This time last year: June 6th, 2007 Wednesday 10:05pm
Cycle Europe Day 22: Sight-seeing Rome 2.
Beginning of my 4th week. 7 more weeks to go.
Started off slow today because I knew the Pope wouldn’t be out till 10am. But breakfast was again so little that I was out before 9. Was at the St. Peter’s Square by about 9:30am. Found a less secure entrance into the viewing area but not into seats where you need an orange invitation card or some sort. He wasn’t out till 10:30am but he made a good show out of it. His convoy more or less weave their way around the crowds along a barricaded passage. There was this guy who tried to jump on him or his truck but they arrested him. After the parade, a passage from the Bible was read, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I think. That passage was read in different languages but different priests who had to bow to the Pope before and after their reading. After that, he began to preach. There was also a banner up front which read: “Divine Teacher: May the whole world follow your gospel.” I think it would be more appropriate if it was meant for Jesus rather than the Pope but I’m not sure who those people holding it were thinking. Anyways, I got 2 good shots of him in photo so I left early to join the queue to enter the Vatican Museum.
Vatican Museum was a hefty €13 but it wasn’t worth much to someone who doesn’t appreciate art as much. There was still quite a lot to see although I honestly think there was far too much extra when the only thing on most people’s mind was the Sistine Chapel. Michelagelo’s Creation and Last Judgement is the most famous here. Borticelli also painted here in the chapel and they had artworks from Van Gogh and Gauguin and Rodin as well. In the guidebook, it’s mentioned that The Last Supper is in Milan. In the hostel directory, rather. I’ll do it next time with Venice and my other favourite spots in Italy but not Rome again if I can avoid it.
Came back early for snacks and a siesta on top of the one I had in the Tapestry gallery in the museum. Showered and had dinner while chatting with Yamaguchi-san, who is an assistant hair stylist. Travelling while that young at 22. Others are too, you’re at an odd age to travel but so are my peers. I think it’s the economic factor. A lady of Indian origin from Birmingham said that this hostel was built by Mussolini to train young fascist and it’s 70 years old. I think it’s more obvious from the taps and sink in the bathrooms. They warrant a picture at least.
Need an early rest. Train to Bologna leaves at 9:14am. I should plan my route.
Day 22 Accounts
Vatican Museum €13.00
Lunch €0.80
Dinner/Groceries €5.58
Hostel €18.00 Roma
Pen €1.00
Total €38.38 !!!
Dear Alex
I am trying to find what I can about British Overseas Citizens and their rights to work in the UK. I note you comment that one of your colleagues at the restaurant was a BOC and so was let off by Immigration (assuming your account is factual and not a fictional one - in which case I praise your writing style - it’s very good. ) In any event if you can tell me more about this I would be keen to know. You can email me on bscaro@yahoo.com
Ben