The weather in Rome on Wednesday, yesterday, was awful. My umbrella flipped over many times as it was VERY windy, and for a minute I thought that I was in Chicago. As miserable and cold as it was, without having a heavier coat, I kept pushing myself to walk all around instead of staying in my hotel room under the warm covers. I went back to the Spanish Steps and this time, it looked beautiful, although the weather was not. I think having colorful umbrellas around as well as having daylight helped.
I was moved by the Pantheon as it was built in 126 AD. As I mentioned before, seeing something that is almost 2,000 years old makes you feel something that I cannot accurately describe in words. I always wonder at the marvels of architecture of antiquity because there is a sense of connection I feel. Again, it’s something that I simply cannot express in words.
Last night I had my best meal so far in Rome at a place called Matricianella. I never had ravioli that was so large (each piece was at least 3″ x 3″) and so damn amazing. I know I will never have this in Chicago. Then, the dessert, was a masterpiece. It was a whole poached pear, poached in vanilla, with warm Callebaut chocolate draped on top. It was mouth watering! I went to bed ridiculously satisfied…
Today was far better for weather as I started my day off at the Borghese Gallery. Unfortunately, because I was spoiled by seeing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, I wasn’t that impressed. I was so very eager to see Bernini’s APOLLO AND DAPHNE as well as PLUTO AND PROSERPINA that I regretted seeing Michelangelo first. I realize, of course, that this isn’t a fair comparison. But sometimes you cannot help the way you feel. Nor can you expect HOW you’re going to react until the moment you’re in front of the art/architecture, which leads me to the next delight…
I was in a cab with the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. I don’t know why he wasn’t on the pages of MEN’S HEALTH, but I was glad he wasn’t. As I honestly couldn’t keep my eyes off of him, I was glad (I think he noticed my staring so I was embarrassed) he dropped me off by a taxi near my next sightseeing adventure, The Colosseum. When I saw the wonder, I was smiling from ear to ear as it was breathtaking to me. I actually felt “weird” for smiling so much! I didn’t expect this reaction as the structure is so iconic. But being in the space and knowing that it was built between 70-80 AD and envisioning the gladiators in battle, it was…again…WHOA. No words can describe the feeling unless you experience it yourself. Therefore, TRAVEL!
Of course, as I am writing this at almost 1:00 a.m. in Rome, I will go to bed dreaming about what I will do tomorrow. Viva Italia!
Borghese Gallery.
A modern masterpiece.
