Today started out at the Colosseum.
This is a massive structure that seated 50,000+. Standing inside, you realize that it's the same size as many modern sports stadiums. Underneath the main stage was a mini-underground city where gladiators and wild animals could be moved into the arena without being seen.
This "gladiator" was outside taking pictures with tourists. Quite a few of the ladies in our group visibly drooled at his manliness.
After the Colosseum we walked toward the Forum. On the way, we passed the famous Arch of Titus.
Plainly visible is the depiction of Titus' conquest of Jerusalem in 70, showing the menorah from the Temple being carried off.
We also passed a bay leaf tree! I didn't realize that these come from a massive tree containing what look like normal leaves. I began craving spaghetti (again).
The Forum. The 6 columns to the right were part of the official entry gate to ancient Rome.
Part of Capitol Square, our final stop before lunch.
An amazing bridge we passed on the way to lunch.
Roman-style pizza for lunch. The Roman style is very thin and crispy.
After lunch we visited the legendary Trevi fountain.
Like so many of the things on this trip, a photograph cannot accurately convey the size of this fountain. Take however big you think it is, and multiply times a hundred.
Starrina captured this great photo. The door was only open for a second, but it's perfectly framed.
On to what is considered the greatest ancient building on Earth, the Pantheon.
Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
The artist Raphael is entombed there.
After the Pantheon, Starr found the biggest Pinocchio yet.
Our tour group. The Steve McQueen-looking guy in the middle, laughing with a white shirt, was our local Roman guide.
In the evening, Starrina and I went to the movies ("Pirates of the Caribbean 4" ... in Italian). We saw these people in ancient garb posing in front of this fountain. Couldn't figure out if they were on their way to a costume party or something else.
Finished the day with yet another great meal. Appetizer of bruschetta, lasagne for me and calamari pasta for Starr. And of course, wine.
Tomorrow - On to Tuscany!
Jeffrey Dale Starr is a Dallas-based Expressionist oil painter who concentrates on themes of Japan, Dreams, Europe, Texas and California. His work can be found in private and public collections around the world.
http://www.jeffreydalestarr.com/
1 comments:
Hi Jeff and Starr~
We (Hong and Anna) just talked about you.
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