I left Florence and ended up in Rome after a quick hour and a half train ride. I must say, it has been easy, comfortable, and fun taking trains to all these different places in Italy. I arrived in Rome and made my way to the Hotel San Carlo, near the Spanish Steps. I went on a late afternoon/evening walk and saw some beautiful, historic sites - the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Camp de Fiori. There were lots of people out and about, a fun and joyful energy in the air.
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| The Trevi Fountain |
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| The Pantheon |
My first day, I went to the Villa Bourguese which is a lovely park in the shape of a heart! I rented a bike for a few hours and rode all around the park. I stopped a few time to do some resting and writing in my journal. I saw a marble mansion, an old track, many stautes and flowery gardens. In the afternoon, I walked around the area of Trastevere. This was a quieter section of Rome, across the Tiber River from the historic center. I went to the Santa Maria and Trastevere Church and was interested in the collaged foyer with many different carved marble pieces. There was a mass underway, so I wasnt able to enter the church. Next, I went on an evening bike tour of Rome. We went by so many amazing sites and it was neat to see them all lit up for the evening. My favorite was the Colosseum! It is just breath taking! I also saw the Castle of Saint Angelo, Circus Massimo, Roman Forum and the Arch of Constaintine.
My second day was full of more history. Ive learned that Roman history takes place over 29 centuries! Its impossible to learn it all or see it all in one visit! Guess that means Ill have to come back! I went on a visit to the Roman Forum and Colosseum. I love seeing the ruins and imagining what life was like back in their time. It felt really neat to be in inside to Colosseum, being in a place where so much history has taken place! This afternoon, I went to Vatican City which is the smallest country. I saw the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peters Basicillica. I was really impressed with all the paintings done by Michaelanglo and Raffello. Also, I learned a number of trivia facts that I didnt know before visiting!
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| The Colosseum |
Ive learned so much about European history since Ive been here. Its really interested me, and lucky for me, people along my trip have suggested books to read, movies to watch, and other places to visit to help me learn more! I cant wait to get home and get some new books on my kindle, put some new movies in my Netflix queue and plan my next trip to somewhere fun!
Tomorrow is my last morning in Rome. I am planning on revisiting the Pantheon. Its one of the best preserved building of Roman time, and I just want to see it again! After than, I am off to Nice, France for some rest and relaxation on the beach!
I cant believe I will be home in less than one week. I am excited to see my parents, friends and Stella, of course!
Hope you are all enjoying August!
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