When in Rome

We received a sunny and warm welcome to Rome on August 27th.

James had already been to Rome once before so he was excited to be able to show me around the city.

The view out our hotel window

Our fancy shower had mood lighting. You can select your favorite color to light the shower!

We walked and wore down shoes on the narrow and winding streets of Rome.

We started the day visiting the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was the religious and political center of ancient Rome.

Thankfully, we got an audio guide to explain the extensive history of the Roman Forum.

Our first glimpse of the Colosseum

TRAVELING TIP: If you decide to go to the Colosseum, you should go to the Roman Forum first. There is a very short line, and you can get tickets here for the Forum and the Colosseum. Then, when you finish touring the Forum, head over to the Colosseum. You will sneak right past that never-ending line and walk straight into the Colosseum. (Thanks for the tip, Steve!) This saved us loads of time!

This is where the floor of the Colosseum once was. What you see above is where they stored animals and gladiators before battle. 

Almost as impressive as Kyle Field! (Sorry, had to do that.)

The Circus Maximus was an Ancient Roman chariot racing stadium. 

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was quite impressive.

Always ready for pizza

Being the widest staircase in Europe, the Spanish Steps were packed full of people soaking up the Italian sun.

I believe we saw at least two couples get engaged while we were eating our gelato.

We deemed the Spanish Steps the best people-watching gelato-eating spot in Rome.

Another lovely piazza

Once we were incredibly close to this building and realized that it is carefully guarded, we asked a local what the building was. "Uhh, it's where the president lives." 

The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city.

I can't remember if we threw in any coins in the fountain... Who believes in luck anyway?

The Pantheon has very interesting religious history. Currently, the Pantheon is used as a Catholic church and still holds masses.

St. Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is the most renowned architecture of the Renaissance.

You are now looking at the courtyard inside the Vatican Museums. 

What appears to be sculptures and molding is actually just one-dimensional painting. WOW!

You are now looking inside Saint Peter's Basilica. 

Lavishly decorated

If you look closely, you can see people standing in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Massive!

Stopping for a lunch of delicious olive bread

Another beautiful and impressive basilica

Goodbye, Rome!

This concludes our pre-Scotland anniversary trip! We are thankful that the Lord provided us with such a wonderful opportunity to travel to these unique parts of his creation.

Here we come, Scotland!