Peter Kun Frary, Professor of Music • University of Hawaii, Leeward
Peter Kun Frary, Professor of Music • University of Hawaii, Leeward
Photo by Peter Kun Frary • Canon EOS 40D and EF-s 17-55 2.8 IS USM • Next Image
The Vaticano obelisk was brought to Rome from from Heliopolis by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. In Egypt the obelisk symbolizes the sun god Ra, and as such is an odd choice of monument for the center of Christendom. Nevertheless it is in keeping with the Roman Catholic Church's history of adopting pagan rites and symbols (a highly effective method of enticing pagans to convert). Most have forgotten the pagan origins of the obelisk and merely bask in its aura of timelessness and memorialization.
Vatican City is a swapmeet of humanity: ablaze with tourists, marching bands, hordes of clergy, marauding gypsies and pilgrims of every size, shape and color. As I wandered in St Peter's Square an attractive gypsy woman holding an infant tried to rob me. Nigerians peddling fake designer goods seemed to drop from the sky and nestle within every nook and cranny.
I planned to view the art of Michelangelo, but the line--really a religion crazed mob--to enter the Sistine Chapel was a mile long (no shit!). And the sweltering heat and press of bodies nearly caused my head to explode. Romans have no concept of personal space. Zippo. Zero. They cut in line, roughly rub against you and spew their doggie breath in your face. Sheesh, some old lady keep touching my ass (!). I was about ready to pick a fight and decided to exit stage-left for a cold one in the Vatican Pub. Five Euro for a watered down beer but better than being felt up by the faithful.
Rome sidewalks and streets, like the Sistine Chapel mob/line, are a jumbled swarm. Rome is easily the dirtiest and most unpleasant European city I visited. I don't think I'll tread those cobbled streets again. I greatly prefer the slower paced Venice and Florence.
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