It has been a few months now since I was in Rome. Yet, the feeling of Rome has stayed with me. It’s hard to describe. Every city has a personality. There are some cities that are welcoming and inviting. Other cities are dirty, and scary. Still others have an energy that is exciting and invigorating.
For me, Rome was all of these and more. On one hand, it was steeped in ancient tradition. The Ghosts of ancient Rome were still present. The evolution of the ancient was overlaid with an oppressive Catholic air. Yet, on the other hand, that very air was vibrating with life. I could see it in the faces of people–some locals–most tourists, I presume. I would have liked to explore and research the Eternal City through the lens of my camera in greater detail, but alas, I had but one day.
This gallery is the first part of a two part essay on the people of Rome from last September, when the sun was warm, the leaves were turning and the city was very much alive. I’ll post the second part in a day or so. Your questions, comments and/or profound thoughts on the purpose of life through the lens are most welcome.
Catholicism is omnipresent in Rome as are the special souls who have made a life of service in the church their career.
With its own ancient cultural and religious heritage, contemporary Rome has become a melting pot of world culture.
For the Romani diasporo throughout Europe known to some as Gypsies, Rome offers a cultural inviting adoptive place to live.
95% of Italy’s Muslim population are not citizen’s of the country.
1.5 million Muslim’s call Italy home, making Islam the second largest, yet unrecognized religious group in Italy.
Kneeling in the attitude of penitent prayer, this woman remains still for hours, hoping her prayers will be answered with coins in her cup.
Policing both the military and civilian populations, the Carabinieri are a special branch of the Italian military with Gendarm like duties.
Soldiers in the Italian military, men and women alike, share police duties near the Castel Sant´Angelo in Rome.
In spite of the sporadic service, cell phones in Rome are ubiquitous.
Near the Roman Colosseum, street vendors sell jewelry and trinkets for prices discounted especially for tourists.
Whether marble or stone, ancient or modern, steps are the preferred resting place for tourists and locals alike.
They may have seen better days, but these roses are still romantic when you’re in Rome.
For a Euro, this talented soul will play a song that would be romantic in any city.
I’m not sure if it’s a good living, but he made us smile with his music.
Delightfully iconic, sounds of the squeeze box on the streets of Rome enhance the feeling of love in the air.
On the steps of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in the Piazza della Minerva near the Roman Pantheon, tourists find plenty to see.
With steps of stone and marble, why not sit down and take your shoes off?
Not sure what she was looking at, her wrinkled brow suggested she had her doubts about it.
A woman in an Italian green dress strolls past wall of Castel Sant´Angelo, as the Italian flag flutters above.
On a beautiful morning in Rome, the Tiber River is a great place for a bit of exercise.
They're Calling To Me 