Roma! The Eternal City! And home to my latest international destination. I must apologize to the Italian capital that she did get a bit shortchanged with only 3 days included on my itinerary (blame France)… but in that time I ate my fair share of mozzarella, saw the major sights, and covered much ground in the city. (Sadly even wearing two holes in my black flats.)
Taking a photo detour on my way to the Colosseum.
(Which just happened to be only a 20 minute walk from my hostel.)
I had gone the night before as soon as I got in but could not pass up the opportunity to tour it in the daytime.
But first: the Roman Forum.
Innnnn-credible to imagine what it must have been like at its peak.
The House of Vestals
The Colosseum!! 
Easily the most astonishing icon of Rome. No wonder why it gets so much attention… I was fascinated by the history — to be able to see the doors through which the players emerged and one through which the loser was assigned was unbelievable. My imagination was pretty active throughout the whole tour.
View from an upper window.
Trevi Fountain.
After a full day on my feet, it was nice to have a rest and enjoy some chocolate chip gelato while talking to my new 65-year-old friend, Francesco.
Next morning: Vatican City.
This was one of the tubs that Nero would have his milk baths in.
Laocoon and Sons — one of thee most important sculptural works in the world. I feel so blessed to be able to study these in real life; flipping through slides in a lecture hall is worlds different, but only makes the experience that much more valuable.
St. Peters Basilica
Wandering around the basilica, a little Italian man with a walker approached me.
He proceeded to go on in broken English about the wonders of the church and the Christian religion.
He was adorable.
Like it is in the movies.
Exploring some back tradesmen alleyways as the sun goes down.
The “Marble Man”.
Not a word of English.
Which endears me to him more.
Good night, Rome.
And with that: the photo diary of my time in Italy ends.
Although I’ll most certainly be back… someday.
KH
