Piazza Della Rotonda-The Pantheon

Here is a piece I wrote for another class here in Rome, but I'll post it on here as well.
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Piazza Della Rotonda. Home of the mighty Pantheon, a Roman temple to “all Gods.” The whole Piazza is centered round a great fountain, one of Rome’s best. Tourists and locals alike converge here. Conversations occur in every direction, in every language.
The “click” of camera shutters signals the death of many a moment, for that is what photography is. Omnius Paratus. Ready for anything. Backgrounds differ from the mighty pillars of the Pantheon’s entrance, to the fountain at its center, and to the small cafes placed ever so gently around the Piazza, as if to invite you to sit, sip wine, and enjoy the company of those around you. A picture of The Virgin Mary hangs from a wall on the east side of the Piazza, as if to watch over those who came before, those that will come, and those that are presently there.
Birds fly in front of the large pillars, playing with human eye. The depth of field in this space plays tricks. The pillars are so large and the birds are so small. It looks as if they will simply collide with the ancient pillars, but in reality they are nowhere near one another.
The Romans stroll through the piazza on the hottest of days in full Armani suits, as if the heat does not affect them. They sit in the sun, sharing a bottle of wine with their closest colleagues and friends. Business and pleasure do not mix well in America, but in Rome they are often one in the same.
Next to the fountain a television crew sets up, shoots a story, and tears down in a matter of minutes. It is as if they did not want to mix new technology with the views that can take many back to ancient times. There surely is not better backdrop for a news story than the mighty Pantheon.
The location of this space is interesting. It is a giant among gentiles, a king among peasants. Its central location draws attention that otherwise would not be afforded to a space such as this. Would the feelings about this mighty space be the same if it were placed near the Colosseum? Surely not. It is the old among the new(er), the rich among the poor. It has proved itself time and time again, from century to century.
A young man of Indian descent plays the violin near the fountain. Singing and smiling, he draws attention from all those around him. Tourists and locals alike. Competing for this much wanted attention are young accordion players, whose skills do not match that of the young violinist. Each one plays with their own uniqueness, and one cannot help but appreciate their song.
It seems surreal. As if this space were simply dropped from the Heavens and placed in Rome. But this place would fit in no other city but Rome. The cobblestone streets act as a mosaic. Each one telling a story of a time before. Of a business affair pursued on that spot, of a life lost on the next one.
As one strolls away from this space, they can’t help but wonder at what point in the day does this space gets a rest. Without question the streets around the Pantheon are tired from years of being treaded on. Does this place ever quiet? Well surely not, the Eternal City does not sleep.