The morning light eased its way along the streets of Rome in a gradual awakening. I too ambled around the streets, enjoying my first morning in the city on my own. Now I’m sure I took the least efficient route, but eventually I arrived at Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of Mary Major. The impressive white façade dominated the scene, and the interior was no less grand: rows of enormous marble pillars flanked the sides and intricate gold coffers covered the ceiling. My eyes couldn’t absorb enough of its splendor.
