July 27, a.m., Pantheon

We had a slow start to the day. Wayne went out in search of cash, and then we had an apalling long wait at the post office, trying to work out the complicated system just to post some cards. Anyway, the sights were close by, so we put these vexations behind us and set out for the Spanish Steps. There was a lovely fountain at the foot of these, too, in which we longed to jump... another hot day!

Then there was a lovely walk through winding roads and interesting piazzas to the Pantheon. Over 2000 years old, colossal, round, columned... Squat and strong in the square. It makes you feel like a tiny gnat or something. Inside was astonishing. It was perfectly round, and beautiful marble and art was all around. There is not ceiling, just the underside of the arch vaulting to the heavens, 4 or 5 stories high, with a big circular opening or window at the top.

It is now a working Catholic church, "Maria and the Matyrs," and empty arches indicate removed Roman statues. However, it didn't feel very holy, although wonderful. History outweighs the church, here. (Annie said she would prefer to go to church in Moruya, more comfortable. I nearly laughed at the thought of Moruya Uniting pushing the Pantheon to one side, but I know what she meant. It would be hard to concentrate on the Lord, and the sermon, with a crowd of Pagan deities conspicuous in their absence... not to mention Raphael's tomb over there... and about a thousand tourists wandering in and out!)

We sampled some gelatti outside, and tried to ignore the McDonalds facing the Pantheon - an offence to the city, really. Another fascinating walk back to the apartment for 'bruschetta' and a rest. Ahh...