Days 12-15: Independence Day & More

Ciao again! I’m slowly (but surely) catching up on my blog posts. I have a lot to write for these days – site visits, the 4th of July, the Villa Borghese…

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is one of the simpler churches of Rome, significantly less ornate than the others. There is, however, charm in its relative austerity, as well as two works by Caravaggio: the Crucifixion of Peter, and the Conversion on the Way to Damascus. The Crucifixion, in particular, struck me, especially in its depiction of the humanity of the characters. One of my professors shared with us that Caravaggio was actually unpopular with the Church at the time, because he showed human “imperfections”, such as dirty feet. Perhaps it is up to the viewer to decide, but I find that it shows that Peter, like us, was human, and yet had the strength to die for his faith.

The next day, we visited the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. It was striking just how different the ghetto was from the one in Venice. The synagogues were telling of this difference. The few we went to in Venice were small, and for the most part humble. The main synagogue in Rome, however, built much more recently (after the freedom of Jews from the ghetto), was grand. In both cases, symbolism is present. As the photo below shows, the ceiling is covered in stars – a symbol of the promise God made to Abraham, to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. In addition, there is a rainbow, representing the God’s covenant with Noah. Compared to the many churches we have visited, the Great Synagogue is eclectic. It is meant to stand out, and that it does.

During this past week, of course, was the 4th of July. We decided as a group that, although we were not in the States at the time, we would celebrate the holiday regardless. So, we went that evening to the apartment of our professors and their daughter, on the top floor of the UW’s Rome Center. And I must say, their view of the Campo de’ Fiori was spectacular (I had some serious envy for their apartment). As we enjoyed the view, we also enjoyed each other’s company and a much-needed mellow and relaxing evening.

That night, a group of us continued our celebration of Independence Day near the Pantheon. We first stopped by the famous Giolitti, known for its gelato, where I tried caramelized fig and walnut (yum!). My friend Izzy, who is vegan, can not stop talking about the fabulous, surprisingly rich milk-free chocolate gelato she got, even after nearly a week!

Afterwards, we strolled over to the Pantheon, which, being significantly less crowded and lit up by street lights, was even grander than it was in the daylight. We happened upon a nice little shop off the Pantheon, containing everything you could want: meat, cheese, delicious-smelling pastries, and, needless to say, wine. For the next while, we sat in the Salumeria, sipping wine, chatting, and engaging with the incredibly accommodating shop owner who, after being offered wine, insisted, “No wine for me, only Coca-Cola”. I believe that these moments are the ones which will stick with me, when I am really living and seeing the true Rome, and its friendly and compassionate people.

Finally, we had the opportunity to visit the Borghese Gallery, one of the places I was most excited for. Thankfully, it was not very crowded, so we were given the space necessary to fully appreciate the pieces in the gallery. I can barely wait to spend even more time there, with my family! Here are a couple of my favorites (I say “a couple of“, as there are many):

 

 

Hopefully you enjoyed! Another post, on my weekend in Naples, is soon to follow.