UPCYCLING describes reusing an object to turn it into something new. It turns out that Rome, with its endless streets of ancient monuments and churches, may have the most impressive example of all.
When the Colosseum, once the home of imperial spectaculars, fell into disrepair and disrepute, its building material was uprooted across the Tiber to help construct St Peter’s Basilica – now the heart of the Vatican city. An Edinburgh equivalent would be building the parliament from the city’s castle, which would have been fun.
Those landmarks of Rome cross one of the world’s oddest state boundaries. The Vatican, the world’s smallest state, is crammed within the walls of a palace complex of only 44 hectares. The origins of the "one city two states" status flow from the 1870-1929 stand-off when Popes self-imprisoned themselves within the Vatican over their refusal to accept the authority of the unified Italian state.
Eventually a deal was done, which granted sovereignty to the Vatican and a substantial payoff for the land and property the Italian state had taken from the church. As a result, modern day Popes are held up as spiritual spokespeople in contrast to their previous role as powerful and wealthy governors.
That legacy of old wealth and old power remains on diminished display in the Vatican. The grounds contain one of the world’s most visited museums, including treasured artefacts and renaissance art. Outside, a tour guide claims it would take 14 years to tour the museum if you spent just one minute looking at each item inside. It’d show immense dedication if anyone has tested that out in practice.
As the museum is also a religious site, visitors are expected to adhere to an idea of "modest dress". This basically means women have to cover up. An unfortunate group of teenagers found this out after 30 minutes of queuing in the midday sun, and perhaps regretted ignoring the assertive scarf sales technique they were met with along the way.
Inside there are statues piled upon statues, mosaics like never-ending jigsaws, and a collection of delicately drawn maps that cover the halls like wallpaper. If you make it through the maze, you find the Sistine Chapel – decorated in the frescos of Michelangelo.
While the paintings are beautiful, the highlight is the ironic security who shout "No photos!" at a deafening pitch every minute or so, followed by a long "Shhhhhhhh" to encourage quiet. It’s more peaceful at the neighbouring basilica.
It gives you a new understanding on prayer. I tried to imagine working in baking heat then walking into a room of overwhelming architecture, peace, and cool air. Sit on the benches, eyes closed, for five minutes then leave. You are bound to feel refreshed and appreciative, which is something worth keeping in mind for those who mock prayer.
However, the gift shop, with its crucifixes approaching one thousand euros, is enough to restore a more cynical view of organised religion. It is part of what funds the papal state’s global publicity work, including its regressive stances on women’s rights, gay rights, and contraception.
Fortunately, just because you’re being sold something doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Outside, aggressive rose sellers find that out to their cost. Attempts to blackmail strolling couples by waving the flowers in their faces fails time and time again. Ice bottles are more popular, although I’d suggest they missed a trick by missing the chance to brand it "holy water".
Cameron has gone too far with cronyism
I’VE seen it myself on a night out. A bouncer asks someone to leave early and they don’t take it well. The entitlement pours out. They grab drinks, shout loudly and make a mess.
So it is with David Cameron. After party disunity and Brexit forced his resignation, he’s taken cronyism too far even for the Westminster system. His “honours” recommendations make a mockery of public service.
The list includes big financial backers such as Ian Taylor and several Cabinet pals of the former Prime Minister. The leaked list emerged after reports of “ethical concerns” among government officials over some of the suggested recipients.
Taylor, chief executive of oil trading firm Vitol plc, was the “most controversial” name, according to The Sunday Times, which was passed the nominations list. He donated £1.6 million to the Tory party and a further £500,000 to the campaign against independence.
His business has faced scandals regarding its financial dealings in Serbia and Iraq, as reported by The National yesterday, and questions over its tax payments.
These recommendations reopen public outrage over the link between honours and political donations.
Last year an Oxford University study found a “significant” link between receiving a lordship and handing over political cash
It’s no wonder some people have such a low view of the honours system that they would rather scrap it completely.
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