Roma

Visiting Rome straight off of the cruise was like being hit in the face with a 2000 year old marble column of awesomeness covered in exhaust and graffiti. When we left the city seven days before, our state of mind was such that we didn't feel the harder edges of the Eternal city. However, upon arriving after having every need met, Rome felt like a slight jolt to the system. But after only an hour or so our Taiwan instincts kicked in and we looked past the traffic and some of the grime to see the city for what it really is: timeless.

We were able to rent a small apartment with Katie's parents (whom would join us the next day) in the quaint neighborhood of Trastevere. This area was full of winding streets, outdoor cafes and open piazzas at almost every turn. Though quaintness of these quiet streets, collided with the larger, busy main roads Rome still had a pleasant feel that nothing was done in a hurry. People wander around here, they stop in the road to talk and they like to sit at the dinner table for hours. Whether in the grocery store, or at a side street cafe, people would just linger and chat reminding us, that for some reason we were the ones in an unnecessary hurry.

Perhaps that is because the "modern Rome" is actually using the same buildings, streets and piazzas of "old Rome." Of course we saw all the grandeous sights in the city: the Pantheon, St. Peter's Square and Cathedral, the Colloseum, the Forum, etc. But also we were able to see many of the literally countless cathedrals, churches and ruins throughout the city. It is not uncommon to see a car whirrling past a 2000 year old column, just standing there against the test of time.

The Pantheon...still has the architects guessing.

Its a great place for priceless art:
And a fitting setting for an evening dinner too:
The St. Peter's:




From the dome:
The Colosseum:
The Spanish Steps:


When standing on the Spanish steps or wandering through a catherdral we felt that this place has always been here, and it will most likely be here still for a very long time. For that reason, its good to just slow down and enjoy it.

We spent three full days in Rome with Katie's parents wandering to the various sights, admiring the unique archetecture and being amused by the service we recieved at the various restaruants we ate at. It became a game each night as to who would ask for olive oil for Katie's dad and wondering if and when the waiter would look us over and simply say, "No."

Walking through the city forced us to think about history and to appreciate how much the city has changed, and yet how in some ways in will never change.

St. Angelo's Castle:
Art!