, and I hope that assures me at least one more trip to the city of Saturation. Thank you Kerry M. If it weren't for you, I would not have had all of this, like this, at all.
My trip home for the holidays was divine. I miss my family and friends so much that it's difficult for me to describe exactly how gratifying it was to be back in the Spartz fold for two weeks in December. Minnesota was really cold, naturally, but it was also beautiful, naturally.
Madie got herself a black shiny piano for Christmas which she totally rocks on ,of course. The girl can play! Here she is with one of her best mates Sophie. They were singing Beatles tunes. It was uplifting.
