Mamma Mia! I love Roma

After an exciting and overwhelming three-day visit to Rome and The Vatican, I have returned home with a creak in my neck. The only times I can remember not having to look up is when I had to consume my meals, cross the street or check out some good-looking dude. The rest of the time, I had to keep my head tilted upwards to enjoy the beautiful sculptures and paintings. To me, everything was just majestic. Oh! Those stunning ceilings. Our "bocor land" government could learn a thing or two about ceiling maintenance from these guys.

I went to Rome with my church group and stayed in a hotel close to Vatican City. While in Rome, our group of 24 people decided to split into a few teams. Since some of them have been to Rome before, they had the option to join a team to explore places they have not visited.

It was a thrill for me to take in the sights of Rome at night. If I were alone, I would not have done it. However, it was an opportunity for me since we had two guys in the team who led the way. While they were excellent 'bodyguards', their sense of direction was questionable. After dinner, the six of us decided to walk back to the hotel using a city map as a guide. Some of us began to grow tired and weary after 30 minutes. Neither our hotel nor a familiar street were in sight. The two older ladies in the group kept asking the guys how much longer we had to walk. To assure us, the younger of the two guys said that we only had 700 meters more to go. I tell you, that was the longest 700 meters of my life! We got back to the hotel safely - two hours later.

Despite our tiredness from the "700-meter" walk, we were ready to go out early the next day. We spent many hours on our feet at the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, Catacombs of Priscilla and St Paul's Church outside the Wall. We got back in time for dinner. This time we made sure our chartered bus waited for us at a designated spot to take us back to the hotel. No more evening walks.

On Sunday a small team of us attended morning Mass at a quaint old church. After Mass, a friend, her daughter and I broke away from the group to make our way to the Pantheon. Later, I went off in search of the Trevi Fountain, while my friend took her daughter to a 3D history show of Rome. With a city map as my guide, I found my way to the fountain.

It was definitely a popular spot. Many people were just hanging around the area. I did not see signs of people walking away. It just got more crowded by the minute. Some were posing for cameras while others were throwing coins in the fountain. The Trevi Fountain is definitely a magnificent piece of work - simply breathtaking. I managed to get my photo taken at the fountain with the help of an Italian lady. Before I left the place, I had to do one last thing - toss a coin into the fountain. A traditional legend holds that throwing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome. Lady Patsy sent me a text message later that evening reminding me to throw three coins. Too late! I couldn't possibly make my way back to the fountain once I was on the other side of the city. Anyway, I was a little curious as to why she mentioned three coins instead of one. So, upon my return to Germany, I looked it up.

According to Wikipedia, the "three coins" of Three Coins in the Fountain were thrown by three different individuals. A reported current interpretation is that two coins will ensure a marriage will occur soon, while three coins leads to a divorce. A reported current version of this legend is that it is lucky to throw three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. hmmm.... I do believe Lady Patsy was going with the latter.

Anyway, after I had my fill of Fontana di Trevi, I decided to look for some souvenirs. I found a shop that offered a variety. There was a large array of statues, tapestries, fridge magnets, key chains and decorative plates. As I walked in the shop, I heard a familiar language. Lo and behold, another Malaysian shopping for souvenirs. It was a lady with her three children. I greeted her and asked if she was from Malaysia. I had to because the last time I overheard a couple talking to each other, I assumed they were Malaysians. I found later that they were from Singapore. The lady confirmed it and said that she has been living in Italy with her family for the past two years and will be returning to Malaysia in a few weeks. We talked a bit about our locations in Europe while she chose some fridge magnets for her daughters. During our short chat, we found out that we grew up in neighbouring residential areas in Klang. When she left the shop with her purchases, I began to look for my souvenirs.

After 45 minutes, I departed from the shop several Euros poorer but thoroughly satisfied with my finds. I headed on to the pre-determined location to meet with my friend and her daughter. We took a bus to The Vatican to visit St. Peter's Basilica.

While we were there, we also viewed the tombs of the past popes below the Basilica. The beginning part felt like as though we were in a museum. Popes of centuries ago was not significant to me. It did not feel like a burial ground until the names of popes began to look familiar. Suddenly, there was a strong sense of solemnity and sadness upon seeing Pope John Paul II's tomb. Many people were kneeling around and praying. Some had tears in their eyes. It was especially moving to see a young girl, about 9 years old, with tears streaming down her face. When she could not hold back her sobs any longer, she got up and went to her father standing behind her. She hugged him and continued crying while he consoled her with tears in his eyes. After saying a short prayer for the late Pope, we moved on to the other tombs and exited the place. It was an overwhelming experience for me yet one so befitting to end my pilgrimage to The Vatican.