When in Rome; do as ... your father did!

Following graduation as Lieutenant in the Polish Army, dad and a few others stopped in Rome before reporting to duty back near Ancona. They were fortunate to stay in a hotel next to a group of Polish students, and joined them in daily tours of Rome. It was an opportunity to learn more of an historical city that still showed remnants of civilization centuries before the birth of Christ.

Among the visits he made was the Vatican, where guides explained the unique architecture of St. Peter's basilica , with albatross columns supporting this majestic structure.

From the inside of St. Peter's, dad and the students took a staircase to reach the dome, and from there climbed ladders to reach an observation point above the dome. Today spiral stairwells climb 360 steps from the domes base to its top, where spectacular views of Rome and the Vatican greet the climbers.

Among the other places of interest in the Vatican were the Sistine Chapel and tours of the catacombs.

Often after visiting a venue, dad returned in the evening. A common visit was to the Colisium, where he visualized spectacles in front of roaring crowds below him. 'panem et circenses' the promise of bread and entertainment kept the crowds in line. Such promises would not subdue the people under Russian occupation. However Stalin now held company with victorious Allied leaders. Surely, they would see through his ruse.

Quo Vadis? Where are you going Lord? A scared St. Peter asked an image as he fled Rome in fear. He was guided back to Rome to confront the ruthless emperor Nero. Dad was convinced his mission was to go back and liberate Poland from the ruthless Russian leader, Stalin.

Every victorious general was marched through Rome with his throng of warriors, captors, and exotic spoils. The long march wound through arches along the old streets and ended atop Palatine Hill. It was the only time in Rome that any mortal was considered a god, until the general stood face to face with their true god Jupiter atop the hill. The Polish soldiers returning to their bases looked forward to marching along the liberated streets of Poland.