Mo Photos, Mo Problems

I live on the piazza (plaza) San Giovanni, dominated by the large Basilica of the same name. I haven't been inside yet, because I always wear "short pants" and that's a no-no. Went into the associated Porta Santa (shrine) across the street today. It basically one large chunk of marble into which have been carved a long series of steps. The faithful (in large numbers, day and night) climb up these on their knees, saying a prayer at each step.

In Paris, my neighborhood Cathedral (and Metro stop) was Jourdain. So, there's a pattern: St. John baptized Christ in the river Jordan. With any luck, in Barcelona I'll live down the street from a Cathedral called El Baptismo or something like.

Okay, I'm really struggling to eat something besides Pasta and Pizza. Its wearisome.

My project to learn Italian is foundering on my lack of people to practice with. In an attempt to "when in Rome," I've been doing other things, like re-reading Umberto Eco. The Name of the Rose puts me in the mind of the beautiful Mueseo San Marco in Florence, a convent. Each cell of the dormitory has a large fresco by Fra Angelico aka Beato Angelico.

Song of the Day: Land Of The Loops - Multi Family Garage (Bargain Bin Mix). Theme: bloggin'. I used to think blogs are kind of silly; I still do. I'm definitely past the point of feeling solipsistic. Its nice to reflect on things when things are happening much faster than you can process them.

Bonus Beat: Wu - Tang Clan - I Cant Go To Sleep Feat. Isaac Hayes. Theme: Obama. Black President.