....when in Rome!

So there are technically a few saying about Rome.... Rome was built in a day; When in Rome do as the Romans, etc. Here goes my take on it from the 'why not' perspective, as we will probably only get to visit once!  We covered a TON in just a few short days :) 

We headed out of the Amalfi coast at a decent time and got to Pompeii just in time for a walking tour to depart, around 12ish.  Our tour guide was quite informative. I feel like we learned alot about the history of the city.. but my memory is already starting to fade. So here go some pictures with short captions :) 

The arts were quite popular back in the day. 

Here is one of the theaters at Pompeii. 

An example of the fast food cooking... 

what our guide called the 'original McDonalds' haha

I had no idea how big the city really was. One of the most beneficial things 

about using a guide is that you are less likely to get lost inside!

Here is an example of a table from an upper class home. 

It is pretty cool the level of detail they had so many years ago. 

A courtyard leading into one of the famous roman baths

There were a few unfortunate folks, who not only didn't make it out but were also encased in the ash of the explosion. According to our guide, there are many different theories as to the actual route causes of the deaths, some say heat and some say air pollution.

It is amazing how everything has been left just as it was... 

After our tour, we continued our journey north by train until we got to Rome. We got in at a decent time and had a relaxing dinner and planned out the next day. We were quite ambitious in what we wanted to see, but got the majority of it covered :)  

The first stop on the list was the infamous colosseum! It is one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen.  

Here is a picture from the inside of the colosseum. They left some of the stadium floor open to show the corridors where the gladiators and animals were before the fights. Pulleys were used to raise them from the bottom to the show floor. 

It is the largest building ever built by the Romans.

I think we got it covered from all angles! haha

Next stop was the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

We crossed under the Arch of Titus on the way over from the Colosseum. 

A few from Palatine Hill over looking ancient Roman Forum. 

Palatine Hill is said to be the birthplace of Rome dating back to about 1,000 BC.

The first botanical gardens in Europe!

 The Roman Forum

I love the view that we got in this photo!

The famous Marble Arch of Septimius Servus 

Right around the corner was Campidoglio Square designed by Michelangelo. 

Everything was so close, it was easy to see a lot in a short period. A few blocks away was the National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. I had never heard of this place before, but it is one of the most impressive buildings I remember. 

A view looking down from the top of the steps. 

After such a busy morning, it was time to refuel. We stopped at this great little place... it was delicious. This is where I got my first taste of true Italy food and I was hooked the rest of the trip. 

The Panathon was next on the list... 

Jeff took some cool pictures inside

 

Seeing all these sites has made me really want to go back and re-read some books. I picked up Angels and Demons first.... and this is one of the sites that is talked about in the book, Raffaello's tomb.

While not in Angels & Demons, the Trevi Fountain, is also featured in several movies. 

Tradition says, it is good luck to toss a coin over the shoulder and you will return to Rome. 

We had to borrow a coin.. but we got to toss it in the fountain!  

The Spanish steps are said to be a must see.... so we headed in that direction next. They are the widest set of stairs in Europe. Azaleas are typically organized around the side of the steps, but this time of year, there were just some flowers at the top. The fountain at the bottom of the steps were under construction, so I think it took away a little from the awe factor. 

The view from the top was pretty nice. We took a break here to soak it all in and figure out the next moves. While we were relaxing, we got bombarded by the guys with the roses. The beggars were very persistent with the roses... but I held strong and didn't get any (at least not until dinner the next night! haha)

We stumbled across this on the way, the People's Square. I just happen to take a photo because the building looked identical. 

We finally ventured on to the Fountain for the Four Rivers. I didn't realize it at the time, but this is also one of the spots discussed in detail in Angels & Demons. 

Navona Square was a great next stop to relax and rest the feet for a minute. There was a a short queue for the Sant'Agnese in Agone church, so curiosity got the best of us and we wondered in for a bit. It was beautiful inside. 

After a exciting day of sight seeing we headed back to the hotel to rest up for dinner. Just for kicks and giggles, I wore the pedometer that day and total came in at 23K steps! Needless to say these feet were ready for a break :) Our hotel manager, recommended a great place right down the road, Al Vecchio Lotto. It doesn't get much better than home made pasta in Italy!