The Eternal City

For me, Rome was one of those things that you try not to hype up too much in your mind for fear of being let down (like the buckeyes winning national champtionships). Well, I was wrong. There could not have been enough hype for this one.

Rome is amazing.

You want history? Overwhelming. You want awesome architecture? Plenty here. Ancient ruins? Untill your heart is content. Art? Everywhere you look. Good food? Have you ever heard of pizza or gelato? Like I said, Rome did not let me down what-so-ever.

We cruised miles a day by foot all over town, on top of the ancient Roman super highway (now called Via Cavour, and on top I mean it is paved over), around the ancient city, and the Vatican to name a few. I am happy to say that I have only eaten gelato (basically the best ice cream, ever), pizza, and some fruit from the stands for the duration of my stay.

Have you ever seen the movie 'Gladiator?' Remember the shot of Rome where the birds are flying on the morning after Maximus is captured? I could see that scene looking at the old ruins, the clouds here at sunset fit the shot perfectly. It was even quiet, being Sunday, the cars weren't allowed on the roads around Palatino hill and the Colosseum.

I sure am glad that I threw a coin in the Trevi fountian -- that means that I will make it back to Rome sometime.

Just a few shots of the Colosseum

The Pantheon, the largest ancient Roman building still intact

Michelangelo's plaza design at Campidogilo, the horse statues are about 1,900 years old!

Palatino Hill Ruins, where Romulus supposedly lived

Fontana di Trevi, the most famous fountain in Italy, flowing with the virgin water from the Roman original aquifer. It depicts Neptune and the sea (among many other things) by two horses, one is tame the other is wild. Pretty cool I thought.

In the famous Plaza Navona, the guy is fighting an octupus!

Pizza, yep I took a picture of it

Gelato!