Even when we think of art and artists, what has the greatest influence - Nature or Nurture? For me, the simple answer – it depends. Both have influences, but I think after seeing what is being exhibited as art, see that so much has evolved from the cave “paintings” from thousands of years back. Was it because the genes improved? Talent can only get you so far – thus the phrase; 1% inspiration – 99% perspiration. Without work – nothing gets done. Go figure (-:
http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/h/harris-nurture.html
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel rooftop garden buffet. We are “guided" to an open table by a courteous young man – that means anybody under age 35. Find out Ali had lived his early life in Afghanistan. He mentions his family had originally come from an area farther East – in the orient. As a traveler, I am interested in hearing more about his background.
On prior trips to Hungary and Turkey, found the people who eventually became the predominant people of those countries, also originally came from “The Orient” - The East, wherever that is.
For us, East will be much closer. We go East of the hotel, yet West of the Tiber River where we will find the Forum, Colloseum, and many more of what are considered “must see” items. I agree. Seeing a photo or painting of a place is most times no match to – you had to be there to appreciate... whatever.
First stop though is much closer – investigate the area we briefly visited yesterday near the train terminal. We were told to stop into Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs - Basilica.
http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/index.htm?lingua=INGLESE&cambialingua=SI
The clip below will allow you to take a 360 degree virtual reality view of the church. Hold down the mouse button once you have the cursor in the center of the picture. Moving the mouse either left or right will allow you to “spin” around the room. Apple QuickTime software is required. A link for free download is on the main basilica page above. Note the pink marble columns used by the the architect – Michelangelo Buonarroti. He had repurposed the building that had been use as Roman Thermal Baths of Diocletian many centuries before.
http://www.santamariadegliangeliroma.it/dettagliofotosing.html?chiave=2929&lingua=ITALIANO&ramo_home=Home&codice_url=index_clip
From the church, we go East, cross the roadway to Fontana delle Naiadi in Piazza della Repubblica - The Fountain of the Naiads- water nymphs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Repubblica,_Rome
We then pass through the center of the two large arched buildings which take us directly to Via Nazionale. A wide boulevard that about 1/2 mile eastward will direct us to a key area of ancient ruins. This includes the Roman Forum and Colosseum. We spend the remainder of the day just looking and enjoying all that we can. We review our map location from time to time to try to expand our travel boundaries. Always new fantastic things to see.
http://archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en
Trevi Fountain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevi_Fountain
Piazza Navona http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona
Pantheon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome
Pantheon Plaza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Rotonda
The list could go on, but will cover these in upcoming visits when with the tour group. It is so nice to just stop and watch all going on. With the sense of a homing pigeon, we find our way back to the hotel area and have dinner at the same café we were at a night before. The food is tasty. The ambiance fabulous.
Jan. 13, 2014 add - As I was getting information to a friend who is planning a trip to Rome, came across this post - the-pantheon-or-home-sweet-rome
http://anikia.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/the-pantheon-or-home-sweet-rome/#more-166
I like this persons sense of humor. She always has a "friend" join her on trip - wherever (-:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22711575@N08
Tomorrow, more adventures.
Photo 1. Outside Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs - Basilica
Photo 2. Inside Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri – Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs - Basilica
Photo 3. Dragging ourselves back to the hotel with full bellies and tired feet (-:
Click below for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2013C2CDay14of28
