On the Way to the Forum

Rome

I know, it has been awhile since we have posted anything.  You probably thought we dropped off the face of the world.  Sorry, you cannot get rid of us that easily.  We have been out of touch for about 11 plus days.  We just completed a cruise around the Mediterranean Islands, therefore, no internet.   

Well, the beginning of our trip was met with an immediate snafu... We were told by the gate agent that we would not be flying because we needed a Visa.  Luckily, we found a gentleman who knew the ins and outs and was able to explain to the gate agent that, no, we did not need a Visa.

We ended up sleeping most of our first day here as we adjusted to the time.  When we awoke, we got dinner and came back to the hotel and slept again.  Of course, we were ready and raring to go the next day.

View outside our room in Rome.  It reminded us of one of the scenes from one of the Bourne Movies.

Another view from our place in Rome.

Arriving in Rome and walking around all the wonders it has to offer, we were amazed at everything around us.  Being such a young country, the US, when we went to Great Britain, we were amazed at building that were 500 plus years old.  Being in Rome, we were surrounded with ruins from 2500 years ago.  We were truly awed by the ingenuity of these people so many years ago.  Learning all the ways the Romans and Greeks used to make life better for them was incredible.

This was a park close to where we stayed for our first two nights in Rome. 

Part of the Roman Aqueduct

Of course we went to the Colosseum

View of Palantine Hill from Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

As we were walking away from the Colosseum in search for lunch, we happened to see this church.  It was quite beautiful.  I am sure anyone who knows anything would know what this church is, but all we could do was admire the beauty, sink into the peace, and take a moment to pray to our Lord with everlasting thanks.

I experienced such piece in this courtyard, amazed with all the chaos going on outside, how peaceful it was here. 

I love how they have the apostles as lambs also, with Christ the lamb in the middle.

We realized, once we got into the Palentine Hill, that we did not allot enough time to truly soak it in.  This was the heartbeat of Rome, so many years ago.  We imagined the rulers and citizens gathering around and conducting business. 

This house looked like someone could just move in tomorrow!

The detail in the ceilings is amazing!

Not sure that that Space Rocket was there at the time, but...:)  Anyway, growing up hearing about architecture all my life, I am thoroughly awed by theirs!

Looking out from the Palantine Hill

Arch of Titus
This arch has the defeat of the Jews in 70AD by the Romans etched in it.

Spanish Steps

Fountain in the Spanish Steps Square

Trevi Fountain

Cool building on way to Pantheon

Pantheon

Vittoriono

And one has to go to the Vatican when in Rome, doesn't one!!

Well, that is our Rome trip.  We soon will fill you with our Mediterranean Island pictures!  Hope all is well.  Blessings to all.