After the interviews, Baba and the group went to the Aragno al Corso , a famous café and well-known gathering place where politicians and persons in various walks of life sat and discussed the issues of the day over cups of espresso. The café was located in the busy center of Rome. They sat down at the sidewalk tables and ordered rolls, cakes and lemon ices. Baba watched as the crowds and traffic passed by, conversing with Minta and Norina who sat on either side of him.
As they sat enjoying themselves, a heavy middle-aged man with blond hair drove by them very slowly in a red Fiat convertible sports car. Baba later explained that this was his direct agent in Europe, referring to him as Christiano .1 Baba remarked that the indirect agent whom Herbert had contacted in Warsaw took orders from Christiano, who lived in Rome with his wife, but she knew nothing of his spiritual status. Suddenly, Baba was "absent" from them and they all turned toward him and sat still. His eyelids flickered after a while and he stood up, indicating that it was time to leave. Despite his being dressed incognito, several people along the street stared at him. Baba and the group walked to the Corso Cinema and saw White Shadows in the South Seas , a good film which Baba particularly enjoyed for its Polynesian dances. They returned to the hotel and all went to bed, but Baba worked on the higher planes throughout the night.
“”The next morning, he remarked, "My work here in Rome is over. It has been achieved more quickly than I anticipated. We have to return to Santa Margherita this afternoon."
Before leaving Portofino for Rome, Baba had issued strict orders that no outsiders were to come to the villa for meals, "not even the Archangel Gabriel!"
But that day, 8 July 1933, a telegram from Portofino arrived to ask if someone could come to lunch.
“”Clearly peeved, Baba caustically remarked, "Not even the Archangel Gabriel, and still they ask!"
After breakfast, Baba and the group drove around the city. They were in two cars and drove to the Palace and Basilica of St John Lateran, several of the fountains of Rome, and the Vatican Museum and galleries. Baba literally raced through the corridors of galleries and then sat down in the Sistine Chapel. Curious, Pendu asked him about the spiritual significance of popes, cardinals and Michelangelo, the artist who painted the ceiling.
“”Baba would only comment, "Today, this place has been truly blessed."
