Day 5--Yes, still roaming (Rome-Ing.)

Day 5 in Rome was relaxing, though I still walked miles...loved it. After a quick stop at the local market, I met Anne for lunch at FAO. I passed through security, of course, and Anne needed to fetch me at the entrance, but once I had my visitor’s pass, she showed me the massive structure. Fun to see her office, but also the wonderful view from the top of the eight-floor FAO-UN building. The cafeteria was a lively place filled with a melody of world languages. We ran into some of her friends and colleagues and I so enjoyed the energy and vibe of the crowd. Here were the movers and shakers of the Food/Agriculture world policies.

Hard at work--Fun to see where Anne spends most of her day. 

View from FAO north.  Palatine HIll and Circo Massimo on the left.

​Then I decided to stroll the streets, look for leather goods, see the Pantheon again, and stop for wine on Piazza Navona. The Pinot Grigio there was yummy, and somehow I didn’t mind the price--the view of the Bernini art was worth it. All major tourist sites (and the Jewish Ghetto) are guarded by the military. What I noticed this trip, is that the soldiers are now guarding with their weapons in full view, their fingers at the ready. Previously I’d noticed only their presence. Disheartening.

The sun shines through the Pantheon's 30 foot "oculus."  This beam of light moves with the sun. This dome is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.  

I put the camera on "selfie" mode and took this at the center of the Pantheon--looking directly up

One of the three main structures in Piazza Navona

Not terribly crowded today, the Piazza Novana delights your senses. 

I love escaping into churches to be quiet and think.  This is Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.  The Stefano Maderno sculpture of St. Cecilia (1600) shows her with a veil over her head--a martyr to her faith.  

Later Anne and I met a Brazilian couple near their home in Garbatella for dinner. Delicious Italian food. We were “early” eaters--sitting down just after 8. The husband works at FAO with Anne; he and his wife have become good friends. 

Off the tourist path, this Garbatella place is where Italians eat.   Truly, why would one ever cook?  It's way too much fun to explore the food/wine places.

Fettuccini with sesame seeds and black pepper.  Luscious