Rome, June 24-28, 2015

Josh had business in Rome, Italy and we got to join him for a long weekend!

We have an Italian cruise coming up in July, but Rome was not on the itinerary. Mom, Harvey and I flew alone to Rome because Josh was already there. We were on the same flight with my friend Rachael, so she kept me entertained on the flight.

flying over the Alps

Welcome to Rome

We got in pretty late in the day and by time we made it to our hotel it was Harvey's bed time. We found a cute little restaurant by the hotel for dinner.

The next day the three of us went exploring the city. It was HOT!

Orange tree right in the city

Cooling off

one of many Gelato breaks...yum!

Trevi under construction

Make a wish

Geppetto making Pinocchio

Pinocchio is from Italy. We found out it was actually a scary story...Pinocchio killed Jiminy Cricket.

Josh joined us for dinner

The next morning we woke up super early to visit the Vatican. Looking back I'm really glad we got the early tickets. Our tour group got to go inside an hour before the doors opened to the public and the lines were already crazy when we were arriving. The dress is modest, skirts and shorts must be to the knee, and shoulders must be covered. There were tons of vendors selling scarves to tourists who were not dressed appropriately. 

Vatican Walls

Ceiling

The Sistine Chapel was built in 1475, the same year Michelangelo was born. The ceiling was painted by Michelangelo, not on his back but rather on a platform of his own devising. This is the site where the College of Cardinals gather to elect the new Pope.

Door to Pope's apartment

Cardinal and special guests entrance and door

Setting up for an event

Holy Door

The Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica,  is cemented shut and opened by the Pope during the Jubilee for pilgrims to enter. Pope Francis apparently does not like this tradition and wants the door to always be open.

Holy Door from the inside

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

Swiss Guard

The Swiss Guards are responsible for protecting the Pope. They must be Catholic, single males with Swiss citizenship and between the ages of 19-30.

Pantheon

The next day we were set for touring the Colosseum. 

The Colosseum was really interesting. Entry to the Colosseum was free and sponsored by the government. The rich sat in the nice marble seats while the average folks got a piece of pottery at the entrance with their seat assignment. There were different phases of the day starting with the animals vs animals, gladiators fighting animals and then the final event was gladiators fighting gladiators. It was a fight to the death. Sometimes the audience had a say as to let them live of die.

Gladiator Harvey

This area was covered with wood and is where the animals and gladiators waited to fight

Crazy lines! Get tickets in advance

We had lunch, and then headed to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. The tickets were included in our Colosseum. 

Arch of Titus 

Original door and hinges at Temple of Romulus

Temple of Romulus

We ran into the Stewards

This tour took all day and we were very hot and tired! It was definitely time for a yummy Italian dinner!

Mom met a friend from Campoasso, Italy

Rome was fun to visit but definitely a big city feel. Lots of homeless people and pick pockets (we had 2 attempts on us!). It was very dirty and lots of graffiti on beautiful buildings. Everyone is trying to sell you something and there is no shortage of "selfie sticks". We are very much looking forward to our Italian cruise to see more of the country.