Rome

There are so many wonderful things to do and see in Rome it is hard to try to pick a highlight. The highlight was probably just being in Rome! The Vatican was incredible. The ancient ruins were unbelievable. I enjoyed getting lost almost as much as I enjoyed getting where I was going without a hitch and both happened a lot!

Quick Tips:

Since we were going to be in Rome for just 5 days we decided to use cabs to get around rather than use our time on the buses. Keep your money well secured by closing your pockets with pins. Petty theft seems to be a big problem.

Best Way To Get Around:

Buses are supposed to be pretty inexpensive and easy to use but we opted for cabs. I would not try to drive in Rome. The cars and motorbikes are everywhere and don't seem to have a lot of rules.

I still can't believe I was standing in the Roman Colosseum! Built more than 2000 years ago and still standing. It is one of those things you read about and see in movies all your life but to be standing there is awesome.

It is remarkable that it is still there. Much of the materials were taken from the colosseum to build churches and other structures. While we were there they were in the process of reconstructing sections of the colossuem which was very interesting to observe. We were fortunate enough to run into one of the people that was in charge of the research and had a long conversation with him about the process. It was really incredible how much was still there for them to work with.

Outside the colossuem there are people trying to sell things and I suggest you be careful about buying and also be careful with your wallets.

We really didn't allow enough time for this and I would have loved to have had at least a whole day just for the museum at the Vatican.

It is room after room of incredible treasures from all over the world and from every era of art history. My favorites were the magnificant Tapestries, the gold crosses and jeweled chalices.

They say that only about 2% of the art and treasures displayed in the public areas of the museum. I can't imagine how so much art could be in one place.

This is a must see and leave plenty of time to see it all.

What a sight! This was a very moving experience. The Church itself is huge with enough room to allow 100,000 people to occupy it at one time. There is a treasure at every turn. In the basement they have all the Popes from St. Peter on. I did not expect to be so impressed with St. Peter's.

The statues in the Church are very beautiful. Micheal Angelo's famous La Piata, now protected by glass after an attempt to vandalize it several years ago, is absolutley breathtaking.

You can also go to the top of the dome to the roof of the church. An elevator takes you to the first balcony overlooking the main altar; to reach the roof you must climb a lot of very narrow steep steps, but if you can physically do it, it is well worth the trip. The view of Rome from the roof was just too beautiful to describe.

The Swiss Guards, still wearing the uniforms designed by Micheal Angelo, are very interesting. We did manage to make one of them smile.

At the top of the Dome there is a small gift shop and a mailbox to mail your postcards that are postmarked from Vatican City.

A popular site and one seen in several movies over time is a beautiful work of art. The tradition is that if you visit the fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain you will return.

It is near a lot of interesting things to see and well worth going to the area where it is located. It is just a part of seeing Rome!

This is a great place to be at dusk. It seems every young man in Rome was there cruising and being cruised. The elaborate steps lead to the Church of Trinita dei Monti, which is a beautiful church. At the base is a fountain that is supposed to bring you good luck if you drink from it.

There is a great little neighborhood near the Church of Trinita. In the evening there are vendors selling lots of food items such as fresh fruit, roasted nuts and drinks. Artists set up all around the Church and at the base of the steps to sell their work.

The Spanish Steps is a a beautiful sight, and if you like to look at pretty men, too, you will really appreciate the view.