Rome: so eternal a city; so little time we had there!

The other week (still on our whirlwind tour of Europe) next up for us was the Eternal City. And “whirlwind” sure did apply to our visit to this particular capital too, for we were here – inside its outer ring-road – a mere 20 hours…

But enough about logistics and timing. Let me get back to the eternity bit…

Rome. Historically, it’s probably the most significant capital in the world. But of course it is – for Rome is… simply Rome! Other capitals appear, are built up, and then either evaporate or take on some other form or status. No other city (city-state) has ever accomplished so much in stimulating societal progress toward a brighter future of civilization.

Ancient Greece – sure: it did its part too. Aristotle-tutored Alexander the Great accomplished oh-so much (and I often wonder how great it would be to have him live, rule, conquer, build, control, and further society today). But still, when Rome started to forcefully democratize everyone – it was felt by the ancient Greeks too. But I digress; all I wanted to do was show you some Rome pics!…

Rome – it was less of the tourism and more of corporate matters for us here. But it’s nice to have to work in such a historically and aesthetically pleasing rapturing location as this one. Just look at the view some folks have here out their office window! ->

Today’s Romans apparently are complaining about the digs downtown that have been begun for a new metro and to uncover some ancient Roman buildings and other artefacts. Complain? Oh my gall! What I’d give for archeological digs to be started up in my back yard!…

Oddly, I was wearing a suit (albeit, without a tie) for the whole day in Rome. Now that is rarity…

But back to the photos… Btw – they’re not mine, but those of my travel companions ->

Rome! Simply Rome! What more is there to say?! ->

Piazza di Spagna. We cross the famous square swiftly, speeding our way to our next meeting…

…Past Trevi Fountain (with our speeding briefly slowing to a snail’s pace) ->

In the main historical capital of the world I had just 30 minutes free for some tourism. I’m not joking! Oh the inhumanity!…

Over there – St. Peter’s Basilica ->

Assorted pics ->

Local harlequin performing ->

What never ceases to amaze me are the designer outfits of the security services; for example, police ->

The view from my hotel window ->

We stayed at the Hotel de Russie, just off Piazza del Popolo – from where many of the above photos were taken.

Here’s the view in the other direction ->

And that was that. Rome – done over and out. And that was it for our whirlwind European capitals tour. Time to head back to snowy Moscow…

The rest of the pics from Italy are here.