Rome

I really believe that if you can only travel to one place in your whole life, Rome should be it. First off, which has nothing to do with the history of Rome, but of all places to find a parking spot… we arrived on Saturday afternoon and immediately found a spot on the side of the road. When I put in 6 euros for parking, it marked us paid until Monday morning! So, we had a prime spot, less than a mile from the Coliseum and Vatican City and for less than 10 dollars. We were set. An extra added bonus was that someone who lived nearby had a nonreliable but unsecured wireless connection. Although we didn’t have power to the RV, so we didn’t have much time on the computer, we were able to use the ipod to post a few emails which was nice.

Not being a catholic, I was not sure how I would feel walking into the Vatican. I mean I have been to the holiest of holy in Jerusalem. . But I have to say, walking into the semi circle structure that makes up St. Peters Square was such an overpowering feeling...it really wasn't anything the same of when I stood infront of the wailing wall in Israel. It wasn't so much the religious aspect of the city, it was the awe inspiring feeling of the people and buildings that surrounded. The circle has been in hundreds of movies and there were more than that in people standing in the circle with us, yet standing there, it felt as if you were the only one with the statues and saints surrounding.

We spent Saturday walking around Vatican City and then headed back to the camper. We made Pasta and drank a bottle of wine on the streets of Rome and then walked around with all the locals for a fun Saturday night on the town. We stopped by the Trevi Fountain.

Sunday, we walked around and all through the city…visiting the Coliseum, the Pantheon, The old Jewish Quarters, and well just about anywhere our feet would take us...along with eating slices of pizza on the streets

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The Pantheon was a sight for sore eyes. The building was huge and so impressive except for the fact that split right down the middle of the building was a construction set up that destroyed every attempt at a good picture.

The Colosseum was great. Outside and leading up to it, were all sorts of locals participating in every activity imaginable. There was tug of war, box car racing, a type of tennis played with tambourines and just activities everywhere. The building itself was set much more in the middle of town then I had previously thought. It really looks exactly like every picture you have ever seen, except taller. The building screams greatness and I can only imagine years ago when the people in togas rode on their chariots through the city streets just to watch the next battle.

The Palazzio Venezia was one of the first huge intersections we came to and right in front was a tremendous overpowering white building which was used during Mussolini's rule. The building is now a war museum where I swear one of the older generals looked very much like my uncle.
Here is a little secret...Italy is a tourist destination...but what separates it from all of the other places we have been is that they do it with class. None of their tourism booths or sales people overtakes and disturbs the rarity of their sites. Sure there are trinkets to buy, but they don't get in the way of your pictures, no one is begging and haggling and getting in the way of the beauty of what they have to offer.


PS. as always, click the photo tab at top to see more!