Europe

My travels thus far have been amazing. I find it hard to write in descriptive detail with so little time, so forgive me if the following language is quite simple.

Rome had me fairly awestruck the whole time. It is not just the landmarks, but nearly every structure in the city that is ancient, massive and elaborately carved & decorated. Everywhere I looked was another beautiful statue, column or arch. The Forum, including the Colosseum, left me speechless. To consider that men built such structures with their bare hands & simple ropes & pulleys, that are so huge and still standing (partially) is just incredible.

Perhaps the most impressive was the Pantheon. I cannot fathom how ten million men in a hundred years could build such a structure. Photographs did little justice in conveying just how titanic that dome is - it envelops you as the ocean does a little fish, one solid block of stone which must equal the size in volume of an entire block of houses in Berkeley.

The Vatican was equally impressive. The works of Raphael & Michaelangelo, especially the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, brought tears to my eyes. Everything from ancient mosaic floors to gold leaf fresco walls was intricate to the point of genius. Truly my respect for humanity as a race & its creative capacities was increased drastically in Roma.

I am in Dublin now, friendly, warm & lively. I must say, they like to party here, and everyone is invited. Never have I had more strangers approach me to offer directions, advice or a kind word. The music & dance, as well, is very impressive.

I will write more as it comes to me - I haven't even started on the food & drink yet.

Off to Belfast tomorrow and a marathon in four days, wish me luck!

Evan