I've been missing-in-action and I'll bet this photo gives you all the hint you'll need to guess where I've been. Yes, it is The Coliseum. In Rome. In Italy.
Did you know that over 1 MILLION gladiators (prisoners of war who were forced to fight each other for entertainment) died in this enormous stadium? Not to mention the Christians, the prisoners and the animals that were also slaughtered for the amusement of blood-thirsty crowds. There was actually an elaborate system to drain the blood from underneath the flooring! Ingenious actually, but... Yuk!
Yeah, let's change the subject.
Just outside the Coliseum, you can see this contrastingly peaceful scene. Rome's beauty is beyond adequate description... at least by my meager skills. Grace, symmetry, order, and timelessness exist in any direction you gaze.
Can you see the rays of sunshine? They mesmerized me as they flowed into the domes of St. Peter's.
Touring the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's was my favorite part of the trip. I had always wanted to see the Sistine Chapel... and, it did not disappoint. I was a little sad you were not allowed to take photos, but definitely respectful of their wishes.
On that subject, I also have to admit that one of the most disdainful, infuriating and embarrassing things of this trip was seeing an American woman taking photos in the Academia Gallery (not allowed) and then hearing her gloat to her friends that that was the third time she had been "caught" by the docents. I deplore that kind of behavior. People who think the rules don't apply to them, that some how they are special, I find extremely disrespectful and I have no respect for them. Pardon my rant, but it still gets my blood boiling to think about that woman. And, I hate that she is an American. Hate it! If I could have disowned her and thrown her out for the rest of us who believe in being respectful of other people and other countries, I would have. Oh, I would have... still would.
Okay, I'm getting off that subject, too.
Back to the beauty... Ladies out there who may quilt, let me tell you that the floors to the Sistine Chapel had every beautiful pattern imaginable... hand cut and made of tiny pieces of stone and marble intricately laid! I could have just studied the floor for hours! And, Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling and front wall.... oh, my... oh, my. I suppose it was just as well that I couldn't take photos in there... I can never really capture the full effect.
Well, I have to hit the sack. It has been a really long day trying to play catch up following a really long day of traveling home.
39 comments:
I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Rome is one of my favorite cities... for the very reasons you said. It is magical.
Welcome home ~
Oh the pictures are lovely. And that rude lady....somewhere down the line, she will paid some consequences. Respect is SO important.
We have watch the movie "Gladiator" and think how much blood was spilt on the sand in the Coliseum.
Welcome home, and will look forward to more stories and pictures of your wonderful trip.
No place like home to be sure. Beautiful work...how could it have been done way back then? Amazing. I am with you about people with no respect for others..sad. Can't wait to see more. :D
Thank you for sharing your adventure! Just beautiful and looking forward to seeing more!
I swear there's one in every crowd!
We were in Amsterdam at the Van Gogh Museum about a week ago and saw the same thing going on. I have no idea what country the disrespectful people originated from. Shame on those who think they are above the rules. Very disrespectful!
Safe travels! XOX Tracie
I wondered where you had disappeared to. How lovely to hear that you had a fabulous trip to Italy. Yes, the idea of the Coliseum is ghastly. Why anyone would think bloodshed and death is entertainment is beyond me. No doubt the rest of your trip was magical and beautiful.
One year, I took Al Italia from here to the States (they no longer fly from here) -- Yusef was only 9 months old at the time, and it was a very stressful trip for me. There was a group of American Catholics who had gone to Italy to see the chapels and one of them had the nerve to say "Oh my God, here comes a woman with a baby!" And guess where my seat was ... right next to her. She was rude and hateful and I kept thinking that if she was on a church trip, she should be a little more tolerant. Travelling with a baby is hard work; it was my first trip home to see family after being away for 2 years. I even asked the flight attendant if he could move me but the flight was booked. When I had to go to the bathroom, there was a very nice older lady across the aisle who offered to hold Yusef for me. Why does there always have to be one stinker in the bunch? I swear, I thought about that rude, ornery lady for days after and wish I would have said something to her face about how poorly she was behaving. She continued to mutter to herself about me and Yusef the entire trip.
Anywho ... that was my encounter with a very rude American. God certainly needed to take hold of her heart in a big way.
I hate it when anyone is disrespectful in any manner; whether it is verbally or by not following rules or proper etiquette.
I look forward to hearing more about your trip. :) Tammy
wow! what an awesome trip! all the photos are so beautiful and elegant, but the last one of that alley and the bending building with the amber glow. wow!
Oh what memories you have stirred. I was there in 2007!!!
I was beginning to wonder where you were! I would have guessed the Piedmont of Virginia but Rome is certainly an excellent choice. Lovely photos. Hope you'll share more. I so agree with you about the rudeness of breaking the rules and making it even worse by gloating. Welcome back!
Best,
Bonnie
So that is where you have been. We have been there, too. Photos don't do any of it justice. Shame on that lady. Throw her in the colliseum and let them at her! Then she want take pictures again.
Ohhh, thank you for sharing!!! I have been an avid student of early Roman history. Your photos are beautiful and nudge my brain to think of the many stories I have read.
You visited my absolute favorite destination to go for vacation, tho I probably never will. I love Italy and all things Italian! I'm so glad you had a wonderful visit there. Getting home is usually wonderful too, especially when flying is involved. The woman with the attitude is representative of so many today who refuse to recognize the difference between 'right' and 'wrong'. I don't think it is just Americans, but we sure get blamed for being the worst! :D
Deb
Oh thanks for sharing..I have never been, but it is on my bucket list. I will share it with my 15 year old son, we finished Roman Empire this last school year.
Just beautiful!!
I have heard Americans aren't like over there...maybe the arrogance of not following rules is one reason.
I have been to Rome. Your beautiful photos remind me of my trip there many years ago. There are so many similar people like that woman that pissed you in this world. In fact more and more. This is the part of traveling that I dread, putting up with people like this! I guess we just got to shade our heads and go one so as not to let them spoil our day.
Gorgeous! My oldest has been there! Enjoy!
It sounds like a wonderful trip. Love your photos. Hoping to see some more. Did you get to do some shopping on "the bridge" and did you eat that pasta for me? Hugs. Susan
Wow, Tanna! I had NO idea you were going to Italy but I can't wait to hear about your trip! Amazing pictures! Rome is on Jeff's bucket list and we've been trying to plan a trip, but it always overwhelms me and we end up just going back to a beach somewhere. Maybe you can help me!! :-)
I knew you would love it! Your pictures are wonderful but you are so right, there is nothing like seeing these places in person! It is so hard to describe the incredible beauty.
Gosh I've been home a week and still haven't sat down to share some of it.......I've been sooooo tired!
Glad you are home safely...
I knew, knew, knew that you'd love it. (Once you got past that loooong flight!) I have hopes of all of our family going over there one of these days when the boys get a little older, so I was relieved to hear that you didn't think the plane ride was the beating you thought it'd be. LOL! =) I'm so enjoying your photos. Hope you continue to share with us. Love you so big and am SO GLAD you're back home! XOXOXOXOXO
All the photos are really great but the last one's my favorite!
I've never been to Italy but I've been to Germany, Switzerland, and France and the architecture of many of the buildings just "blew me away" especially since they didn't have the construction equipment we now have. Many times I was simply in awe!
Welcome home! Did I miss something--did you even tell us you were going? At any rate, I know you had a wonderful, wonderful time. Italy is one of my favorite places on earth! I'm looking forward to hearing much more about your trip. And the rude woman--no excuse for that type person. They only make it more difficult for everyone else.
Glad you're home!
Best,
Susan
What a fabulous trip to take!!! I cannot even begin to imagine what you must have seen. I'm sure you have many stories and photos to show us, I am looking forward to them.
Hugs, Cindy
Thanks for the beautiful memories - I have been there and it still looks as lovely as it was.
You are so lucky and blessed.
And I am a rule follower myself. If it says don't - then don't.
Beautiful pictures Tanna.
Tanna - your photos are stunning! I was wondering what happened to you. Apparently you went to eat pasta without me! I have longed to go to Italy. I hope it was wonderful and delicious. It was certainly beautiful!
Oh...Beautiful Roma! I so dream to one day be able to go to Rome, Paris and so many other beautiful places in Europe. I'm so happy for you Tanna. Sounds like you had a lovely time. Welcome home my friend. Have a wonderful weekend.
Tanti, tanti abbracci,
♥Ana
So that's where you were... Jealous here!
So, as for the lady, you just showed us the coliseum... and described the elaborate system... JUST KIDDING!
Glad your back with beautiful memories, and glad you shared them with us.
Blessings, Debbie
I've not been to Rome but have always thought it would be the trip of a life time. I'm so glad your trip was wonderful and you arrived home safe and sound. We went to the UK a few years ago when my son was studying abroad in London. The trip going wasn't so bad but coming home just about killed me! Get some rest.
Welcome Home!!! I am so happy for you to have a vacation to Italy. The pictures are beautiful. Glad you are back safe and sound with beautiful memories to share. Blessings, Catherine xo
Welcome home!
I love beautiful Roma! Did you walk to the top of St. Peter's Dome? It is one of my most treasured memories. A hard and narrow climb up many steps, but once on the roof and then on top of the dome the view was magnificent!
When I visited Frienze I actually heard an American woman making fun of an open air market vendor's broken English! I had to remind the woman that we were in Italy and they could have expected us to speak Italian. Some people are so rude.
Isn't if funny how we sort of know our blog friends are away? And what a wonderful place you went! It's hard to imagine the blood thirstiness of the Romans in contrast to the beauty that they built. I've enjoyed your photos so much and agree with others about the last one! Glad you are home safely and that you enjoyed the trip so much.
When I am overseas I am frequently embarrassed by other Americans. I am always hoping that I don't look like one! At least that I don't act like many of those I see and wish I hadn't! Have a wonderful weekend resting up from your travels!
dotsie
Oh Tanna! What A Wonderful Share! Thank You So Much! You Are So Right About The overwhelming Beauty Of The Sistine Chapel! I Sat Here In Complete And Total AWE While Reviewing The Gorgeous Photos. What A Blessing To Have Been Able To Actually Visit Rome! A Destination (Including The Holy Land) That I Always Had Hoped One Day To Experience. Again, Thank You For The Magnificient Share! Sending You Some Love & Georgia Sunshine This Glorious Saturday!
Next trip to Rome, just tuck me away in one of your suitcases. I may need to lose a few pounds, but will do so gladly to see Rome! Your photos are amazing. What a blessing to see such beauty up close.
Ahhhh... Italy!
So romantic and beautiful.
Your pictures captured the vibe.
What a great time and vacation.
Your absence was noted and now understood!
Your rant is well deserved (The Ugly American).
I missed you here, but am glad to hear you were off having a wonderful vacation. Have you read Francine Rivers' series from that part of the world and that time in the coliseum...it is a 3 part series...Lion something???? Google. Thanks for sharing the beauty you saw...
Welcome Home Noni! I was so happy to hear that you were traveling to Italy and so happy to look at all your beautiful pictures. I imagine you are spending the weekend enjoying your memories of such a beautiful place. The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican, and St Peters are my favoritse as well. It's where I ran into Jared unexpectedly and well, the rest is history. Who wouldn't fall in love in that atmosphere? :)
Italy...what fun! Love the pictures so far and can't wait to see more! I bet you had so many great photo opportunities there. Glad you made it there and back safely! :-)
How wonderful. How beautiful! My husband and I want to someday see the Vatican and St. Peter's! I can not wait to hear more and see more of your trip! Welcome home! :)
what a awesome vacation...and you got away from the heat also...love the photos...I'm sure they don't even do it justice....
A wonderful trip Tanna!! Beautiful photos!
Hope you are doing GREAT! I just pulled out the suitcases... we are headed to Rome next week! So I am going to check out more of your trip and make notes!
Secondary to that ... I offically started to knit this week! In the middle of a ton of other projects I'm doing right now I just want to knit! Learnng new things just excites me to no end! Last night I practiced a bobble stitch... wow that bad boy was scary. I will post my humble little project soon.
I'm just rambling...
XOX Tracie
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