Sundays in Italy are generally so quiet. Fewer buses, fewer trains but still, stores and restaurants closed…but in the tourist areas…not so much. Always something new in Rome and Sundays are hopping! Meeting one of my gal pals for lunch and spend the afternoon is a lovely way to a Sunday!! And we did have some fun!! But with an hour or so to wait for Diana Barone, I finally made it into the very majestic and simply stunning Basilica of Saint Mary Major, or church of Santa Maria Maggiore. A major papal basilica as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy. It is breathtaking. Near Roma Termini, and well worth the half hour or longer you will be in there. Fascinating also is the Confessionals there. Many on the inside of the church. With lights telling you when one is empty and also which languages the Priest speaks. No fees to enter, but you do have to go through metal detectors. Go early. Majestic, extraordinary…and more. I find the churches stunning. And always the same thought, who designed, built, engineered…these amazing houses of worship? I never tire of seeing them.
Diana finished her Coliseum tour around noon and we met for lunch. I walked from Roma Termini (main train station) to Santa Maria Maggiore and then onto the Coliseum (Colosseo) and found an ‘off the beaten track’ outdoor cafe to wait for Diana.
For some reason, there are many tourists in Rome today. Bruce Springsteen’s Concert in Rome? But then again…who knows, spring break…etc. Anyhow, while waiting for my friend, I ordered my obligatory decaf cappuccino at an outdoor cafe and relaxed. Until some very fun folks from Ireland were seated next to me. Oh they were chatting away and honestly I couldn’t understand most of what they said…but one guy was big on using the ‘f…ing’ bomb. Finally I felt like I was eavesdropping, I slowly turned and smiled at the wives. They were concerned I would be indignant at the usage of that ‘word’. I said no, I’m an American and worked in NYC. I know the language. We all laughed and they had traveled from Ireland to go to the Bruce Springsteen Concert!! So cool. Interestingly I hear American music a lot in Italy even though they speak no English. A little slice of home….
I think Bruce’s concert was being held at Circus Maximus, not too far from where we were and they were so excited. Which is cool…he’s pretty cool too. Diana showed up and she also chatted with them a bit then we caught up with news and decided we would walk to the Spanish Steps, do a bit of sight seeing and see where the day takes us. The weather was holding up pretty well. Diana also brought me one of my very special ‘Martini Bling’ glasses. A couple of my friends said they would come to Italy and bring the rest!
From her hotel, we passed the US Embassy. Pretty large walled compound and then to our surprise, a neighborhood museum was open. The grounds were astonishing. The palazzo was stunning, Villa Maraini. A Swiss ownership for many years, it is now empty on the first floor to accommodate artists. A Swiss Artist, Klodin Erb, had sculptures and paintings in every room. Very colorful and what a fabulous place. The outside has a grotto and I cannot believe how the Swiss or the Italians could have created this grotto. You will see from the photos. It is an amazing work of art also. And we walked on…..
The Spanish Steps are always busy! But now Italy does not allow anyone to sit on them. They are a special landmark and honestly I agree. People sit there, eat, drink and leave trash. Very annoying. And a policeman went around telling people to get up and move on. Italy has more World Unesco Heritage sites than any other country…and they guard them very carefully. As they should. These sites are in perpetuity for the world to enjoy. A bit more walking, stopping for an afternoon cappuccino and I needed to head home. Rain was coming in…off to my train and home. Diana had a cruise the next day, but she’ll be back!
Photos from our afternoon, fun fun day. Promised the Irish I would post their photo!
Don’t miss a blog…your email is private here. It just lets you know when a new blog is written….enjoy!!
Love the art work.
I guess Springsteen recovered from his fall.
Apparently Springsteen played longer than allowed and was fined. Everyone loves him! ??? hello to you and Paul!!
Hi Cindy. I am one of the Irish contingency you met that day. Thanks for including us in your story! Hope your travels are going well.
So fun to meet all of. The Americans laughed and laughed over how fun you all were!! ??
My son Tyler Stephen, Elizabeth Stephen and two granddaughters are on to their cruise MSC Seashore in Palermo today. I am with granddoggers missing big stuff in Akron too! Life is amazing… gorgeous weather here…too hot.. Nope!