10 ...

Michelangelo (embracing Picasso warmly)
Pablo! How good it is to see you again. You know the others? 

Pablo Picasso

Picasso
Yes, of course ... (shakes hands with the others) ... Hello again David, Raffaello, Gian Lorenzo. Nice to see you all again – this time in your own city – although I hope you enjoyed the event in Venice as much as I did. (friendly greetings and expressions of agreement all around) What a beautiful morning in Roma. Where are you four headed so early?

Newkirk
We are on our way to the Sistine, with the great artist himself, to talk about the ceiling in terms of Michelangelo's artistic legacy. Join us, if you have the time, please.

Picasso
That would be delightful, thank you. Certainly I'll come along. (smiling) I'd like to bet that you two (indicates Raphael and Michelangelo) have been exchanging rather pointed remarks.

Raphael 
That is a bet you would win, my friend. Glad you can join us, although you know from our previous encounters that I disapprove of your atheism. Your earlier remark about not needing God to appreciate this place ... really, Pablo you are shameless.

Picasso (chuckling)
Shameless? Hmmm, perhaps. But we've been through this religious discussion Raphael, and you know how sternly I disapprove of your god, and of all the others that people have invented to justify the awful things they do to each other. Let us agree to disagree, and enjoy the morning and the good company.

Michelangelo
Yes, yes, yes. Leave him alone Raphael. Let's get to the chapel before the tourists arrive. (to Bernini) But, Gian Lorenzo, I must compliment you on this marvellous structure. I see that you have used some of my devices (points to the sculptures of biblical figures above the open railing atop the colonnade), but very beautifully. 

Michelangelo, The Campidoglio, 1536–1546

www.romaincamper.it

This piazza is certainly an oasis of calm. What is it they say these days? "I love what you've done with the place."

Piazza San Pietro

(As they enter the narthex their laughter echoes from the marble floor and vaulted ceiling. They head for the hallway that will take them to the Sistine Chapel).

The narthex of St. Peter's Basilica

www.aviewoncities.com