Christmas in Rome

[vinceconaway]

I was surprised at how low-key holiday celebrations are here. I shouldn't be, because I noticed the same thing at Easter in 2008, but italians spend most holidays the same way; hanging out with friends and family all afternoon and walking through the city all evening (probably a good idea since "hanging out" translates to "eating for seven hours straight"). Italians also manage to keep in shape by preceding and following every food-oriented occasion ("giorno grasso") with days of semi-fasting ("giorno magro").

I had a fantastic day of busking. taking a huge afternoon walk all afternoon from the Vatican to the southernmost point of the ancient city and back. Christmas night i found my plan had worked; by spending the holiday in a hostel I made several friends and had an absolutely lovely time discussing life, the universe, and everything over a couple bottles of wine.

All in all an excellent Christmas, and a great way to start winding down 2009!

Nativity scene on front of Saint Peter's

Nativity inside St Peter's

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