I am wondering if I’m turning into a paparazzi. In Rome, it was the pope, and yesterday it was Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Some of my good luck in seeing these celebrities up close may be because I am traveling alone. I have the freedom to schedule my time and be at my own leisure.
My destination was San Miniato al Monte, a exquisite Romanesque church on a hill a short distance beyond Piazzale Michelangelo.
“Closed until 2; there’s a wedding taking place,” I am told in Italian.
My destination was San Miniato al Monte, a exquisite Romanesque church on a hill a short distance beyond Piazzale Michelangelo.
“Closed until 2; there’s a wedding taking place,” I am told in Italian.
Disappointed, yes , but I had also planned to explore the cemetery that circles the entire back of the church. I don’t think I am exaggerating to say that this cemetery contains the graves of 10,000 people. Tombstones of all kinds, expressing the life and death, the joys and sorrows of loved ones and families.
As I made it around to the other side of the church, I noticed a small gathering of on-lookers staring intently through a fence toward the side entrance of the church. Clearly they were waiting for someone. It turns out they were from the Netherlands and were waiting to see their queen who was attending the wedding of her niece, Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Parma. They made space for me along the fence, and when the queen came out, thankfully they pointed her out to me. I was lucky to get even one photo before she stepped into her limo and was whisked away. The queen was followed in fast order by other members of the royal family and then after a pause, out came the bride and groom. Our little paparazzi group sent them off with applause and the Dutch national anthem.
I’ve given you a fast forward version of this event. I stood there a good hour, with lots of comings and goings and conversations. Seems the Dutch love their queen, her sister (mother of the bride), and all the family.
When I finally entered the church, custodians and priests were sweeping up flower pedals; much of the church was partitioned off, and the crypt was closed. Not a time to visit, but the royal even was well worth the walk up the hill.
When I finally entered the church, custodians and priests were sweeping up flower pedals; much of the church was partitioned off, and the crypt was closed. Not a time to visit, but the royal even was well worth the walk up the hill.
