So Much To Say (So Little Time)

Wow it has been an amazing couple of days. So far in the last 3 days I have seen the Jewish Ghetto, the Pantheon, Piazza Farnese, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Campidoglio, Palazzo Spada, Palazzo Farnese, Musei Capitolini, the Roman Forum and a host of other palazzos, piazzas and just downright cool stuff. It has truly been unbelievable, and I'm only really 4 days into my trip. I'd have to say amoung the highlights (and there are many) was being in the Pantheon at 1pm on the summer soltice.














The Pantheon was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I guess I could say I have waiting my entire architectural career to see this buidling, and it did not disappoint. The stonework in general was amazing, the architectural detail was stunning and the occulus (the big hole in the ceiling) was a lot bigger than I thought it was. Its funny how you study something for years and years and then when you finally see it, it is both familiar and completely fresh and new. The Pantheon is the best preserved example of architecture from Roman antiquity and, while it has changed greatly over the millenia (how many buildings can you say THAT about?) it is somehow as relavent today as it ever has been.

Though I've seen a lot, here are just a few more pix of the Pantheon...some of my favorites.

One more thing...today, Italia played the Czech Republic in the World Cup. The entire Campo de Fiori was PACKED with people at the different bars and local establishments watching football (soccer). The best thing is every time Italia scored a goal the entire Campo absolutely erupted with cheering, horns and screaming. I have never experienced another sporting event first hand that was as intense and amazing as this.

At any rate, tomorrow I will fill you in on some more of the sites I've been able to see over the last couple of days.

CIAO!