Hello Rome

Our first day in Rome seemed like a whirlwind. The tour was carefully planned to fit in as many sites as possible. It was also planned with a bunch of teenagers in mind. (They didn't think about the chaperons and the fact that we were so out of shape.) I was determined to keep going and to see everything that I could possibly see on this once in a lifetime trip.

Our first stop that morning was the Vatican City. The first word that comes to mind to describe this place is magnificent! I had never seen so many beautiful structures and beautiful artwork in one place. There were statues and paintings in every corner. I think that is one thing that I loved about Europe in general; there were beautiful pieces of art in every place.

There was a long hallway in the Vatican lined with statues. Most were stately and grand, but my favorite was a simple statue of a little girl and a bird. If I could have a replica of any of the statues, this would be the one I would want. Isn't she pretty?




There are no words to describe St.Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. I won't even try. I will say that I think you could spend an entire month there and never see every detail. I loved the fact that guards would not let anyone speak in the Chapel. It was very quiet. I would just love to have been in there alone to soak it all in. The fresco's were so very detailed, one could never see every detail.



Of course, when you step back outside and see a scene like this with the clouds peeking through an archway; you know that God is everywhere not just in the beautiful chapels and cathedrals of the world.



The Roman Coliseum was our next stop. It is an amazing structure that was capable of holding 50,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial games, animal hunts, executions, and dramas. Can you imagine being in attendance for one of these events? If those walls could talk......



What trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain? According to legend, If you toss a coin into the fountain with your back turned, you will return to the Eternal City one day. The fountain was full of coins, of course, Catie and I tossed our own for good measure. (I wonder who gets to clean out the money?)



After a full day of touring, we were taken to enjoy a pizza dinner Roma style. This establishment still used the authentic pizza ovens. I'll post on that later. Just remembering all of this activity has made me tired!