□ Placeholder: 06 — Rome and the details
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears —
Just this past weekend I was in Rome (In case the clue wasn't enough!). It was an overwhelming visit to be the least. Not in a negative way, but everything — historical legacies, awe-inspiring art and the delicious roman feasting — was all simultaneously stimulating. I have never experienced blowing off my mind and taste buds at the same time!
I have been wondering... what can I write about Rome that's not been written before? People have been flocking Rome as a holiday destination from as early as 1300 when a Pope declared the first ever Holy Year(1). Ever since then Rome has been written about from various perspectives. Following that tradition, I can try to describe Rome from my own vantage point. So here it goes —
More than the great monuments that hold significant historical legacies like the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica and the Pantheon, I loved Rome for its details. Details like the cobbled lanes that while walking felt refreshing than the usual concrete lanes. Every step reminding me of the significant past. Details like the gigantic doors even in the modern buildings that while entering gave me a feel of something historical. Something grand. Details like the aroma of freshly ground coffee wafting out of its cafes and almost everyone having espresso — not cappuccino, not latte, not macchiato but espresso. Espresso is such a common drink that it's simply called caffè. It was also common to have an espresso after every meal. Including dinner.
The culture of eating out needs a special mention in my details. Even though the days were hot, it was an absolute pleasure to sit in one of those alfresco settings after the sun was gone. Sure there were seats inside the restaurants but it's usually always empty and people tend to wait before the seats outside are available. The dinner table is one of the most enduring images and metaphors in Italian art, celebrated in the greatest paintings and films, from the Renaissance to present day.
And about the people of Rome... I noticed a certain genuineness, a certain familiarity in everyday interaction. I am not talking about the interactions that we have had for better ratings or more tips. I am talking interactions whose outcomes go one way — asking for directions or recommendations or where to buy tickets. In most of these interactions we were separated by language but a certain sense of familiarity united us. It felt so... homely.
That was Rome for me. In short. From my vantage point.
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I also visited Vatican City. Twice. The first time it was a guided tour of Vatican Museum with Sistine Chapel (inside Vatican Museum) and St. Peter's Basilica. The second time it was to see The Pope, who addresses people at 12:00 every Sunday, for 12 minutes. I didn't get a word of it but I got the zest of it.
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(1) Holy Year: If you made a pilgrimage to St Peter's Basilica and Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, you would be promised full forgiveness. 2016 Holy Year, declared by Pope Francis, saw 21 million pilgrims passing through the doors of St Peter's Basilica.
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Until next time,
K