The Sights and The Secrets

This writing is of early Sunday evening. I have covered all of the major sights in Rome. The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pallatine Hill, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. The common element for all is each is grander than the pictures. Just like I can tell how great the pizza is, you won't really know until you taste it. The same is true with the hallowed Roman attractions - I could try to describe them, but no words can relate how impressed you are when you see them. But I'll try to give some highlights:

* St. Peter's Basillica is more Egyptian monument than church. The vastness of the space, height of the interior columns, boldness of the colors, (highlighted with rich gold accents) and the fact that a bunch of dead popes are lying around make it the most impressive structure I've ever visited.

* The Colosseum lives. You feel as if the crowd is going to roar at any moment.

* Trevi Fountain is enormous. It can not truly be captured in pictures. The sound of the running water makes it even more compelling.

* The Pantheon is a great contradiction. The outside with it's Roman writing, large weather-beaten columns and nicked-up exterior make it look like Fred Flintstone built it. But the inside is timeless. As opposed to other religous buildings, the inside is not overwhelmed by tribute. The marble floor and a few sculptures and murals tastefully decorate the ground level while the famed concrete ceiling with the graduated rectangles is a style that transcends any era.

But while all of the aformentioned attractions are a must-see, what makes Rome so fantastic are The Secrets it hides. One of my favorite things to do is walk in cities at night. The best time is as the city tucks itself in. A few people, fewer cars. There's just enough noise to let you know it's still breathing and just enough quiet to let you collect your thoughts. During these walks is usually when I compose my thought for these blogs. Moreover, during these walks is when Rome reveals it's secrets. Secrets you weren't asking about but were given when you dared to get close after everyone else went home for the night. Rome's secrets are the lesser known churches, piazzas, fountains and ruins that unexpectedly appear as you explore. Turn a corner and you're stopped in your tracks as a spectaclular structure stares back at you lit in a way only Europe knows. These are small treasures, like finding a $5 bill in your jeans after you pull them from the dryer, that just make the city more impressive . If you ever go to Rome, take time to search for the secrets and it'll show them to you when you least expect.