Jennica & Matthew Geddert's Ramblings

Aug 26 Three Days in Rome by Matthew

The tracks in the stones made by chariots are still visible on some Roman roads. As the most influencial city in the world for at least 400 years, the reality of modern Rome is both surreal and somewhat disappointing. I think its because Rome has had an impact on so many other places that it seems so familiar.

The square in the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica are constantly on TV and they seem the same as one would expect. The painting of God touching Man from the Sistine Chapel must be one of the most popular prints around. The movie Gladiator portrays the Colloseum better than the actual ruin ever will (in part because the marble from it was used to make St. Peter’s). I’ve had better pasta, coffee and pizza elsewhere.

But there are things that aren’t so familiar. Under the ‘alter’ in St. Peter’s Basillica are the remains of Peter, the Apostle. You can feel the history and importance of the Vatican as you walk through former the apartments of former popes. The arch to celebrate the sacking of Jerusalem in 70CE portrays the important event to an illiterate populace. The Roman Senate, which still stands, is the model for all modern parlimentary democracies.

We did not throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, so we don’t know for sure that we will be back, but it was nice to be there, to walk around and observe it all.