we're down to 2 full days left of our 60 day italian odyssey
with so much more to see that will keep for a sure future trip
and so much seen and locked into the (digital) memory bank
there are a few places in rome we want to visit before we leave
first up - the basilica of st john's lateran - the mother of churches
the seat of the pope and therefore the number one catholic church
unlike st peter's at the vatican it is relatively ignored by tourists
and on approach it's grandeur is hidden and it's grounds - decayed
security is an ignored x-ray machine in a small tent at the entrance
but stepping inside - it's yet another oh-wow moment - it is h-u-g-e
and cool, and silent, and inspiring of a slowing in the clock of life
happy to once again go into very low gear and just wander around
most impressive are the giant-like statues of the twelve apostles
set in 2 rows of 6 facing each other and leading up to the nave
the ceiling - way up there - gold in colour and content no doubt
and the floor - exquisitely fine patterns of multi-coloured marble
a modern looking 3d black and white stair effect at both sides
as we work our way to the front we spot the famous chair
the popal throne is sitting prominently in a centre position
also quite contemporary looking and glowing in the light
time taken to ponder the historical significance of this place
as we exit we agree - this basilica is up there with st peter's
outside we search out and find the ancient egyptian obelisk
the world's largest - 330 tonnes of upward pointing granite
next is a re-visit to the pantheon to get more understanding
last time we missed out on audioguides - not so this time
so a very informative time as we are lead around inside
the construction of the open circular roof most revealing
aside from the many religious and cultural references inside
a walk then to capitoline hill to make a final museum visit
we pay the money down and enter the musei capitolini
there's a few famous exhibits and a whole lot more as well
with so many rooms full of engraved slabs, busts and statues
of huge historical importance no doubt but it is overwhelming
we find the statues of the she-wolf and aurelius on horseback
and decide - enough for today - mission accomplished - dinner
over the bridge, down the steps and we pick a seafood restaurant
seated next to the river, a full moon and a comical waiter/owner
we enjoy spaghetti vongolese, frito misto, wine and cannoli
and the penultimate drive out of rome and up to our home town
the 5 night festival has finished so all are tucked up in bed - ditto...
