Thanksgiving in Rome

Back to the VC to have some mail sent the Holy way, as well as to do some shopping. Decided to give Maudy a call from just outside the colonnades. Beautiful columns, by the way; who can deny the all-encompassing nature of the Baroque style? I've been wondering what way is best to approach St Peter's: from the large road built by Mussolini or by passing through one side of the colonnades. Catholicism has always seemed pompous to me, so the large, formal road that runs up to the church in such a glorious way that no red carpet entrance could ever compete with it (and it's also the only sidewalk in Rome that isn't broken, an actual smooth pathway! More on this later) seems appropriate for all the other excesses that the Church takes upon. On the other hand, the Baroque style seems more emphasized when the cathedral's plaza is suddenly come upon from the side: at first you're walking through part of typical Rome - narrow streets and buildings bustling with common daily activities - then suddenly through a few rows of columns and you emerge into a peaceful plaza in a different country - the warm embrace of the church echoed by the two arms of colonnades is fully Baroque.

The last time i saw Maudy was Minneapolis 1994, while i was working for 3M during a summer internship. I believe he was looking at some school out around there, someplace to go study art at.

I called him around 12 or 1 and it turns out he currently lives a couple blocks from the VC, in between it and Castel San Angelo. He was just waking up and invited me to his family's house for Thanksgiving lunch (sure, him and his mom are Mexican, her husband Italian, but they're americanised enough to celebrate). Was a very nice treat for me to go to his house and enjoy some fine pasta with tomato sauce, a good salad, and some turkey (yeah i ate turkey, i had already lost trying to eat vegan so figured i should Fit In for one more meal) with potatoes. The meal and company was quite a delightful surprise - i think i spent last Thanksgiving eating some rice and vegetables (with egg, of course) in some country stop with a French guy in Cambodia.

After lunch, got an opportunity to talk with Maudy about Old Times and Old Friends as we went back to his rooftop apartment so i could admire the views of the famous surroundings. He told me lots of stories of lots of people from high school, most of which i cannot repeat here due to their personal nature, however, if you happen to want to know more, contact me. It's interesting how Maudy knows a take on people separate from everyone else's - during the little reunion i attended in January the folks repeated very different, tame stories about the some of the same people.

His apartment really does have a great view of the VC, including what he says is the Pope's bedroom. I didn't stay long enough to see the Pope go to sleep as i had some more shopping to do. I of course had the idea of something good to get my niece, just had to find the right one.

Was sad to go on my way after visiting an old friend and old ideas, but at least next time i'm in Rome i might have a cheaper place to stay.