Catching The Late Show At The Vatican

I had no more set foot into St. Peter's Square at the Vatican than I nearly bumped into the big man himself.

Nope, not the Pope. David Letterman.

Who knew that after six years of living within a few dozen miles of Big Dave's house (supposedly somewhere near Greenwich, CT) that it'd take a trip to Rome to bump into him. He was ambling up my direction a few yards away with what I think I can safely assume, having never seen them before, were his son Harry sitting on his shoulders and his longtime girlfriend at his side.

It was pretty cool (better than seeing the Pope for me) to see the man who's provided the entertainment to close out many of my nights over the last couple decades wandering around as a tourist just like I was. I actually think I'm a bigger fan now after seeing him strolling through St. Peter's Square sans entourage, special escort, or any sort of fanfare and headed to stand in the line for the basilica with the rest of the tourists.

I didn't take a picture, approach him or even nod my head his way in recognition (like he'd care anyway). Since he seemed to be enjoying some quality time with the family away from the throngs that could easily recognize him stateside (I don't know if the Late Show plays in Italy), it didn't seem appropriate.

My parents did manage to snap a quick picture from a distance, although I can't post it here as proof now that their camera is in the hands of some nefarious Roman thief. Returning my attention to checking out St. Peter's, I eventually lost him in the crowd as he wandered inside the basilica long before I did.

But, if you catch his show over the next couple of weeks and he works Italy into some of the show's bits, now you'll know why.