Piazza
San Pietro
This Egyptian obelisk (85 feet tall) in the center
of the piazza was imported by Caligula in 38 A.D.
There's plenty of entertainment
while I eat. My fondness for pigeons was somewhat modified,
however, by a bird with rather unfortunate aim. Soon after
I decided to head indoors.
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On the way to
St. Peter's, I explored the quiet side streets, observing
the city waking up. I found this gentleman sitting
at a table outside his restaurant, about to begin stuffing
a pile of vibrant fiori di zucca (zucchini blossoms)
which would later be deep fried and served as an appetizer.
My first look
at St. Peter's Basilica left me breathless. The largest
church on Earth, it presides over the piazza, a huge and perfectly
fitted jewel at the apex of the elegant ring-shaped colonnade.
I settled down on the
steps of the colonnade, to soak in the gentle warmth of the
morning sun, and tried somehow to make myself believe
I was actually here.
Breakfast in the Piazza San Pietro--perfectly
ripe strawberries, a wedge of cheese and freshly baked (still
warm!) baguettes. The shops wrap up everything in
paper, so it feels like opening a gift.
Next:
Inside St. Peter's |
