Roma - So Rich in Ancient History

As soon as you enter Rome you see ancient ruins around every corner. Rome is so rich in art, and in architecture. Our first challenge was to find our Bed & Breakfast. Thank God for Google Map. Using the print out Eddie had on him we easily found the street walking from the train station. Once settled in we found a draft beer and pizza on a very busy street. Our first venture out on our first morning in Rome was to the Coliseum, an easy 2 stop subway ride away. We lucked out because this weekend is European Heritage weekend and so entrance was free. Alrighty then. We walked around the Paladio and just took in all the architecture trying to picture what this grand area looked like 2000 years ago. The Arch of Constantinople and the Arch of Titus were here. These arches were built to honor battles that were won. The altar where Caesar was cremated is also here. Our lunch was at a small restaurant overlooking the Coliseum. Location, Location. It was inexpensive and delicious. Now to venture into the Coliseum. It's huge. There's a respectful silence from the tourists walking inside. I don't even want to think about all the atrocities that occured there in the name of entertainment.

What a day. Luckily there was a small cafe with outdoor seating just outside our B&B. Typically, in Italy, the menus show a pasta dish as a first course and a meat dish for the second course. I stuck with just the pasta and the house wine. Yummy. We had pasta every day that we were in Italy and it's all so delicious.

On Sunday, in our walk from the B&B we happened upon some ruins and a beautiful Catholic Church, Santa Maria de Angela a Martyrs. The Mass was said in 3 languages - Italian, English and German. The cantor had an operatic voice. This church was originally a Roman Bath and one of the Popes built a church there. The columns in the Church were part of the Baths. Michaelangelo designed the inside of the church in his elderly years. It's breathtaking.

Monday - We're off to Vatican City. Posted in this blog is a picture of the Sistine Chapel. Here we are, there it is. Live and in person - God's finger extended to Adam. How many times have we seen this painting in the media. The Sistine Chapel is smaller than I pictured it to be, but it's all there. Spectacular! Imagine Michaelangelo painting this incredibly beautiful ceiling on his back.

The Vatican Museum is huge with beautiful paintings and statues. It would be very easy to get lost here.

So much to absorb. Time for a beer and a rest. It was all very good. Good Bye Roma. Tomorrow the Cruise.