Rome, 9/24 - 9/28

When we got to Rome, we were both pretty well exhausted, and there was a lot to do and see.












Mixed in with contemporary culture there is so much fabulous art and history everywhere I could not possibly absorb it all.

Of course while we were there we had to visit the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica.

Michelangelo's Pieta is there. Breathtaking!















We were walking along in a cute smallish foreign neighborhood, and suddenly came upon the Roman Forum, built over 2000 years ago. They are still excavating parts of it.










This beautifully carved pillar tells the stories of many conquests. I didn't take the time to examine it carefully.










Another beautiful pillar I wish I could examine carefully, experience closely, live with.









I wonder if the Oakland Coliseum shares anything besides the name?







This is one famous Roman fountain designed and built by Bernini. I was able to look closely at it, and it is incredibly beautiful. The figures are larger than life, and so graceful, carved of stone.







We stayed near Santa Maria Trastevere piazza. Every evening all the people would come hang out and stroll around. It was quite charming and far better than television.




This was our host in Rome, David, our neighbor's cousin. He let us stay in his apartment in the Trastevere neighborhood. A wonderful man, he is very enthusiastic about his chosen home, and knows a lot of details about the history and culture. Unfortunately, though, he could only be there with us the last night we were there. If I ever return to Rome, I would love to spend a few days with him, to see the city through his eyes.





One thing David hates about his city is the graffiti everywhere. I liked this little pig with wings across from his front door. It was a comfort to know I was not still really lost (as I often felt while I was there).