Friday, July 16, 2010

When in Rome...

July 6

As this is a post-Rome post it’s gonna be hard to sum up the magnitude that was the city. When we entered Rome late last night, our TG (tour guide) told us the myth of the founding of Rome and it was so great to see the city lights as we heard the crazy origin tale of Romulus and Remus. Day one in Roma, we’re up early and take off for the Coliseum. There is so much history here! One thing I thought was interesting was that the games that took place in the Colusseum were not as I had imagined. I picture in my mind the warriors with a death wish being ripped apart by lions, but it’s not like that at all. Our guide explained to us that it was an early form of hunting, and usually the warrior won the battle. So there you go Arkansas boys…hunting at it’s earliest form.

Also on this tour we got to visit the Roman forum, the center of early roman life. We saw the ruins where the original senate was held and were amazed that the original seats were still intact. We also saw Julius Caesar’s grave, and the actual steps where Brutus took Caesar out. We also visited the Trevi Fountain, where we both threw one coin over our shoulders (to return to Rome safely again one day). We then set off in search of the Spanish Steps, which we learned aren’t even Spanish at all. So after a day full of history, Jenny and I needed a mental break…so we headed to the Roman H&M for some shopping! Dresses for 5 euro? Yes please! We deserve it right?

Later that night our TG took us on a Twilight Tour of Rome. Wow. We saw the city at it’s finest. Even the landmarks we had seen earlier in the day, like the Trevi Fountain, just seemed to come alive at night. We went to a more local part of town to have gelato (one of MANY to come) since our TG is from Rome he knows all the good spots :) Everywhere we went today has made me feel like I’m in a scene from Angels & Demons…Tomorrow we’re off to the Vatican and St. Peter’s! I’m smiling just thinking about it! Ciao!

L&J—aka Roman bellas