Rome, Italy 6/29 - 7/2

The Spanish Steps-Rome
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Arriving in the train station was very overwhelming....MANY people!  It was a relief when I realized that our hotel was very close by, and we were able to drop our things off and start the day of site seeing.  We took a bus tour which helped us to get a idea of places to visit later.  Then we took a walk to the Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain.  We definitely came in high tourist season, because both sites were very crowded, but it was still amazing to see them.

The next day we visited the Vatican where we entered St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.  St. Peter's was breathtaking...the elaborate detail of everything from the ceiling to the floor was so much to take in.  We also visited St. Peter's and Pope John Paul II's tombs.  Then, we stood in a long line to see one of the Vitican musuems that led to the Sistine Chapel.  Now, the Chapel itself is at the end of long hallways with hanging art, detailed architecture, sculpture, ect. So, every time you entered a new area on the way to the Chapel you would say 'so, is this the Sistine Chapel', but when we finally reached it, we knew...it was incredible.

Trevi Fountain-Rome
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On the night of the Italy World Cup game, we enjoyed our best meal so far.  It was a recommendation of a friend, Matt Poley, who works with a guy who lived and worked in the culinary industry in Rome for 8 eight years.  So, needless to say.....it was tasty.  The reason I mentioned the World Cup game is because the Palaza we ate in was where EVERYONE, or so it seemed, came to celebrate Italy's victory:)  It was loud and crazy, but a cool thing to see.

Another thing, one night we just happened to be walking around the Colosseum and stumbled upon a few people entering what I think was the ruins of an old church/square.  I asked what was going on, and they said that there was a Roman symphony orchestra playing that night....for FREE!  Just imagine...listening to music under the stars in the middle of ancient Roman ruins!

In front of the Vactican
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So much more I could probably say, but don't have the time, so CIAO!