We decided that at least once while we are in Rome and so close to the Vatican we should hear the Pope's weekly Angelus. This morning we trotted off to St Peter's Square and found a spot in the middle of all the pilgrims and waited for the Pope to appear at his upper window for his scheduled 12 MD address. There were large banner bearing groups of many different nationalities gathered for their Sunday worship in St Peter's Square. There was a Polish group close to us who had a guitarist in their midst and were singing their tuneful Hallelujahs. It was a nice atmosphere.
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| Waiting for the Pope |
There were lots of recognisable Nuns and Priests around from many nationalities gathered in groups. There were also few hawkers which I am sure we not permitted to be there. It was the not the shoving pushing crowd I'd expected but I suppose in peak tourist season, it would be different. Outside the Vatican we saw lots of religious icons for sale. Being such a lovely day, the street stalls were all out hoping for business.
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| All of the statues are different |
The cameras zoomed in on the big screen and a flag was hung from the
upper window and on schedule Pope Francis appeared to cheers from the
crowd. His address in Italian was clear, mentioning widows and the poor
but I couldn't really understand more of what he said.
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| Pope Francis appeared at 12 MD |
We went back to our apartment for lunch before our walking back with the
kids to the Villa Borghese gardens. We had discussed a surprise for
the kids but kept them guessing which made it more exciting. Being a
sunny Sunday, the park was busy with families enjoying themselves.
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| Moving with the crowd down the street...who'd drive a car here? |
The
surprise was a Segway ride for Tim and Annika for an hour and a pedal
go-kart ride for Luke. They were all thrilled! I think the kids need a
bit a fun to remember in amongst the history and all the travels. For
me, the history is the fun, but for young folk, "fun" has a different
meaning. I have a feeling that the Segway ride will rate high on their
memories of Rome. An hour was enough (15 Euros each) and 5 Euro for the
go-kart. It was money well spent! It was lovely just walking for us
and the sunset was beautiful.
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| First a bit of tuition |
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| Tim whizzing away on a Segway. |
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| Annika managed to stay still for the photo |
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| Cool fun! |
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| Luke was delighted with his pedal go-kart ride! |
Tim and Annika were free to zoom off wherever they liked and caught up with Luke and us at one stage and gave us a little turn on their machines. What a hoot! Ever since Segways started appearing around cities, I have wanted to have a ride. They are super fun!
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| Segways and go-kart - a kids' paradise! |
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| Puppet show in the park |
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| Autumn rays looked like we were entering a movie set from "The Bridge to Tarabithia" |
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| The Water Clock - operates with water weights and bowls pouring out water - fascinating to watch. |
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| Sun setting over Rome |
By 5 PM, the sun set was giving way to darkness and we headed home. Rome feel safe to walk about in at night as there seem to be many out walking. It feels a bit odd for it to be so dark so early and still be a pleasant 20 C or so!
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| Beautiful colours |
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| Darkness descends |
We have been here for a week now and Rome is home!
Wow! Seeing the pope, segways, beautiful sunset!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe weather in Rome is superb at the moment and I always LOVE autumn. Walking is the best way to see things as you know...unless of course you are on a Segway!
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