If not for its name , it would be easy to forget that Saint Peter ’ s Square was once the site of the Emperor Nero ’ s reign of holy terror . The breathtaking beauty of the Basilica is a poignant tribute to Nero ’ s most renowned and revered victim . Surrounded by rows of towering white columns , the focal point of Vatican City almost defies description . Having imagined what it would be like to stand and gaze up at the famous frescoes of the Sistine Chapel , I was much more impressed by the marble floors and soaring transepts of the Basilica . While there , we did indeed make our contributions to the hot air which is , as we speak , eroding Michelangelo ’ s masterpiece . Our visit to the chapel was quickly done . The sheer volume of tourists , even in February , made staying more than a few minutes tiresome . A sacred pilgrimage for some , an unpleasant glimpse into the terrifying world of claustrophobia for others .
It ’ s no surprise that , for centuries , the beauty of Rome has attracted artists from all over the world . There is something magical about the light in Rome . It hits the buildings in the afternoon , casting a rosy glow over the city . As a first-timer , I felt it necessary to visit the Trevi Fountain . As difficult as it was to push through the throngs of tourists , I ’ m glad we did . Our one-euro coin , cast in the name of true love , was a small price to pay for the memory of seeing my son pitching it , overhand , into the impossibly blue water . For an instant , in its arc against a clear sky , it paused and glinted in the sun .
Tracy is a US History teacher for an International School in Paris , where she lives with her son . She is originally from Winter Garden and is a graduate of West Orange HS . When not teaching , she can be found rocketing through Normandy behind the wheel of a big diesel truck packed with American tourists , writing Young Adult Fiction , or picnicking by the Seine .
Photo by Tracy Pretorius
36 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2018