Baths of Caracalla and random thoughts

Trip Start Mar 22, 2008

Trip End Jun 23, 2008

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Flag of Italy Rome, Italy
Sunday, April 13, 2008

After a walking tour of Roman palazzi (palaces) on Tuesday that was most notably marked by a serious hangover, aching feet, and an overwhelming desire to eat McDonald's when this godforsaken tour is over (salty french fries and coca-cola never tasted so good), Thursday's tour was much more enjoyable. We went to the Baths of Caracalla, or what remains of it today. This ancient complex dates back to the third century and let me tell you that what we consider technology today has been going on for a LONG time. It just goes to show you there really is not much that hasn't already been done, design or otherwise. I really didn't understand the immensity of the bath complex until seeing it in person. It is absolutely enormous, and was a free place for people to go socialize and enjoy themselves. Although because it was free (something that would never happen in today's world), it was also full of money-making ventures like shops and brothels.

Baths of Caracalla 1

I walked A LOT this day! I'm estimating at least 8 miles. It is enjoyable to be in a place that does not require the use of a car, but it also frustrates me about our lack of places like this at home. I do accept that America is simply not built this way but it's still frustrating. And there are still A LOT of cars and motorcycles in Rome, more than I imagined. The cars are smaller but there are still basically shitloads of cars on the roads. It's amazing that with their lack of rule-following there rarely seem to be any accidents. Hmmm...maybe excessive rules and regulations aren't the answer?!?! What a novel thought.

I have found most of my pleasures here come in the simplest things...going to the open market for fresh food every couple days and my morning runs. I have found that I see things very differently when I'm alone, when I'm exercising, and when I have my iPod tunes in my ears. I notice the smallest things...a basket of flowers in the window of an otherwise rundown building, the way the sunlight hits a building, a tree, the river, the ground. I always wish I had my camera with me while I'm out running, but then I realize I'm glad I don't. The camera in my mind is much more valuable. Speaking of cameras, I had the experience of having some random guy take my photo while I was out running this morning

Baths of Caracalla 2

. Not in a creepy way, in a photographer-esque way. Four older men were walking down the street with large cameras, clearly for taking serious photos. I happened to be running toward them, and as I passed one, he snapped my photo. I am happy to say I will likely never see this photograph! But rather than be offended, I was flattered that what I was doing was interesting enough to warrant a photograph.

An interesting observation on Italians: the women are stoic and rarely look at anyone on the streets. The men, on the other hand, look at everyone, and very blatantly. I now like to say they are like Mexican men; they have absolutely no shame! Apparently if you look back at them, they think it's some sort of invitation?? Well, "whatever" I say! I am not going to turn myself into an ice queen simply so I can behave like an Italian woman. I am who I am. This has been my mantra many times during this trip so far, and is something I am not willing to let go of.

I realize this post is composed of many random thoughts, but this is how it goes for me here. My days are filled with little snippets of new feelings and experiences, even when there is not much going on.