When we originally toured it I remember thinking to myself that it was one of the most beautiful places I'd ever seen. I thought it looked like a movie set, as touristy as that sounds. .
The archaeological excavations at San Crisogono appealed to me most. The remains of the frescoes surprisingly retained very vivid colors.
I noticed that the tops of some of the frescoes were cut off. If you looked closely, you could see images of feet and torsos. San Crisogono was renovated in the twelfth and seventeen centuries. I wonder if the architect(s) constructed the new flooring to hide the tops of the images? Which would be weird because the floor on the upper level is Cosmatesque.
I also tried to identify the sarcophagi in the old dye factory. I was proud of myself when I realized the basins were constructed before the fourth century.
Jeff pointed out that the figures on the sarcopagus were all women carrying out household duties. Again, the recurring theme of women in the churches we've visited. Coincidence?
Next was Santa Cecilia where we accidentally became wedding crashers. I felt a little rude initially, but Rebecca cracked me up when she said, "Shoot, I would let a bunch of tourists crash my wedding. I'm down. Take your pictures." So I did.
Santa Cecilia was beautiful. The tile work and gold finishes on the ceilings of the underground chapels were amazing.
I skipped lunch at the square and decided to go grocery shopping. As much as I love the pizza and pasta I'm pretty sure I've heard the sound of my wallet crying in the distance the past few days. Dr. Bednarz's sentiments about learning the hardships of immigration were all to real when the cashier asked me in full Italian if I had extra coins so she could give me even change. Blank stare. Shrug. Like the gelato man, she laughed.
Later in the afternoon was Dr. Sebastian's class in the courtyard, which was relaxing. We spoke about the Order of the Friars Minor, Dante, Pope Boniface VIII - who was a horrible Pope, but made me laugh hysterically when I found out about the Jubilee: I had a talent show at my elementary school called "The Jefferson Jubilee" that I performed in growing up. I wonder if they knew the history behind the word before they named the show. Hilarity.
My day concluded with a Rice Ball that made my taste buds sing thanks to Michelle Brenes. I'm pretty sure I had a talk with Jesus. It was great.
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