Spanish Steps, Many Churches, and Shopping

Laura and I were able to hit the town in a way that I've never done before --without a stroller! So we aimed our feet toward the Spanish Steps and wandered wherever we wanted to go.

I was expecting a lot more out of the Spanish Steps. But its claim to fame is that it's the widest staircase in all of Europe. The tallest would be impressive, but as it was we were a little underwhelmed. But we climbed them anyway!

View from the top of the Spanish Steps

The church at the top was undergoing repairs. And not too impressive either. But we went in anyway!

Looking out from the church at the top of the steps

Inside, it was clear that the church needed some repairs. There was lots of chipping paint and worn down altars.

What was most impressive was that Laura carried Stella on her back all the way up the stairs and throughout the the city.

Stella has the best seat, yet again.

Blurry, but it gives you an idea of the church.

You see so many frescos (and churches in general) that the really unique ones become the only ones that you remember. I like this particularly striking fresco in that church. Even though the demon is clearly not the best.

I love violent art

Just outside of the church we found another obelisk! Yay!

We love obelisks!
...Emma tries to scare obelisks

Yes, I know what you're thinking...

"Whoa. Those are some wide stairs."

We had a snack on the stairs and called it good. All the rest of the churches we saw that day had some very nice features. We both loved the green and red swirled marble on the walls of this church: SS MA Trinita. (The Most Holy Trinity)



Genuflecting is still required of tourists...

After everything that we saw in the Vatican museums it was clear that not all the art in the city was created equally. There were clearly better artists. Maybe at the beginning of the year I only saw the work of the better artists. But on this trip in particular I happened to notice some art that was by the newbies.

Middle of the road fresco

Of course, subject matter counts for something...

More violent art.
Who wants to be saint?!...Fortunately we're not all called to martyrdom.

Just as we leave, its good to get the door, or else there no remember what the church is called.

Church number 2 also had some of the red and green marble. It must have been popular in this district of Rome. I found some nice statues here.

David with his harp(?)

And a young saint with a temper...

Anyone?

We also ran into the heart of Saint Charles. But I couldn't figure out which Charles that was.

In the church with the heart...

Massive. Lots of stripes. 

And I found my homegirl/patron saint: Helen of the True Cross!

This was an enormous altar.

Musicians. Always important.

Angel band.

Ok, I forgot to get the door of this one, but I really liked it. It was beautiful.

Then we searched out the store called "Da Da Da" in which Laura had seen a dress that she really liked. Were we surprised to see that it cost 200 some euros? Not really. It's Rome. And it was on the Corso.

Oooo! Pretty!

Desigual is a really neat store with everything in bold geometric type patterns.
We like them because they give us balloons.

Emma does not approve of this.

This particular day, with Laura carrying Stella and myself either dragging or carrying Emma through the final streets to the bus stop was quite exhausting. It was hot. We were sweaty. And it was time to go home. This was our final stopping point, just outside of bus stop. It looked impressive and a little communist.

"And that's a wrap!"

After that, of course, we all napped. Because there is no kicking-it in Rome that doesn't take it all out of you! Whew!