There are times that I cannot believe how lucky I am when I travel. I meet amazing people, see tremendous sights, and stumble into the most bizarre moments.
Case in point: I decide to begin the day with a trip to Circus Maximus. The guide book tells me that all that is left is a large, grassy, oval park, but I decide to see for myself. Arriving, I notice some alluring ruins on the hillside looking down on the Circus.
I’m literally out in the middle of the street trying to capture these ruins on film, when I hear loud drumming rising up behind me. Startled, I jump around to see the Roman Legion marching upon me. Seriously. A Centurion in front began yelling and waving frantically. I understood, get off the road or be speared. I chose the safety of the sidewalk.
It turns out that this Monday was Rome’s birthday. A traditional parade happens from Circus Maximus to the Colosseum and I was in the forefront of it. Following the Legion came Senators, Gladiators, Vestile Virgins, Nobles and a host of other figures in traditional garb. I must have taken 70 pictures of the parade including one of me and a friendly Centurion.
Following that I visited the Bocca della Verita. Legend has it – any liar that places his hand in this stone idol’s mouth will have it bitten off. I took my chances and placed my hand in its mouth. Some of you will be surprised, but I kept all my digits.
Most of the rest of the day was spent just wandering. Again, I felt socialized out and just wanted the anonymity of the crowd for awhile.
I finally ended up in Santa Maria della Vittoria, a small unassuming little church off of Via Veneto. Don’t judge this church by its exterior. Hidden inside is the most baroque structure I’ve ever seen or heard of. Marble of many different hues line the walls. Gilded scupltures decorated the cornices. Carved statues cavorted about the ceiling alongside iconic paintings. The Ecstacy of St. Teresa – a Bernini sculpture almost sacriligeous in is presentation of joy – was hidden in a corner by the nave. So much was crammed into this church, it defies description.
The end of the night was spent getting some dinner. I went to restaurant and impressed myself by ordering the entire meal in Italian. I had fried calamari and the house wine. The calamari came with fried shrimp as well. The shrimp threw me for a loop. They were whole – shell, legs, antennae, tails, and eyes staring back at me from my plate. What was I to do?
I ate the suckers whole.
Time for bed. I met my new roomies Igor and Sierra and slept peacfully for the rest of the night.
Ciao, 3:00 PM in Rome