We headed to the Colosseum this morning but it was closed for the first half of the day because there was a meeting being held there. So instead, we headed to a spot on the side of the street near the Arch of
Constantine, where we heard some presentations and info from the professors on the arch (which was apparently thrown together kind of slap-dash using parts stolen/salvaged from other monuments), Nero's Golden House, problems of succession, Vespasian's rule and the building of the Colosseum among other things. Then we headed over to the Palatine.
Palatine hill was astoundingly beautiful; ruins of ancient brick buildings jut out from green grassy knolls, piercing the vibrant blue skies. Flowers are everywhere, seas of blue and purple filling flowerbeds while touches of red, pink and yellow are dotted among the verdant landscape, small clusters of poppies and other wildflowers. Even roses cling stubbornly to walls and fences. Giant trees reach out into the air while their branches droop to offer alcoves of shade as a respite for the weary wanderer. The view of the forum and the city beyond from this vantage is spectacular, a study in contrasts as the ancient relics are juxtaposed against modern signage and machinery, like the crane that dangles in the air just beyond the forum.
The sight was achingly beautiful, but for me the emphasis was on aching.We traversed what seemed to be eternally extending steps inset awkwardly and unevenly into the hillside. By the top I was in tears as the activity put a strain on a long-injured ankle. I was not able to see the inside of the Colosseum with my classmates because I headed home to rest and pamper my ankle. I have to keep strong so I can continue to enjoy the experiences ahead.
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