Well - we've seen Madrid, Barcelona, Milan (every so briefly), Venice, Florence, Siena's train station, and now Roma. They're all wonderful cities and we've found things and places to love in all of them. For Jess, her favorite city so far is indeed Rome. Chris' favorite is a near toss up between Barcelona and Rome (the edge goes to the Eternal City due to its unending breadth of history), also, but we both agree maybe the most desirable place to live would be the Tuscan country outside of Florence. Barcelona was and still is the most surprising city, so far. Neither of us knew quite what to expect upon entering the city, but when departing, we both could only wish for more time: the waterfront, the history, the people, Las Ramblas, the art, the architecture, the museums, THAT PARK! We loved every moment of it.
....and now we're here in Rome. Under our belts, thus far, are (self guided) tours of the Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum), Palatine Hill, Piazza Nuovo, Piazza di Spagna, the Pantheon, the Diocletian bathhouse, Piazza del Popolo, Fontana di Trevi, and a whole lot of pasta. Chris has also visited (thoroughly, I might add!) the Museum of Imperial Forums - which include Trajan's marketplace and the actual Trajan Forum (what's left of it). The museum also gave breathtaking views of the ruins from the other four forums (Julius C., Augustus, Nerva, and the Forum of Peace by Vespasian).
In the next and final :( two days, we'll visit up close and personal the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus), Hadrian's Mosoleum, Vatican City, the Isola on the Tiber River, and the catacombs. Hopefully we can see them all.
And on Sunday we depart Rome for Athens. At least we're not leaving Rome for, say, Baghdad!
Take care everyone back in Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia, and Florida!!!!
~J&C
ps, don't tell anyone, but Chris may be intrigued with European league football. Keep it quiet and go Cubs!
