Our driver, Antonio, was very nice and managed to renew our interest in Rome as a city worth visiting. Our initial impression was not overly impressive... nice features as far as history, but on the whole, not some place we were just dying to come back to. Anyhow, he gave us some great background information on the city and well as pointing out sites of interest (such as the balcony where Mussolini gave his speeches.) We spent a few moments at the Trevi Fountain (Tivoli Fountain, to Dan) and had a chance to walk down the Spanish Steps, where due to the early hour we were lucky enough to have both sites almost exclusively to ourselves. We then drove to the Vatican, where Antonio managed to convince us that we would need our passports due to the distinct and separate nature of the state before laughing hysterically at our dismayed reactions. He was, however, correct in stating that I would need to purchase a shawl to cover my shoulders, so with that crisis averted, we made our way into a nearly empty St Peter's Basilica.
Once inside, I think we were all a bit shocked by the sheer decadence and splendor displayed by a religious order. (Well, I know this was certainly the first thought that went through MY mind, anyhow.) This became especially galling when one of the priests appeared to have been mightily upset by my attire (noticeable by his vigorous pointing, scowling, and head shaking, first at me, then in attempt to direct the attention of others to my obvious evil virtue.) Considering that my attire consisted of a full, below the knee skirt, sweater top, shawl, and dress sandals, I was unclear on how, exactly I had managed to insult the entire Catholic faith. It seemed to be the shoes which really attracted his ire, which I just couldn't quite understand, because the nuns who were standing next to me were also wearing sandals. Go figure.
Now, I realize that my knowledge of religious history is shaky at best, but I have studied a good bit of Christian and Catholic art, and at least in all of the paintings I have seen, I am pretty sure Jesus his-freakin'-self wore sandals. He also extolled the virtues of the poor, whom, I am sure, do not carry the necessary capital to purchase attire that will please the priest on duty. But I guess logic never did have much place in religion, so never mind. I'd also like to point out to anyone planning a visit that there are numerous strategically placed grates on the floor of the cathedral which only become noticeable when you suddenly feel a draft begin to blow around your nether regions... So I'll apologize for my offensive footwear when they apologize for looking up my dang skirt...
Anyhow, once past the withering glares of passing priests, we exited the Temple to World Domination and rejoined our driver for a quick jaunt through a lovely square that was oddly reminiscent of Lima, Peru. Fountains, architecture, and cafes, all very similar. Just strangely missing the Italian restaurants that so dominated the Peruvian cuisine. Maybe Italy has eateries specializing in fried guinea pig as a sort of cultural exchange?
Note:
The Sistine Chapel would not be open until later in the day, which precluded us from a visit. A heavy disappointment for everyone, but we did get to see the Pieta inside St Peter's which was beyond impressive. Would have loved to have seen it without the surrounding glass, but I suppose it is a necessary precaution these days.... Also, let me point out, that Jesus is not appropriately attired in this piece for visitation of St Peters... just saying....
11:00 AM
Managed to find our Cruise Meeting Point (after one or two misfires) and were able to immediately board a bus to the port of Civitavecchia. Ride was uneventful, although we had to re-do a good bit of paperwork as we didn't have our printed Express Passes. This ended up being a moot point as the lines were extremely short at the check in desk, so the pass was not really needed anyways.
Upon boarding the ship, we had the obligatory embarkation photo, which was passable, and the necessary security photo, which was horrible. Whoever designed a system which requires the subject to look forward and down while posing for a photo is an overt misanthrope, because views of nasal cavities and double chins abounded.
Once past the camera jockeys, we were greeted with mimosas and brought to the 14th floor, where we were happily immersed in an immense lunch buffet. Dan claims that he saw snake on one menu: I maintain that it was steak. (I will let my knowledgeable readers decide for themselves on this one, taking into account Mr. Tudor's past history and proclivities.)
It was also at this time period that one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the century surfaced: "Dan Tudor and the Case of the Mysterious Phone Call." A random caller showed up on Mr. Tudor's caller ID, and for no apparent reason, much time was devoted to the resolution of this enigma; it is, however, this author's belief that the miscreant will remain at large, committing his crimes again and again, destined to be enshrined in Madame Tussaud's along with the crème de la crème of the underworld. With Ton playing Watson to Dan's Sherlock Holmes, this is the only outcome I can foresee.
6:15 PM
Had martinis at the aptly named Martini Lounge (which seemed only appropriate), then sauntered into dinner where we marveled at the beautiful decor and stunning glasswork. (If I had to put a name to the style, I suppose I would call it "Updated Old Hollywood"... a great deal of silver and glass; deco beginnings with a very streamlined glamour.) As we were led to our seats, I believe all of us began to get a bit tense: we were passing the main dining area, heading for a small enclave that appeared to be situated in a rather undesirable area behind the kitchens. Frankly, we were pretty sure that we had been assigned the worst table in the house (ship).... until we passed a small partition and realized that our table sat directly next to a huge picture window overlooking the sea. Absolutely spectacular, and we couldn't have asked for better.
Dinner was phenomenal, and the service exquisite. James ordered wine and, neglecting to make it clear to the steward that he required only a glass, was given an entire bottle of California red. Considering that the wine had been recommended by the sommelier, and having no earthly idea what it may cost, this caused a slight amount of stress until we were finally given the bill at the summation of the meal. We were ecstatic to find that it was only $60, as we had just been hoping to find it under $200.
8:30 PM
Chris went to a singles mixer after a great amount of cajoling (he didn't know where it was, he didn't know when it was, he had a headache, he had decided he was gay, etc)... Of course, once his lost, tardy, headachy, gay self got there, he found that no one else had shown up, but at least he gave it the old Stricklin try. Gotta give him a high-five for that, at least.
9:30 PM
Headed to bed. If either boy snores and keeps me awake, I will shove him in a duffle bag and slide him under the bed. Or out into the hall. I'm pretty sure they'll just take him down to storage...
Notes from today:
-Ton's iPod was stolen from her bag somewhere between Rome and Civitavecchia. I had a bad feeling about leaving that bag with the porters, but she thought she had taken everything of value out of it. Thankfully she remembered her jewelry....
Plan for Tuesday 28th:
8:00-8:30 AM: Starboard decks, view of active volcano Stromboli
10:00 AM : a) Athenian Democracy Class
b) Strait of Messina
c) Bocce Ball Class (10:15)
11:00 AM : Hot Glass Workshop
1:15 PM : History of Rome Class
2:30 PM : Wine Tasting
3:30 PM : Greek Language Class
6:15 PM : Dinner (Formal)
8:30 PM : Captain's toast
Michelangelo's (inappropriately dressed) Pieta
Trevi Fountain
No comments:
Post a Comment