Thoroughly Modern Mimi

Most know I’m a fan of Dan Brown ’s best-selling books, which I mentioned at the beginning of my virtual Angels & Demons blog tour . Can’t wait to read his new release, The Lost Symbol, coming out September 15, 2009.

However, neither movie based on his novels, The DaVinci Code nor Angels & Demons , have captured the intrigue and suspense of the written word.  Hmm, maybe that reinforces the need to read instead of being fed video?

I’m captivated with the way Brown drops in behind-the-scenes nuggets, factual details (for the most part) about artisans, art and religious history.  Brown tells it like a great tour guide, providing insight with anecdotes that make a place come alive.

But, Director Ron Howard was unable to bring the profusion of historical data onto the big screen, at least not to the degree that Brown incorporates it into his storyline. And, who can blame Howard; he only has two and half hours?

Suspense seems to be the quintessential element the movies aren’t replicating. Film should have the advantage by presenting the viewer a visual illusion, the actual scene.  The camera can zoom in or fade out the focus. The novel writer has to rely on the reader’s imagination to create the picture.

Sound also helps build suspense, the muffled thump of heartbeats or gradual crescendo of spine-tingling music. Howard’s film, Apollo 13, had me on edge, even though I knew the astronauts returned safely.  Angels & Demons fares better than DaVinci Code, but still fails to capture the fervor generated by the book.

I’m also a devotee of talented actor Tom Hanks ; loved him in Big and was crazy about his performance in Castaway and Terminal.  But, I think moviegoers can’t quite connect with his role as Professor Langdon.  Viewers don’t identify with him because they don’t feel his emotions.

Non-reader moviegoers won’t understand Langdon’s depth of knowledge or the meaning of the symbolic clues.  Trying to squeeze that information into a scene doesn’t work. Langdon comes off like an uptight British gent instead of an empathetic soul, thrown into a life and death situation.  There’s no time to build his character, there’s too much story to tell.

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed watching Angels & Demons. Howard blessed us with a new ending; Brown’s version was a devil, a disappointment at the end of a good book. The movie offers an alluring tour of Rome.  And, I thought the creation of the Vatican scenes were superb, considering filming was not permitted inside the holy confines.

Perhaps Hollywood should move on to Steve Berry books.  I, for one, would love to see The Amber Room made into a movie. On second thought, I want to visit Russia’s Amber Room in person.  But right now I’m looking forward to a trip to Paris, and can’t wait to follow the Rose Line .

Photos Courtery of Sony Pictures

We left Langdon and Vittoria racing along the pasetto (corridor) from Castle Sant’Angelo to St Peter’s Basilica. Our story now picks up speed, makes confusing turns and exposes a few devilish surprises, as it nears the climax.

I won’t try to summarize or give away the plot; you simply must read the book or go to the movie. But, let’s just say, both versions lead to our next site.  We venture deep below the Vatican– to the Necropolis .

Most visitors to Rome, and many residents, have no knowledge of the hidden city lying two stories below the main altar. Ancient mausoleums were not uncovered until 1939 when Pope Pius XII ordered a secret archeological dig. He hoped to find St. Peter’s grave .   The result of their discoveries was not publicly announced until decades later.

I learned of the Vatican Scavi (necropolis) tour while researching my 2008 trip to Italy, and applied for tickets. Only 150-200 people per day are permitted into the tombs.  Tickets costs just ten euro, but must be requested months ahead.

The morning I arrived at St Peters, I stopped a priest to ask for directions to the meeting point.  I showed him my confirmation letter and he looked at me, smiled; then said, “You are blessed.”

And I was.  To stand in the most sacred space in Rome is incredibly powerful.

I wrote an article about the Scavi tour, recently published by Bootsnall.com.  I hope you will use this link to read the details of the search for St. Peter’s tomb .

Angels & Demons Secret Vatican Tour 

 This photo was NOT taken in the Vatican Scavi, it is a photo of catacombs. 

Day 6 - Castle Sant’Angelo

Our virtual tour continues to follow the path of the Illuminati.  We find Professor Langdon charging down narrow passageways in Castle Sant’Angelo , searching for Vittoria. The timeless structure and bridge leading to its doors have rested on the banks of the Tiber River since 139 AD.

The ancient cement exterior, a round shape surrounded by high walls, is stark and imposing, hardly a castle in the traditional sense. Compared to an Italian villa or flamboyant St Peter’s Basilica,  Castle Sant’Angelo looks primitive and unfinished.

Originally constructed as Emperor Hadrian ’s tomb, the mausoleum’s intended function has changed almost as often as the popes.  Over two millennia the site has served as a fortress, prison, papal refuge and palace, military barracks, museum and …in Angels & Demons - the Church of Illumination and secret lair of the evil Hassassin.

When the plague struck Rome in 590 AD, Pope Gregory the Great is said to have seen an apparition of an angel, Michael, sheathing his sword above the castle.  He believed this meant the end of the disease for his city. In remembrance, a statue of Archangel St. Michael was erected high up on the terrace and the name Hadrian’s Tomb was changed to “Castle of the Holy Angel- Castle Sant’Angelo.”

In 1277 Pope Nicholas II ordered the building of massive circular walls and the famous 2,000 foot-long corridor connecting to the Vatican.  The first floor includes a winding ramp about 400 feet long. Between the 10^th and 14^th centuries this defensive stronghold was the only fortress in Rome.  Powerful families fought to control it.

Many rooms within the fortress were turned into small cells for political prisoners, some more like torture chambers.  The courtyards were used for executions by decapitation and the heads of the condemned were then hung along the bridge.

The popes demanded ownership of the castle as one of the conditions for their return from Avignon. They left France for Rome and regained the strategic property, which they hold to this day.

During the Renaissance, Popes Nicolas V and Alexander VI modernized the defensive position with four iron bastions.  A moat was added and the corridor or “passetto” was fortified.  These were timely improvements, needed for refuge during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Plush Papal apartments were built during the mid 1500’s, seen from afar as the brick rectangular addition on top. The lavish rooms were frescoed and furnished with priceless collections.  A treasury room in the centre was created to store the Vatican’s wealth.  Space was provided for enormous reserves of food, in the event of an attack. There were wineskins set in the walls, huge water tanks, granaries and even a mill.

A fifth bastion was added in 1560, but is now a garden.  During the 17^th century Bernini’s workshop was commissioned to sculpt angels for the bridge, thus the crossing became known as the Bridge of Angels.

In 1752 a bronze statue of Archangel Michael was added to the summit, replacing a former one. His sword points downward toward the main entrance, which Dan Brown uses to mean the hidden Church of Illumination.

The castle’s exterior then remained unchanged until restraining walls were added along the Tiber and external arches were evened with the three central ones.

In 1870 when Rome became the capital of the new state of Italy, alterations were made for military barracks. Today the icon is open to the public as the National Museum of Castle Sant’Angelo. Restoration and preservation of the historic structure is ongoing.

If you’re in Rome and want to fully appreciate the famous site, first stroll along the opposite side of the river.  The best photo op is sunset but I found sunrise very dramatic.  Best of all, the view of the bridge without tourists creates a  mystical scene.

Cross the Bridge of Angels admiring the detail and uniqueness of each statue. Then, enter the castle to tour and climb up five levels.  You’ll find courtyards, cannonballs, corridors and cells.  The panoramic view from the highest terrace is worth the price of admission.

And don’t forget to look up to see beloved Archangel Michael guarding the Eternal City, as well as leading the way to the next chapter in Angels & Demons…

Day 5 - Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi                  

We continue following the path of the Illuminati as our story wends through Rome.  Vittoria has been kidnapped and Professor Langdon struggles on his own.  He desperately tries to connect the series of clues: earth, wind, fire and water.  Using his knowledge of symbology, he heads toward Piazza Navona.  He suspects Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Fountain of Four Rivers is the source of the “water” clue.

The massive fountain sits in the middle of Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares.  The open space is actually long and oval shaped, rather than four-sided, because it was built over emperor  Domitian’s ancient stadium. The name derived from “in agone” meaning the place of combat.  But today, instead of gladiator fights, we find a festive atmosphere.

The spot is always boisterous and bustling, except for that certain night in the Angels & Demons!  If you visit , you’ll find a cadray of street performers, lively music, outdoor café’s, fine restaurants and even night clubs.

The square is also home to the  Church of Saint Agnes in Agony, commissioned by Pope Innocent X.  Legend says this is the site where St Agnes was stripped naked, but miraculously saved from disgrace by her hair’s extraordinary growth. Shall we say,  a cross between discreet Lady Godiva and a spontaneous Rapunzel.

               The massive Fountain of Four Rivers was constructed between 1647 and 1651 and is another of Bernini’s creations (does that surprise?)  To me, it resembles the famous Trevi Fountain, not in shape, but for the inclusion of heroic statues and platforms amidst roaring water. At night floodlights radiate underwater creating a greenish-golden glow.

The four rivers are represented by the Nile, Ganges, Danube and the Rio de la Plata.  They depict the then known continents under papal power.  These rivers spalsh from a central marble rock, where a Roman obelisk rises high above. The obelisk honors the ancient founder of the square.

Bernini’s statue is naturally baroque in style,  filled with symbolic touches. Bracing against the currents are pagan river gods,  animals and plants, each supposedly appropriate to the continent. For instance, the Ganges carries a long oar, representing the river’s navigability and a snake slithers nearby.

The Nile’s head is draped with a loose piece of cloth, because no one knew exactly where the Nile starts. An African lion lurches from the middle of the basin , a specimen of the continent.

The Danube touches the Papal coat of arms, since it is the large river closest to Rome. A regal horse dramatically charges through the pool.

And the Río de la Plata god sits on a pile of coins, a symbol of the riches the Americas could offer to Europe.  Since not much was known  about the animals in North or South America  in the 17^th century ,a strange looking crocodile, armor-plated like an armadillo was chosen as the representative creature.  Be sure to look for it.

Coin-tossing kids and sweaty tourists love to stand close, allowing the cool mist to spray on their body.  They watch the water cascading down the stones, amazed at this outdoor wonder.  Professor Langdon didn’t have time to appreciate the masterpiece; he was too busy trying not to drown.

Fortunately, visitors to the Eternal City find life-sustaining fountains galore, each spewing a seemingly endless supply of aqua.  Water, water everywhere… oh, where will our story flow?

Mimi (Debi Lander) did not, nor is she now, receiving any compensation from Dan Brown, Sony Pictures or the Angels & Demons tour company.  She paid her own travels and tour expenses.

Images by Debi Lander, Gary Granfield  or courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 

Day 4 - Santa Maria della Vittoria

Read a novel on the bestseller list and chances are high that the story includes a few sex scenes. Author Dan Brown is no exception; in Angels & Demons we writes of erotic art.

Our virtual tour continues as Langdon and Vittoria speed through Rome.  The clue for “fire”  leads to the sizzling statue of St. Thersa of Avila, found within the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria.  The church, never a must-see for first timers to Rome, now draws a lot of traffic. The book fans enter to gaze upon the Cornaro Chapel designed by Bernini as well as his famous piece-The Ecstacy of St. Theresa.    

The statue of a prone nun is depicted in a state of ecstatic rapture, symbolically pierced with the love of God via a hovering angel’s arrow. In St Theresa’s own words, ” his great golden spear…filled with fire…plunged into me several times…penetrated to my entrails…a sweetness so extreme that one could not possibly wish it to stop.”

This art work is so sexually explicit Pope Urban VIII ordered it out of the Vatican.  The detail on the her face is nothing less than orgasmic.  Some visitors  are shocked, others thrilled by the physical nature of this young woman, collapsed on a cloud with mouth half open and eyelids closed.

Another unusual thing about the chapel, at least to me, was the inclusion of balconies with voyeurs.  Elevated alcoves on either side wall contain marble figures. Some of the men look upon St. Theresa and the angel while others comment to each other.  These statues represent real people, Cardinal Francesco Cornaro and Venetian members of the Cornaro family.

When you first enter the ornate 1608-20 Baroque church, the interior is almost blinding; it’s ablaze of color and dancing with glimmering gold. The church is said to be one of the finest examples of this lavish,flamboyant style. The way I remember Baroque style - choke. 

Should you find yourself in Rome, hot foot it over to Santa Maria della Vittoria and feel the heat radiating from St. Theresa.  Now… ready for last clue now?  “Water” 

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Day 3- The Sistine Chapel

Follow the path of the Illuminati in this Virtual tour of sites depicted in Dan Brown’s book, Angels & Demons.

Today’s post will concern the Sistine Chapel, a site not included on the official Angels & Demons tour in Rome. To visit this famous building you must get a ticket for the Vatican Museums, then wait in a long line. However, much of the book takes place in and around the chapel, so we will add it to the blog tour.

“Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea
of what one man is capable of achieving.”
–Johann Wolfgang Goethe, 1787

I own a book listing  1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and goodness knows I live to travel… but truly, there are only a few locations that sustain unquenchable fascination and bring deep personal meaning. Such is the case for me and the Sistine Chapel.

Perhaps the film, The Agony and the Ecstasy starring Charlton Heston made an early impression on my psyche? My curiosity peaked by a man who excelled in art, sculpture, architecture and was inventor and poet.  Whatever reasons…I retain a love affair with the Renaissance, Michelangelo and his work.

I understand not all are interested in art, but I doubt anyone could enter the sacred shine and not be awed by Michelangelo’s achievement. The Sistine Chapel is simply one of those places that must be seen firsthand.

Surprisingly, the space is rather small.  Built between 1475 and 1483 for Pope Sixtus IV, the structure was to match the size of the biblical Temple of Solomon, 40.93 meters long by 13.41 meters wide. The floor is covered in multi-colored inlaid marble.  However, the vaulted ceiling covers 5000 square feet, a measurement to which I relate.

The ceiling was originally painted as a blue starry sky. Great artists were called in to decorate the walls: Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio, and Signorelli.  They painted scenes from the life of Moses and Jesus and portraits of popes.

Twenty-five years later, Michelangelo was commissioned to redecorate the ceiling.  He didn’t want the project, tried to refuse, and who can blame him?  He considered himself a sculptor, but Pope Julius II commanded him to paint. So, for four years, 1508-1512, he climbed the scaffolding to fresco scenes from the Old Testament, sometimes working sixty feet above the floor. What he created became one of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

Michelangelo worked in fresco, the application of paint to wet plaster, requiring rapid skill. He used the technique of trompe l’oeil to create beams and architectural structures that fool the eye, they don’t exist. The upper ceiling tells nine stories from Genesis. Surrounding these large scenes, he added images of prophets and sibyls on marble thrones. In all, 336 figures are featured on the ceiling.

When a visitor finally enters from a side door, time is limited. People strain their necks to see high overhead, do backbends or lie on the floor.  (Lying is frowned upon by the guards.) Find a spot on a bench, if possible, to lean backward with head support.

To attempt to describe the overwhelming aura of the room is impossible. The energy, the detail and three dimensional feeling is incredible. The video at the end of this post may help but I repeat, you must just go and see for yourself.

At the age of sixty, with failing eyesight caused from painting the ceiling, Michelangelo returned.  Pope Clement VII commissioned ” The Last Judgment,” on the  high altar wall.

This huge work, much more somber in tone, shows Christ on Judgment Day. The Savior lifts souls up to heaven and others are damned to hell.  Michelangelo includes a self-portrait, his face on a limp body which Saint Bartholomew carries toward God. I personally prefer the ceiling art to The Last Judgment.

Recently, from 1980 to 1994, the Sistine Chapel’s art was meticulously cleaned and restored, a painstaking process using computer analysis. The restoration included removing several “modesty” drapes that had been added over some of the nude figures. Specialists worked on the frescos for about 30,000 hours, the entire process taking twice as long as it took Michelangelo to paint them.

Art historians protested and debates were heated, but the project continued, reviving the vivid colors that had dulled with time. The end result of the restoration continues to be controversial.

So now, let’s finally get back to the Angels & Demons story:  In early chapters we learn the pope died and a conclave is called. Conclaves are held in the Sistine Chapel.  The College of Cardinals, clergy from around the world, meets in secret for the purpose of electing a new head of the Catholic Church.

The cardinal’s ballots are burned after each voting session.  If white smoke blows from the chimney on the roof, the world has a new pope.  If the smoke is black, they reached no decision and the Cardinals remain locked in as the conclave continues.

Contrary to popular knowledge, conclaves were not always held in the Vatican.  In fact, the cardinals were first sequestered during an election in Viterbo, Italy, about an hour from Rome. Following the death of a pope in 1268, they couldn’t agree on a candidate and were locked in to try to hasten the vote. (Mimi visited Viterbo in 2008 and will write about this tale in upcoming weeks.)

But, our heroes, Langdon and Vittoria, are in danger.  A bomb-like canister of anti-matter is hidden within the Vatican .  Should the conclave begin?  The countdown is on; the race to locate clues leading to the lethal device continues…

Day 2- A Visit to St. Peter’s Square

Follow the path of the Illuminati in this virtual tour of sites depicted in Dan Brown’s book, Angels & Demons.

Our travels continue…Langdon and Vittoria head back to the Vatican after finding the demon’s hole, the clue representing “earth” in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo. Now they search of a clue for “air” - the second element of science.

To approach the Vatican complex is to instantly feel small, as if shrunk like a wool sweater in the drier.   You stand before the colossal church, St. Peter’s Basilica, and stare. The place looks ever so familiar, you’ve seen it on TV or in photos, but now you sense its force.  “Come closer,” it whispers and you are pulled like a fish on a line.

Stately white pillars placed in a semi-circle form the colonnade, which then turns a corner and connects to the sanctuary. They envelope you, their solid presence creating warmth and security, like arms reaching out for a hug. As I took a moment to stand and listen; I felt history, beauty and God.

Our virtual tour will not enter the Basilica today; the path of the Illuminati keeps us outdoors.

The area in front of the church swarms with people: tour leaders like mama ducks lead their customers in lines; school children hold hands to stay safely united; priests and nuns in clerical robes pass by; tourists queue up, some in ethnic dress giving a hint of their background. In 2005, an estimated one million crammed in and around the streets of this area for Pope Paul II’s funeral.

Gianlorenzo Bernini, the artist, architect, sculptor who was mentioned in the previous Santa Maria del Popolo blog, designed Piazza San Pierto. Although called St. Peter’s Square, it is elliptically shaped.  Construction of the symbolically welcoming colonnade took place from 1656 to 1667. (FYI-The first Basilica on this site was built by Constantine around 320 AD, and the current one begun in 1506 and completed in 1615.)

Just like Piazza del Popolo, an Egyptian obelisk stands in the center of the public space. Made from red granite, the monolith was brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. It originally stood in his (later Nero’s) circus, the turning post in the chariot races of ancient Rome.

In order for the 350-ton column (81 feet high) to be centered, it was moved 275 feet by Pope Sixtus V in 1585.  That’s a fascinating story, we’ll also leave for another day.

The obelisk acts as a sun dial, its shadows mark noon over the signs of the zodiac in the white marble disks in the paving of the square. The pedestal rests upon four bronze lions.

At the top is a “Chigi Star” in honor of Pope Alexander VII, a member of the Chigi family who oversaw the building of the piazza. Legend says the star contains a relic of the true cross.

Two huge granite fountains were placed in the square for symmetry, the south/left one by Carlo Maderno (1613) and the northern/right one by Bernini (1675). The splashing water sounds refreshing.

Between the obelisk and each fountain is a circular stone that marks the focal points of the ellipse. If you stand on one of these points, the two rows columns of the colonnade line up perfectly and appear to be just a single row. Oh, that clever Bernini.

Around the circumference of Bernini’s fountain lay oval shaped stones, marked with directional points.  The stone labeled West Ponente is etched with a man’s face who appears to be blowing air.  He is the West Wind, and the clue needed in our story.

Unfortunately Vittoria and Langdon are too late and they encounter a murder at this spot.  Consequently, their hunt will have to proceed…

Day 1- Santa Maria del Popolo and the Chigi Chapel

Follow the path of the Illuminati in this virtual tour of sites depicted in Dan Brown ’s book, Angels & Demons.

In ancient times, travelers arrived to Rome on the Via Flaminia, a road dating back to 220 BC.  We will start there as well–at the northern gate, now called the Porta del Popolo. 

 The Piazza, a large open public square, lies inside the gate, centered by an  Egyptian obelisk.  The obelisk is the second oldest and one of the tallest  in Rome (118 feet including its plinth). The column was brought to Rome in 10 BC by order of Augustus and originally set up in the Circus Maximus. Pope  Sixtus V had it re-erected  in the Piazza del Popolo in 1589, as part of his urban plan.  In 1818, fountains in the form of Egyptian-style lions were added around the base of the obelisk.

Now, imagine we are standing at the fountain and slowly turning around. We see twin churches to the south, another church near the gate, three roads fanning outward and a plethora of symbolism all around. Clues of Illuminati significance from the Dan Brown story can be seen on the gate.  Look for the pyramid of rocks with a star shining above (the light), and also at the top of the obelisk.

The Twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (1679), were begun by Carlo Rainaldi and completed by Bernini and Carlo Fontana.  The churches are not true copies, but close enough to create symmetrical balance, something that was important to Bernini, whose works feature prominently in the book.

Lead characters Professor Langdon and Vittoria Vetra sneak into the ancient church of Santa Maria del Popolo,the church near the gate.  While inside they make their the first major discovery.

Before we enter, take a moment to study the church exterior  which was modified by (guess who) Bernini. The stone and stucco facade is simple, with a small central door and one circular window on the upper level.  From the rather plain appearance on the outside, you would not expect to find the graceful, intricate splendor of the interior. Walk in and find pink marble columns, golden inlay, statues, bas reliefs and paintings filling every niche.

The church’s history dates back to 1099, beginning when  Pope Paschal II built a chapel over a tomb of the Domitia family. Tradition says the site was haunted by Nero’s ghost or demons in the form of black crows; therefore the pope chopped down the tree sheltering the crows and built a church in its place. The name del Popolo (”of the people”) probably derives from the source of the funds-the people of Rome, but some say it comes from the Latin word populus, meaning “poplar” and referring to a tree located nearby.  I prefer the tree story. 

Either way, the chapel became a church in the 13^th century and was given to the Augustinians, a monastic order, who still oversee it. When you enter your eyes are drawn up by the numerous arches and domes in the ceiling.  Angels seem to hover about the delicately embossed walls.  To me the church feels serene but also displays a sense of wealth and power. 

Recessed along each side of the magnificent nave are eight chapels. The Chigi Chapel , named after the prosperous banker Agostini Chigi who funded construction, was designed by Raphael, a famous artist commonly known by his first name. 

In the novel, Langdon and Vittoria are searching for Santi’s earthly tomb.  They discover that Raphael was also an architect and the son of Giovanni Santi. Thus, Raphael Santi designed the space; so here is where they find what’s hidden in Santi’s earthly tomb.

Beyond the symbolic pyramids on the tombs of the Chigi brothers and astrological signs, the chapel radiates awesome beauty. Above, a cupola is decorated with a mosaic also designed by Raphael: Creation of the World. The inspiration came from Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel. (Raphael and Michelangelo both lived and worked in Rome at the same time, sometimes competing against each other.)

The chapel walls are chestnut marble and gradually curve to form the central altar.  On either side, two white marble statues dominate their alcoves.  The decorative marble floor includes the signs of the zodiac leading to the central “demon’s hole” covered by an ornate circular inlay. The design is of a collapsed, angular skeleton bearing a shield emblazoned with Illuminati symbols.  Below the skeleton rests a tomb, the demon’s hole. This centerpiece seems incongruous with the otherwise sedate surroundings.

Finally, but not to be missed within this fantastic building, but not mentioned in the book, is the Cerasi Chapel.  That sanctuary boasts two priceless paintings by Caravaggio.  Pause to study his Crucifixion of St Peter, as the art will become important as our Angels & Demons hunt continues… 

Below is an exquisite video of the church along with lovely vocals, thanks to rododoro15 on YouTube.

Mimi (Debi Lander) did not, nor is she now, receiving any compensation from Dan Brown, Sony Pictures or the Angels & Demons tour company.  She paid her own travels and tour expenses.

Images by Debi Lander or courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 

Visit the locations from Dan Brown’s book:  Angels & Demons

Mimi must confess; she’s a fan of Dan Brown books. His fictional bestsellers, The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons sparked serious religious debate. When an author can raise such widespread public discussion, he has written a powerful book.  And, a very profitable one as well.

If a book morphs into a movie, the book and author’s bankroll soars. Such is the case with Angels & Demons. May 15, 2009 marks the premiere of the feature film, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks.

Mimi remains fascinated by the book, and took the official Angels & Demons tour back in 2005.  The attractions, scattered around Rome, provide a quick glimpse of major landmarks and other  sites that used to be off the beaten track.

In 2008 Mimi returned to Rome and secured a ticket for the Vatican Scavi Tour. This time she ventured beneath the Papal Grottos, down into the Necropolis tombs.

She will share her Eternal City excitement and Illuminati intrigue through her upcoming blog posts , revisiting the following, one day at a time:

Santa Maria del Popolo and the Chigi Chapel

The piazza and fountains outside St Peter’s Basilica

The Sistine Chapel

Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria with the statue of St. Theresa in Ecstasy

Piazza Navona and the Fountain of Four Rivers

The Pantheon

Castle Sant’Angelo and bridge

Il Passetto

St Peter’s Basilica, interior and papal grottoes

The Necropolis under the Vatican- as viewed on the Scavi Tour

Please accept Thoroughly Modern Mimi’s invitation to follow the path of the Illuminati in this virtual tour of sites depicted in Dan Brown’s book, Angels & Demons.

Mimi  (AKA Debi Lander)  did not, nor is not currently, receiving any compensation from Dan Brown, Sony Pictures  or the Angels & Demons Tour company.  Mimi financed her own travels in Italy.

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 Mimi flew the coop early, leaving at 5:45 AM to arrive at what is now The Center for Marine Science at Whitney Lab by 6:45 AM.  Many may recall the site as the original Marineland, the world’s first oceanarium in St Augustine.

I was registered for the Birds of Prey Workshop at the 2009 Florida Birding & FotoFest  The early morning photography session featured four feathered friends: a Bald Eagle, Crested Caracara, American kestrel and Barred owl.  Audubon Society members were on hand to answer questions about each bird.

Nature photographer, Greg Downing, personally showed me valuable pointers about reading the histogram and using the Aperture Value. Once I set the f-stop, the Av setting allowed my camera to select the correct shutter speed.

Between tripod mount, sitting on the ground, squatting, kneeling and fiddling with camera controls, I managed to snap these shots.  For me, they are a soaring success.

For anyone interested in wildlife photography, this annual East coast event presents a flurry of lectures and field classes.  Well-known experts like Rick Sammon and Rob Sheppard teach beginner to advanced levels over the four-day FotoFest.

Following the photo shoot, Mimi was off to the airport and Baltimore. This weekend, the globe-trotting grand was attending grand-daughter Claire’s christening.

All images copyright of Debi Lander.