We have been exploring all around town. It has been nice to visit some of the most famous places in Rome without the big crowds. We are told this time of year you can barely walk there are so many people. This is a pocture of the Roman Forum. You can pay to go in, but we just looked from the road.
This is the day Benjamin wasn't feeling too great. So, he is not in several of the family pictures.
The fountain in front of the Capital building.
standing in front of the Capital Building
Like mother like daughter
This is the thing Katherine got the most excited to see...the golden arches...proof that McDonald's is in Rome.
The Pantheon
Walking though it you realize how big it is.
It has an opening at the top. There are many theories as to why. The most practical being for light, and ventilation but others suggest it acts like a sundial to tell time.
The people look so tiny walking around.
The tomb of King Humbert I and Margaret Savio...some very important kings and queens are buried in different places along the perimeter.
The floor has the slightest slant and holes for draining the rainwater that comes in.
It's amazing to see artwork so old
One of twelve obelisks in Rome (8 Egyptian and 5 Roman) Many Roman emporerors were fascinated by Egyptian culture. During conquests they would take these, which were symbols of the Pharoahs, back to Rome.
Guarding the sites
We met our friends and walked around. Silas loves playing with the kids
Window shopping....but some of these tourist places are tempting me with all the chocolates ;)
We didn't try these, but they look good
Our first try at gelato...we went to one of the most well known places here to get it. I had strawberry, cream with chocolate pieces, and dark chocolate. The strawberry was my favorite of the three. I couldn't finish the chocolate. I felt like I was eating fudge and it was just too rich...good flavor but one or two bites was enough.
I don't remember what everyone got, but I remember that one of Hudson's flavors was mango (a win) and one of Lauren's was mint (NOT recommended unless you want to feel like you are eating toothpaste)
Just down the street there were tons of reporters and photographers and "undercover" police. Turns out someone famous was eating inside (had the entire restaurant to themselves) but we didn't hang around to find out who it was.
Trevi Fountain
How many of the streets near the city center look
The Spanish steps....I'm not sure we'll ever get to see these sites so empty again. It was fantastic for getting pictures!!
The house of English poet John Keats
Yes, masks are worn all the time (except for pictures)
"Mom, take my picture by the wall."
Regan waiting for the rest of us to catch up while she enjoys the view.
It is a pretty view of the city from the top of the steps.
You probably can't see it on a small version of the picture, but I was taking a picture of the seagulls. It's still the thing that has surprised me most about Rome. I just never pictured them here.
Shawarma for dinner...yum!
The ingenious toilet paper roll design...absolutely zero waste. It even says on the small roll inside that it is perfect for your bag to use on the go.
puppy snuggles
Our first home-cooked meal since landing. It wasn't exactly the same, but finally found enough ingredients to make it work.
Soooooo many different cheeses. Katherine doesn't like to walk down the aisles with the cheese because the smell is very strong. I wonder what they all taste like
There are many catholic churches everywhere. They all still have bells in the towers, and they go off every 15 minutes and then for awhile on the hour.
Benjamin was feeling better, so he went on an errand with me.
Yes, this is a very common car to see here. It's so small!
