After two big days in Rome we relaxed in Frascati with naps, writing and a bit of exploring our town.
During the walk we saw parts of the town that seemed very local, off the tourist path. Classic Italian street scenes. Stopped for a local pastry in the shape of a woman with three breasts. As the source of sustenance, two f II r milk and one for wine. A novel shape, but the cookie was not very flavorfful.
We found the best beer so far at a local microbrewery.
Dinner was at the top of the wall and featured front row seating to a beautiful sunset.
On Wednesday and Thursday we day tripped into Rome. Wednesday to see the colosseum and meet some Boise friends for lunch. I know, Right? Thursday was a guided tour of the Vatican.
I wanted it to be so much better.
The train ride the Roma Termini was a breeze. The terminal and finding the Metro meant navigating throngs of people and a massive train, bus and subway station. After getting to the right Metro (subway) line we arrived at the colosseum. Truly an eye popping building and amazing piece of antiquity. But everywhere lines of peol!e, bustling and jostling for their Instagram pics. Which we took as well.
Lunch was fabulous with good company, and we returned to the colosseum to see what we could see. Without advance tickets, it wasn’t much. The rain started and we headed back to Frascati.
We had more knowledge for Thursday, and timed tickets for the Vatican tour. Again, more crowds. The tour was disappointing as we learned that St. Peter’s Basilica was closed that day. The guide swapped in some other sights, but still a third of the complex was off limits. The Sistine Chapel has beautiful! The rest of the artworks were as well, but frankly the crowds and crush of smelly, rude people was a little Off putting.
After a bite we ventured to see Trevi Fountain. Again the piece was stunning, but dwarfed by crowds. We got our pics, then headed back to Frascati.
All grousing aside, it is humbling to be able visit these places that were built thousands of years ago and defined “civilization”. Even as brutal as it was, and perhaps is to see original works by Michaelangelo and the other masters is inspiring. Hearing the cacophony of languages reminds me of how little I know in this world and need to remain open to learning.
Monday, May 6
A day to explore Frascati. We walked the town after getting groceries. The supermarket was bright and clean. The prices seemed low for everything we needed . As usual, the meat and cheese selections were excellent and the quality is high. Sort of fun to see how selection differ frm the US stores.
In the afternoon we found St. Peter’s Cathedral and lit some candles. A fairly small church, it was dedicated to then Pope Constantine. Not surprisingly, the palace just up the hill was built by Constant one’s nephew. This area was where rulers and rich people built vineyards and summer retreats. Known as Castelli Romani the areas a collection of 12 villages named for its castles.
Evening was a pasta making class from a local restaurant. The family business has been in Frascati for seven generations. The class included a brief tour of the tunnels below that had been used for both wine making and bomb shelter. These type of cellars abound here.
