october 29│day 28

BOO!

october 26│day 25

Rome wasn't built in a day... and neither was this post.  

Day 1

The first day, we settled into our lovely hostel, cried because it smelled like cat pee, took heart when Teresa discovered the linens all smelled like bleach, and, finally, walked down to the Coliseum.

It was breathtaking.

So are they. :)

The Arch of Constantine

Gelato!  It was possibly the best thing I've ever eaten.

Day 2

The second day, we slept in, packed sandwiches, strapped all our cash and passports onto our bodies, sewed our credit cards into our sweat shirts, and head to the Vatican Museum.  The museum was amazing... ancient sculpture, the Raphael rooms, and the Sistine Chapel.

Oooo, aaaahhh.

Ever read Homer?

You weren't allowed to take pictures of the Sistine Chapel. but that didn't stop Teresa.  She has about thirty shots of the chapel, but we thought you'd enjoy Creation.

A quick lunch in one one of the gardens and then, off to St. Peter's Basilica.

A Nun took our picture.  Smile. 

The Pieta

Pete

It was one of the most ornate buildings I've ever since.  These pictures don't do it justice.  It was really gorgeous.

Afterwards, we headed to a market and looked around. While there was lots to see, the mascarade stand was by far the best.

Day 3

You can't go to Rome without visiting the Ancient City.  First stop, breakfast... Mmmm, Italian coffee.  Then, the Coliseum, Palantine Hill, the Forum, and the Circus Maximus.

The ruins of a gladiator school visible from the Coliseum... Not the best picture, but this is were the top gladiators would have trained.

Teresa on Palatine Hill, were Romulus and Remus were abandoned...

The Remains of Caesar's Palace

It was chilly, so we tried the gypsy look...

Via Sacra

The girls at the Forum

Circus Maximus or what's left of it.

Day 4

The last day, we spent the morning following in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.  The Spanish Steps, Fountain de Trevi, and, of course, the Mouth of Truth.

The Spanish Steps

Fountain de Trevi... Throw in one penny, a spend return to Rome.  Two, to find love in Rome.

The Pantheon... Still in tact, after nearly 2000 years.

Waiting for the Catacomb tour at our favorite hangout, the Coliseum.

First, our tour guide took us to the Mouth of Truth... Stick your hand in and if you're a liar, it eats your hand.

Praying to St. Valentine.  We spent a while here.

The Catacombs

The tour ended with Michelangelo's Moses.

Finally, bruschetta and pizza for our last night out.  It was an incredible weekend with three of my favorite people.  So glad that we got to go to Rome, girls!!