Last evening of Ro(a)ming

13 July
It's now 8:30 pm in this lovely city and we've just had a very nice meal after climbing over 520 steps to the top of St Peter's Basilica. At times the climb was quite claustrophobic as the winding stairs were very narrow - in fact, the last 20 steps or so had a rope to grab onto in the middle of the tightly spiralled staircase! The view from the top was of course spectacular, though I made sure I didn't go too close to the edge. We attended the 5pm service again, this time being treated to some lovely singing in English from a girls' choir.
I remembered that I was supposed to say something about being a pedestrian in Rome. I believe that walking around Rome could be classified as an extreme sport, as there is such great risk involved when crossing the road, you really take your life into your hands each time you step off the footpath. Pedestrian crossings (usually in very faded patchy markings) are an indication only to pedestrians that you may have a go at this risky business of crossing the road at this very spot only if you fully realise that whatever may happen to you in the next few seconds will be entirely your own fault. Approaching motorists are quite within their rights to take potshots at you (perhaps the motorists' version of ten pin bowling with the fun of moving targets! They will frequently swerve in front of or behind you as you walk across those faint stripes (which you falsely believe to be your passport to safety), but you, as a pedestrian, must maintain a fixed gaze on the footpath opposite and do not allow your quaking knees to be at all visible to the driver - he who hesitates WILL be lost - and stride across confidently, all the while praying fervently that this is not your final breath! It is truly an act of faith. Having a green pedestrian light at an intersection really holds very little value as far as the Roman motorist is concerned - I was even tooted at by a scooter as I crossed at such a time. Of course, I had to pretend that I didn't care one little bit and kept right on walking as if nothing had happened. When in Rome ...
Shortly after this, my peace was again disturbed as a scooter came up behind me on the footpath, the driver (dressed in an immaculate suit) apparently looking for a place to park. A pedestrian must never fall into the trap of becoming complacent, no matter where his location.
I'm aware that I've left huge gaps in our travels between Germany and Italy, so will try to update as we stop over in London and Los Angeles on our way home.
Photos above: the top three are creative parking that my possible not be acceptable in NZ, two slightly distracted buskers, Gordon near the top of the Basilica, two views of bella Roma from the very top of St Peter's, the inside of the dome, and the view of St Peter's from our balcony. (Sorry if the order of these photos is slightly askew.)