(including some reflections)

A small sample of the fascinating bits and bobs of daily life left in the Colosseum. Oil lamps, bones from snacks, pottery shards, jewelry, burned or petrified foods, jugs. Not to mention drawn and written etchings.

After the Colosseum, I walked on to the old city and Roman Forum. After the packed crowds, it was refreshing and calming to stroll through this park of tall spindly trees and ancient stones. Once I reached the forum itself, the crowds came back although not as packed. But for a while there was a respite. I would love to return one day with an easel and larger supply of paints. I found the ruins beautiful: the perfect arches and impressive masonry were still visible, but time had worn these structures into more organic shapes. The narrow passages of interiors were now remaining on their own, tall walls had turned into sorts of towers, and stairs led seemingly nowhere. The trees and spindly walls mirrored each other. And the sky was wonderfully, intensely blue.

A few reflections on Rome:

Rome was my final stop on a nearly four-month journey in Europe. (My journey in Europe had been preceded by almost a year of adventures in the Caribbean). I was exhausted by the time I arrived in Rome. I found the city stressful — full of noisy cars, packed with people, aggressive tour guide pitches, busy and impersonal tourist office staff and waiters, hostel-mates who had come either to party or keep busy with friends. It was a city made for people who had planned an extensive and detailed itinerary months in advanced and reserved everything they need. I ran into many bumps trying to visit the few sites on my list. Exhaustion never helps stress.

Despite this, there were of course moments total beauty. For every upsetting realization, there was a good surprise. My first night, although worn out from travel, I decided to walk to the Colosseum. (I had promised myself to do something every day). After weeks of happy wanderings, I was overwhelmed by being back in a Car City. But I spotted a staircase up to a little park looking out at the Forum and Colosseum and watched an absolutely stunning sunset.

The following day my attempts to enter the archaeological area were thwarted (if you ever need to hear a rant, ask me how). Not in the mood to wander amongst the cars, I went to the modern art museum followed by wandering through a park. I was calmed, and thus prepared to face the crowds the following day when I entered the archeology park. The scale of the ancient city and the quantity of stuff that we can view from thousands of years ago is simply amazing. It’s worth the crowds and noise. And it’s worth it took take lots of photos, pick up a copy of the guide, and let yourself (months later) look back and reflect on it all.

My final experience of Rome was arriving perfectly early, bags well arranged to the airport only to be thrown into a mad dash through the airport. My airline did not have enough crew, the flight wouldn’t be leaving, but I could join a flight on a partner airline. As I was handed my new ticket, I learned my new flight was boarding in less than an hour and my check in gate was in another terminal. The Delta attendant suggested I run.

I made it. We landed safely in Boston, USA. In retrospect there were many funny moments as the crowd of Bostonians ran and complained their way through the airport. If only I could catch my breath enough to laugh.

Janet Sebastian-Coleman – April 29, 2023 – Writing from Connecticut