Rome: In with the old, out with the new

Some places are famous for their modern and new buildings, but everybody knows that what makes Europe famous is the incredibly old buildings. People work hard to preserve the old stuff, and people (like us) from all over come to see it. But we are not here to just see old stuff. 

In the past few days we've been here, its crazy how much I have already seen: the Colosseum, the Forum, St. Peters basilica, ancient ruins, campo di Fiori, the Pantheon, and a bunch of other really old things. I always wonder who has all walked on the same roads as I do now, two thousands years ago. And what have the ancients walls of the buildings all seen. I think its really cool to be standing in buildings that hold many stories of the past. And to be where Christians were tortured to death, except that is also kind of scary and sad.

The most recent ancient building we have been in is St. Peter's basilica. It is huge. It took over one hundred years to build, which makes sense. They say its the biggest church in the world. We were lucky enough to be there during mass. It was very interesting even though I couldn't understand any of what they were saying. People stood up and sat down at random, so we just followed what the people did. I think, even though I have been here a short time, I have seen enough statues. They are everywhere.

I particularly enjoyed walking through some nearby ancient ruins mainly because there were trees and grass. Normally, there is lots of people and lots of cars, so it was nice to be away from the business of all that. Also, when we are amongst the buildings, I have hardly seen any green plants, grass or trees which is too bad because there are lots of carbon emissions.

I find myself often feeling like a tourist, probably because I am one. But instead of the word tourist, I prefer the word traveler. Even though I may not dress exactly like a tourist/traveler, I still don't really fit in with the Italians. Mostly everyone is smoking and wearing high heels, except the men of course. Our family is constantly huddled around a map trying to find our way around the jumble of streets, signs, and buildings. But there is no problem with that I guess.



Rome was great...next stop - Sorrento.

In the ancient ruins.

The Colosseum, the place where animals and humans fought and died, sadly.

Rome.

Near our apartment.

The square outside St. Peters basilica. Cobblestone in the rain!

The Pantheon, a huge 2000 year old dome.