St. Peter’s Basilica was beautiful with its Berninis, gilt architecture, and, of course, Michelangelo’s Pieta.

Outside, I marvelled as always, at the colorful costumes and stern faces of the Papal Swiss Guard.

I spent some time just sitting in St. Peter’s Square in the evening light, people watching. I never regret resting and observing. It is important to travel in order to sit, I think: sit and ponder, sit and watch, especially when going at a purposeful adagio pace.

As I left the square and walked on the Via della Conciliazione which connects St. Peter’s Square to Rome, I turned around for one last look at St. Peter’s Basilica. It was beautiful in the fading light, but I was on the sidewalk and the angle for a photo was not optimal. So, when it looked clear, I ran out into the middle of the road, composed the shot, and quickly captured the following:

Then, I took a long, leisurely, adagio walk back toward the suore and my convent, with a lovely detour to the Antica Roma Caffeteria al Vittoriano, directly across from the Piazza Venezia. I ordered insalata ricca mista (con tonno-tuna), gnocchi con quattro formaggi, un bicchiere di vino rosso della casa (a glass of house wine), acqua minerale frizzante, and a bit of pane with oglio (bread and olive oil). No! I did not eat the whole thing!! (But I wanted to!)

As I ate outside and rested my weary self, I enjoyed the sensational night view of the Palazzo di Venezia, a former residential papal palace, now houses the National Museum of the Palazzo Venezia (Museo di Palazzo Venezia). The Piazza Venezia, in front of the palazzo, pays homage – with its controversial equestrian statue – to Victor Emmanuele II (Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II),  the first president of a unified Italy.

Ciao!