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Train, Bus, Catacomb, Bus, Train, Taxi, Sing, Taxi, Ambassador, Mass, Taxi, Walk, Dinner

That is today in a nutshell... or rather a few nutshells. Am WEARY right now at 1145pm. So this will be quick.

We went out to the Catacombs today which was an interesting experience indeed.
Give me a home among the gum trees...

Australian Fr Anthony showed us around
Thereafter we headed to the All Saints Anglican Church to rehearse for a couple of hours. Thence to Santa Maria Maggiore where we sang the 6pm Mass. I had gone by cab to the rehearsal and from rehearsal to Santa Maria, seven cases, two people, 20 Euros. So I argued with the cabbies afterwards who wanted to put us in 2 cabs. I won. Longest ride today and he only wanted 19 Euros!



Nick Iles before Mass and before he found out that his
 missing suitcase should arrive tonight or tomorrow.




His Excellency, Tim Fischer, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, came to Mass tonight, as did Margie Richardson. David was in Canterbury. Tim Fischer is such a lovely, genuine, welcoming man. And SO tall. He looked Lofty Hempton in the eye and a bit more to boot. Still has his trademark hat, though. As well as welcoming us to Rome & the Holy See he also told us a little of his life and work in the Holy See and told us today's news that Pope John Paul II is to be beatified in May. He recommends not travelling to Rome then, as there will likely be 100 000 Polish in towns...

Upmarket robing room. One of the side chapels




Not sure how this happened, but funky!


Brent and Nick Ducker with ghostly Choristers in the side aisles

Tim Fischer tries to get Peter Mercuri to hold his hat. He got down to the kid's level for the photo.



With Tim Fischer and Margie Richardson

Ghost of Peter Mercuri, looking for the Ambassador's hat?

Thanks for taking this shot, Brent.
Dinner with Josh v K and Kat Morgan saw off a wonderful day.

And I bid you all buona sera. Good night.

Cxxx

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