From 69 AD to 71 AD; from Jerusalem to Rome

   We left Israel and being immersed in Jewish history to go to Rome and continue being immersed in Jewish history!  Besides meeting Israelis all over the city and arriving in a hotel that had a Mezuzah (a Jewish symbol of respect to Gd on a doorway) the first place we went in Rome was the Colosseum.  This is the Colosseum that was paid for by the spoils of the Temple that was sacked in 70 A.D. by Rome after the destruction of Jerusalem.  Nearby is the Titus arch that shows the looting of the Temple in triumph.  In fact, Jewish slaves built the Colosseum!  We explored the original Roman Senate house of Caesar fame and even saw a bridge with the Caesar name carved from that time period on our way to see where the Jews who were slaves and built the Colosseum live up until today.

This guy had some Iphone withdrawal after he took his job as a gladiator impersonator.

   But of course, Rome is much better known for its more modern glorious Christian history and we experienced this beauty with an enormous gasp of air when we went to see Saint Peter´s Basillica.  The enormous hall that houses many beautiful statues is designed with an odd sense of perspective such that the statues raised nearer to the ceiling are actually larger than the ones closer to the ground to make everything seem the same height.  Pope John Paul´s body is behind glass and the supposed burial place of Saint Peter´s body is housed in a shrine in the center of the church.  Light streams in from its giant dome and Michelangelo´s fantastic statue of Mary holding Jesus is only one step from being real.

   One hour long line and two blocks later we enter into the Vatican museum.  Wow.  A literal treasure trove of old world relics litter the crowded halls of the main building of this small country.  A full kilometer of perception defying ceiling painting display what truly look like bas reliefs as you walk to the floor to ceiling paintings made by Rafael.  Their lifelike and emotion evoking portrayals of famous Christian events are only rivaled by the famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo´s masterpiece painted on the ceiling.  Four years of solitary work upside down holding a brush doing that what wasn´t even his main profession (he sculpted, remember) resulted in a pictorial representation of the Bible according to Michelangelo.  Interestingly, the immodest nakedness of the figures in the painting clearly show the differences in Renaissance thought.

   These highlights of Rome, however, are but the surface.  The idyllic European city boasts statues and magnificent churches around nearly every corner.  It is a pleasure to explore the winding streets on foot wondering what peaceful courtyard, fountain, or restaurant might be next.  The heart of Catholicism beats strongly.

Rome's exquisite architecture and decorating is unmatched.

Little eateries abound around every corner.