I'm home again from my travels. I have time now to look through the two thousand photos I took in Italy. I'm thinking I have another month or two of Italy posts. So many stories, impressions, people and images to share here. I promise not to post all two thousand if you'll bear with me.
Now, let's go to Rome.
I'd been in Rome thirty-six hours when finally the thunder and downpours stopped and the sun came out. I went out wandering, umbrella tucked in my bag, camera at the ready. I had a map. I headed to the nearest bridge across the Tiber. My hotel was in a peaceful residential area, so I had no idea how many tourists were in Rome until I approached the Spanish Steps.
I found more at my next destination, the spectacular Trevi Fountain.
I really didn't know what to expect at the Trevi. I haven't seen Three Coins in the Fountain since I was twelve. Who knew? Not me.
It's magical, no doubt about it. And yes, I did toss coins, amending the wish as I am wont to do. I figure all those goddesses have heard the same stuff for too many years and wouldn't mind a tweak.
Visitors toss over four thousand dollars a day into la Fontana di Trevi, all of which goes to charity. Or most of which, anyway. Take a look at the fellow at the fountain's edge in the center of this photo:
He had a clever telescoping tool. I didn't get to see what was on the end of it, but he fished for a few seconds then skedaddled, nonchalantly.
I had a plan to follow this main street here on the map and then go over there and see that. It went all to hell, as is usual with me, as there were these enticing sights and streets that one just could not help but follow.
By and by, I emerged to discover this fascinating sight ahead of me.
What the heck is that? I wondered. It intrigued me, and, as I drew closer, I heard echoing in the canyon of walls a slick guitar solo of Stairway to Heaven.
The textural counterpoint of that very old wall and the music had me watching with a smile as big as that guitar case. Pretty soon I got talking to the guys, who were a bunch of sweeties. They played a couple of songs for me.
The cutie in the white tennis shoes spoke English and we chatted about this and that. Finally I said to him, "What is this place?"
He grinned at me. It was a very kind grin, considering.
"It's the Pantheon," he said.
So I walked around to the front.
Ohhh! I see! The PANtheon!
I went to a sidewalk ristorante in the plaza, knowing it would be tourist food, which it was. But it was worth it to sit and watch, gaping at this magnificent ancient temple, listening to the cello player perform. Stairway to Heaven, indeed.
More Rome photos coming up next, then we'll do another circuit through Italy as I fill in all the spots I missed reporting on as I traveled. I still have to tell you about the getting lost and meeting the fruit truck guys, about Italian fashions, about the joy of tiny curvy roads, about the similarities (and differences) of Italy and Mexico, about the Shakedown...
Stick around. I'll be back soon.
So the oddest thing happened last night.
I met Jeremy's Uncle Scott, who is visiting San Pancho with Jeremy's dad, Mark, and we sat and chatted for a time. Jeremy encouraged me to tell my Rome story about Stairway to Heaven and the Parthenon.
When I finished, Uncle Scott said, "The Parthenon is in Athens. The Pantheon is in Rome." So we all got to arguing with him about it.
This morning I looked it up, just in case. And Uncle Scott was correct. I wrote Parthenon in the blog post. It's actually Pantheon. I've already made the corrections to the post and also, just to be tidy, to all the comments sent in by my dear friends and readers, none of whom noticed the error either.
This morning I'm having humble pie with my tea.
Thanks, Scott. You Smartypants you.
Posted by: Candice | November 20, 2013 at 06:19 AM
Luscious flower shot. Laughed my head off. What is this place? In the States it would be cordoned off and cost mucho pesos to enter.
Posted by: Eileen | October 26, 2013 at 12:25 PM
I loved Rome and I've said many times that I WILL go back. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
Posted by: Jeanne | October 14, 2013 at 02:15 PM
Wow some of those pics are truly amazing. I am waiting with baited breath for the five hour slide show. Dibs on a front row seat!
...and of course, here it comes. Is there any way we can Photoshop Travis away in general???
Posted by: King Jeribus | October 12, 2013 at 12:06 PM
I love the Pantheon! I hope you went inside. It is so beautiful and of course it is the final resting place if Raphael, although I doubt he gets much rest with all those tourists milling around. I love Rome....but I'm glad you're back home. Can't wait to see you!
S
Posted by: Sheri | October 11, 2013 at 11:27 AM
All I can say is thanks for taking us along with you! Seems like you had the adventure of a lifetime. Can't wait to hear more stories. And heck...what's 2000 photos on a blog? I say...Bring 'Em On!
Posted by: Allen | October 10, 2013 at 05:18 PM
Jajajajaja! "It's the Pantheon." You might want to photoshop that flower cart. Not pretty enough.
Posted by: Travis | October 10, 2013 at 04:47 PM