OY! KRISTEN

Cue the Choir.

Wow. I'm not sure that there are words to use. St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is just. Well. Stunning. Magnificent, really. It's an overwhelming work of art. It kind of makes you scratch your head. This is definitely the most expensive thing I've ever come in contact with.

// I just found these guys so funny. //

Vatican.

We spent like 7 hours in Vatican City, roaming through the endless museum rooms filled with amazing sculptures and art. Then we transitioned into the wondrous Sistine Chapel, where my buddy Michelangelo painted his masterpiece on the ceiling of the church, depicting major scenes in the Christian faith. That guy. I just want to pinch his cheeks. No photos were allowed in there (no bare shoulders or talking, either!) but we gazed up at the ceiling until our necks gave out. Then it was Italian coffee time. Praise report.

What up, St. Pete?

After the Chapel we made our way into St. Peter's Basilica, the most outrageously lavish church (or place, for that matter) that I've ever encountered. I mean, let's just talk about the gold. This place has GOLD melted into the walls, the ceiling, the floor, the sculptures... which are so great in number that they cloud your periphery. It's mega. This is a mega church. The basilica was also designed by Michelangelo (and was based on his study of Rome's gigantic Pantheon, remember? Ah, you are learning with me, I love it.) There are alters in every nook and cranny. Mary has celeb status. Peter is buried in the church (along with a zillion other popes) and we had the rare opportunity to walk downstairs underneath the church and see all the crypts of those buried there. Kind of weird, yes, but there have been SO MANY popes. In life. It's a wonder. Learning is just awesome.

Recap.

We had a most spectacular (and exhausting) day in Vatican City. But it is not to be missed. The art is incredible. If the sheer extravagance of this place offends you, just readjust how you think. Appreciate this place for its significance in human history and for the incredible art that was commissioned for the some of the world's most phenomenal artists. Including my boyfriend. Michel.

St. Peters Basilica from Kristen Hale on Vimeo.

Seriously. There aren't enough words.

Welcome to Roma!

What a first day to spend in this famous city. We bought a pass (per the perfect instruction of Rick Steves) to visit the Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon. So that is just what we did.

Colosseo.

The Colosseum was unbearably hot. And really really crowded. Is it bad that that is what I remember from our tour there? I guess my American-ism has to shine through at some point. But it is an amazing structure where mostly barbaric entertainment was celebrated. So that's interesting. Time to re-watch Gladiator.

The Forum.

This tour really stands out in my mind. It is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING that we are able to tour Ancient Rome. I mean, Rome is where we (when I say “we”, I mean society at large) get everything: education, culture, democracy, SO many social practices, religious practices... I mean whoa. The list goes on and on and on. Rome ruled for 1000 years, from 500 b.c. To 500 a.d. That is a seriously long time. I mean, the U.S. Has only been it's own country for like 230 years. Being able to walk the city that was at one time SO PAGAN and housed so many people who shaped history. It's just mind boggling. Being able to see where Julius Caesar uttered those epic words, “Et tu, Brute?”, where he was assassinated, and then finally where he was laid to rest... well, that's just pretty epic. To be able to walk through the same doors as Constantine, Caligula and Cicero. To gaze up at the statues of pagan gods that the Romans actually worshipped... it really helped connect some Old Testament dots for me. This trek was a thrill.

// The Forum. Ancient Rome. //

// Julius Caesars' abode. //

// Old. So old. //

The Pantheon.

Okay, now this is really interesting. Remember how I gushed over Michelangelo in Florence? Well, the Pantheon is an ancient structure that inspired young Michel, so much in fact, that it inspired his dome design for St. Peter's Basilica. He used to sit in the Pantheon, staring up at the freakishly cool ceiling and sketch it. Sheesh. It is just SO COOL to see what inspired the glory out of that man. He was so incredibly talented... I am majorly crushing on him. I am about 600 years too late to profess my love directly to him, so you folks will probably get to keep hearing about it. Over and over. My husband is already over it. Anyways, back to the Pantheon. It's this mystical structure and no one has ever been able to figure out exactly how it was constructed. It began as an interfaith spiritual hub where anyone could come and worship anything, since the Romans served around 30,000 gods. Once Constantine legalized Christianity as the national religion, the Pantheon fell into disrepair. A few hundred years later, it was officially converted into a Roman Catholic church. Out with the statues of gods and in with the statues of Mary. It is still used today for mass, weddings and, ya know, tours.

// Pantheon //

// Pantheon interior. Boss. //

Oh Caesar.

Rome is a city unlike any I've ever seen. Each corner of this town is dripping with such incredibly meaningful history. It would take years to actually get a good grasp on it's roots, so for now, I shall just enjoy the energy of this town and appreciate it's gelato. I've been really appreciating the gelato. You might be getting sick of me telling you that, but it won't change the fact that it's true! My new fave is pistachio. And limone. And stracciatella.

Caio bella!