Giorno 7: Sabato, 24 Novembre
Another Walk...And A Bella Bookend!
"This morning we'll say our final farewells and head for home — or further adventures in Italia. Arrivederci, Roma! "
- Rome In Seven Days Itinerary, www.ricksteves.com
We began our morning quizzing Ben about the best way to get to the Villa Farnesina, and what to see on a leisurely trip back. The tour guides are the most valuable element of the Rick Steves tours. And Ben is so in love with this city that I can't imagine anyone I'd trust more to map out my last day in Rome! We dropped our bags at the front desk. The clerk paired us up with another couple going out to the airport that evening. Then we headed out!
I first heard of the Villa Farnesina my freshman year in college at Trinity University. I was taking The Human Quest, a two-semester, team taught humanities course.
Agostino Chigi, banker to...wait for it...Pope Julius II, brought in the best of the best of the age to design what my art history prof described as "a decadently lush Renaissance party house". Perfect description. If these walls could talk.... The frescos by Raphael did not disappoint! I love the Raphael Rooms at the Vatican. I'm not sure any work of art can top The School of Athens in my heart. But, these works, that you can see more closely and intimately, give you an insight into Raphael's fun-loving, earthy personality, and why he was such a rock star in his day! |
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We slowly worked our way back to the hotel. We wandered through the streets of Trastevere. I could see myself coming back some day and renting an apartment here. Saturday mornings are quiet, and it's kind of cool to watch the Romans get up late, wander out to walk the dog, grab a paper and an espresso, and chat with the neighbors.
We visited the church of Santa Cecilia, and listened to an adorable little nun practice the organ. Continuing on, we passed a number of small temples under restoration, and the Theatre Marcellus, the model for the Colosseum . At the end of our trip, we would pick up St. Theresa in Ecstasy at Santa Maria della Vittoria, another Bernini masterpiece, as well as the Baths of Diocletian. |
As we turned a corner at the top of a hill, we were directed to the opposite side of the street by a police officer. People were milling around, so we figured something was about to happen. It turned out we had stumbled upon the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace! The bands were wonderful, and it was a blast to listen to these young men belt out the Italian national anthem at the top of their lungs. We started the week with a marching band, and ended with marching bands! Perfect bookends to a perfect trip.
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I don't know if words can adequately describe my reaction to Rome. It's an overwhelming city. For the first day or two, I didn't know if I would really like it. Sure, I'd enjoy the sights, but it seemed loud, busy, and nerve-wrackingly chaotic. These people were once the mighty Roman Empire that ruled the world with a terrible efficiency? What happened?! But once you learn how to navigate the busy avenues to get from one magical little pocket to another, the minor inconveniences are worth it. And the Romans themselves? To find a nicer people you'd practically have to make them up. I'm glad we threw our coins in the fountain back on our first day, because I have to come back!
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