Rome!!!
I have arrived in the Eternal City! It is absolutely amazing to be exploring Rome. Every way I turn my head and down every path I walk, there is something incredible. The history, excitement, and energy of Rome are mesmerizing!
I spent my first two days in Rome with my family, and we saw as many of the city’s essentials as we could before they returned to the U.S. It was a busy couple of days as we walked around, learning about and experiencing the glory of Rome.
Our first afternoon we saw the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum. As we walked through the Circus Maximus we could see the Colosseum and Palatine Hill in the distance. My excitement grew with every step as the Colosseum drew closer and closer. It was so exciting to stand outside of such an important piece of architecture! Walking around inside was unbelievable.
Our next stop was to admire Piazza Venezia, where we got to see the Victor Emmanuel Monument. There is a statue of the king on a horse in the center of the monument, and I read in my Rick Steve’s guidebook that the king’s mustache is five feet wide! It is the largest equestrian statue in the world. What was interesting to me was that it is such a grandiose monument, but it is quite new according to Roman standards, being built in 1870.
After dark we made our way to the Trevi Fountain to experience its magic when it is lit at night. It was so beautiful and the area was filled with people. It was great just to spend some time enjoying the fountain, people, and the piazza. We made sure to follow the ritual and tossed coins into the fountain to ensure our return to Rome!
The next day we explored the Roman Forum and the Vatican City. Walking around the ruins of the Forum is such an interesting experience – you are completely enveloped in history! Afterwards we went to the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and walked around in the Piazza. Words are not enough to describe the magnificence of that afternoon! In the Museum, Raphael’s The School of Athens and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel were breathtaking! It has been said that St. Peter’s is the closest thing to heaven on earth, and I would have to agree. It is hard to take in everything that the Basilica has to offer in one trip, and I plan to go back over the course of my time in Rome.
We concluded our second day with a walk to Piazza Navona and enjoyed strolling the Piazza like Italians, listening to music and enjoying the surrounding art and architecture. After that we happened upon Campo de’ Fiori and finished the night with an excellent dinner in one of the many restaurants that fill the lively area.
Some of the first things that struck me were the activity and size of the city. To say that it is “bustling” is an understatement. I couldn’t believe the crowds, traffic, and buzz of the city, at all times of the day! We did a lot of walking from the different sights, and I began to realize how the city sprawls across many areas. Having been living in Venice before, which is a smaller city once you get to know your way around, Rome was quite a change. It will be interesting to see how my perception changes throughout my time in Rome and I become more comfortable and knowledgeable about my surroundings. I’m excited!
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