Could you clear something up for me while you're there?  I've always wanted to know ... what is it exactly that Romans do in Rome?

On another issue, anyone going to china any time soon?  I'd love to know how much fish cost.

Sole: $14.66/#

Frog legs:  (I know it's not fish, just thought I'd throw it in for S&G) 2-4pair(jmb) $2.35, 4-6pair(lge) $2.40, 6-8 pair(med) $2.50, 9-12pair(sml) $2.40, 12-
16pair(very sml) $2.35.
 

White Shrimp: 36/40 ct $2.90, 41/50 ct $2.70.
 

Squid: TUBES/TENTACLES: 3-5inch $1.40, 5-8 inch $1.95. Rings: $2.60.  TUBES: 3-5inch $1.85, 5-8inch $2.60.  RINGS $2.60.`

They cross the street without pedestrian crossing lights and hope for the best.  Also, many of them buy cars where you actually apparently have to hold down the middle of the steering wheel in order to turn the horn OFF.  They also speak the least english out of any country I've visited so far.

That said... there is SO much to see, and as I am a big fan of both pasta and pizza, there were plenty of italian restaurants to satisfy my requirments.  I liked the ice cream too.  It was an expensive holiday over all, but I did enjoy myself.

I'll see if I can get some pictures uploaded in a bit...

Hi phooney. Congratulations on your trip to Rome.  I am curious about one thing though and I might impose upon you if I could.  If you travel near the Vatican see if you can find out whether the Pope is going commando or free balling ( ie, not wearing underwear ) underneath his priestly robe.   I've heard that Catholic clergy are pretty kinky sexually and I just wanted a little confirmation if possible.  Thanks.

ps, post any pictures if you are able.

Ciao !

Santa Maria Maggiore

I was interested to find that they have a museum under this Church, which claims to have arms from Luke and Matthew:

Hair from the virgin Mary:

AND a thorn from the real live for true crown of thorns:

I couldn't find much information regarding where or when these relics were acquired.  Information regarding what tests to verify them have been similarly hard to come across.  I find that  odd... don't you?

Climbing the stairs up St Peter's, they get quite an angle on when you start getting near the top of the dome!

It is a nice view of the city though

I also climbed the Scala Santa, which are supposed to be the stairs Jesus climbed a few times when he was condemned, and supposedly even still have some blood on them.  They have been covered with wooden steps to protect them, but they leave plenty of gaps to show the original marble.  According to my guide to Rome, they can't be verified earlier than the 7th century or something like that, and even so you have to go up them on your knees.  It was the only way I could get any decent photos of the marble bits anyway.  So you tell me, the blood of Jesus or ancient coffee stain:

The stairs were pretty plain, but the artwork all around them on the ceiling and walls was quite nice...

The Image right at the top of the stairs:

San Giovanni Laterano.  You can't accuse them of making small, plain buildings.

Idolatry or not?

After all this walking around, I was hungry.  Some restaurants are more accomodating than others though:

I have various other photos if anybody has any requests!