Day 12 - June 3, 2008 - Enjoying Rome

  Rome, Italy
Wednesday, June 4, 2008

For unforeseen reasons, we could not go to the Vatican (the world's smallest country) or St. Peters Basilica (the world's largest dome) today. We were really looking forward to Michaelangelo's work in the Sistine chapel, but the day got away from us. Coincidentally, on this trip, I have been reading Dan Brown´s Angels and Demons at night and I am reading about a lot of the places we are actually seeing in Rome.

Pantheon

We did however, walk to the Pantheon and see it from the inside and admired Raphael's tomb. The open hole in the ceiling at the Pantheon was an unusual site. Most people don't know that the Pantheon is the oldest catholic church in Rome. In fact, it was initially a pagan place of worship, but after Rome's adoption of Catholicism, the Vatican got rid of the various statues of pagan Gods. We also admired once again, Bernini's Four Rivers fountain at Piazza Navona, although the fountain was undergoing some restoration work.

Raphael's tomb at the Pantheon

Then, we enjoyed gelato at the famous Giolitti's where unbeknownst to them, Sofia took a picture of a priest and a nun having gelato. We pretended that they were having a secret rendezvous and snickered endlessly.

Gelataria Giolitti

Then back to our hotel, with some shopping on the way and a picture of Sofia with a Vespa (dedicated to her Michelle).

Sofia and a Vespa

Dinner at Hostaria Costanza

At night, we had a romantic and cozy dinner at Hostaria Castanza, a fine Italian restaurant near Campo di Fiori. It was late so we were the only patrons in the stone walled, wrought iron setting. Sofia's rare steak would melt in your mouth and her fettucini with spicy minced beef was fabulous. My veal tonight was not so good, but the service and Sofia's food made up for it.

On a side note, I have noticed that there are tons of Gelataria's in Rome. Gelato is Italian ice-cream and every block has at least one. This is much like the Pattiserie/Boulangerie/Braserie culture of Paris and Sofia tells me I will see a lot of Pasteleria's in Portugal (Pastel is Portuguese for pastries).

So far, everywhere we have been, we have walked at least 1-2 miles each day, which makes it easier to eat like a pig. However, I noticed that more people in France speak and understand English than people in Italy speak or understand it.

Tomorrow, we fly to Lisbon (Sofia's home). I can't wait to meet her family and experience the environment that made her who she is. I have always dreamt of being in Europe and the fact that I am here with her makes it all the more special.