Rome

After we checked in to our hotel we decided to not waste any time and head to the Colosseum. Our hotel was really close to the main train station so we were able to get both trains and the subway there; it was very convenient.

First thing we see coming out of the station: the Colosseum! Ahh, how cool! The second thing we see: a communist rally marching the streets. Oh, ok???

We went back the next day to walk around the Forum.  It was really neat to see everything (and we got in some good exercise)!

After the Forum we headed over to the Colosseum.

We used the ever handy "abenda" to hit all of the highlights we wanted to see in Rome. Our BIL served his mission in Rome and his name is Ben, so instead of agenda it's abenda. Clever, right? I can't take credit for it.

I don't remember which piazza this is, but it has a stolen Egyptian obelisk. For some reason I found it really funny that the Romans had stolen quite a few of these and they're still standing in Rome.

the Spanish steps

Trevi Fountain

a Roman column this time

We didn't get to go inside the Pantheon because they were having mass. Had I known that I would have gone earlier so I could have attended. It would be pretty cool to go to mass in the Pantheon.

Pantheon

scott is such a good sport

national monument (with free bathrooms - yeah!)

As I said in one of the earlier posts Rome tied for second with Marseille on my list of favorite places visited this trip, mainly because of all the history there. How could it not be cool? If you're thinking of going I would definitely consider which season you're visiting in. We went in May but it was fairly hot and humid. I can't imagine going in the summer - the heat and humidity would kill me with all of the walking around that you do.