Rome has long been the center of the Christian church, but before that, it was a pulsating hub of pagan worship. The few temples and relics that were spared from Christian marauders were must-visits for our trip to Rome: the Temple of Vesta, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.
The ancient, pagan Roman deity “Ocean” is the centerpiece for the Trevi Fountain.
I’m not a deeply religious person. I know that there is definitely something out there, but I don’t have a name for it. At the very least, I celebrate the Hindu festivals that my parents taught me as a child, and will pass on the traditions and legends to my children, but I don’t feel any inherent fear of an invisible deity, nor do I believe in any Christian denomination mythology.
All the same, I found myself at the center of Christian Religion, at the Vatican City in Rome. My husband and I were dubious about going at first – with only two days in Rome we were strapped for time (we had originally planned for three days, but after giving Florence a second chance, and then an extended adventure through Tuscany, we sadly ended up losing a day in Rome). But I’m glad we spared a morning for the Vatican. If you – as an Agnostic, Athiest, or Non-Christian – can ignore the mundane collection of repetitive Christian art, there is enough on offer to intrigue even the most staunch of heathens!
We hadn’t planned on visiting the Keats-Shelley Memorial House. In fact, it was a complete accident that we stumbled upon it as we approached the Spanish Steps (where every other tourist in Rome seemed to be going that day!). Housing a treasure greater than a pile of old stones, I couldn’t believe my luck when I first saw the sign hanging next to the great steps. Even my husband, dubious at this underwhelming entrance I was pulling him towards, squealing and smiling like I’d found the holy grail – yes, even he emerged from the building afterwards thankful and happy that we’d found this unassuming little gem.
The crowded Spanish Steps (left) may overshadow the Keats-Shelley Memorial (right) in physical presence, but I know which will stay with me for longer. It was also great being able to have the whole place to ourselves – a nice change from the throng of tourists.
Well, we’re back home in Sydney after another whirlwind trip. And yet again, I find myself lost in the post holiday blues.
But I’ve just realised that it’s not the holiday itself I miss the most, more the freedom that comes with it. There was no need to worry about work, or bills, or ordinary everyday things. Soaring through the clouds, becoming nostalgic about our last destination, anticipating our next, there was only the holiday, and us. Nothing else existed.
Now, as I sit here after a solid night’s sleep, with suitcases still heavy with unwashed clothes and trinkets from abroad (if I unpack, the holiday is unarguably over), the only thing that is going to cheer me up is to reflect on the adventures we’ve had. Just one more day of holiday bliss before returning to the mundane chores of reality.
I’ll recap and review in detail over the next few weeks, but for now, some highlights: Continue reading
I admit, I am slightly obsessed with Europe… Ok, that’s an understatement. My heart was set on Paris since I was a child, and since then I’ve dedicated many a paycheck to visiting my favourite part of the world. But my love of old-world Europe doesn’t come from a place of inexperience. I have been lucky enough to also have traveled through Japan, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and beyond… But given the choice, I will always pick the romance of the continent over the hullabaloo of Asia.
Is it because my Indian heritage makes anything European seem exotic in my eyes? Perhaps. But something happened to me the other day to make me wonder…
Paris or Bangkok – what’s your favourite?
