All roads lead to Roma

Well, mine certainly has! So let me just say Buongiorno della Roma! What a city! What a country! What people! What life! What suicidal traffic- yet again... Only this time you have to look left before crossing, a fact that I have to keep repeating to myself every time I come to a road. Yikes!! I'm just hoping I don't become roadkill any time in the near future. But, when in Rome, do as the Romans do- and by sticking close to the locals as they cross the uncrossable roads, I have thus far managed to stay alive :)
Arrived in Rome after spending a 12 hour flight attempting to make myself understood/ understand an Italian man, who (I think!) offered me accommodation when I went to Napoli where he lives (yes, yes- I'm well aware that Italian men should under no circumstances be trusted, but we'll see...). Ah, language barriers- gotta love 'em! Luckily for me, Romanian is very similar to Italian, therefore I could understand a substantial part of what he was saying- I think :)
Although I was dead tired from not sleeping well for the last two nights (and having gained another 6 hours- different time zones are great, aren't they?!), I simply HAD to go exploring. And I can tell you, I was not dissapointed! I actually let out an audible gasp twice- once when I had my first glimps of Circo Massimo (aka Circus Maximus) with the ruins on Palantine Hill in the background, and again when I came across the Colosseo (aka Colosseum). Wow!
I quickly learnt that a map is not necessary in this city- no matter which way you turn you're bound to see something beautiful- so I let myself wander round the streets, just taking in the sights and sounds. Like I said, all roads lead to Roma!
Today is my third day here, and I have pretty much covered all there is to be seen in Rome- apart from the aforementioned places, I have visited Vatican city, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (which I was initially disappointed with, but after spending a bit of time in there, the artwork truly does come to life- it's brilliant!), the Trevi fountain, numerous plazza's, the Pantheon, Foro Romano (aka Roman Forum), the Spanish steps, and a few of the cities 900+ churches.
Everything here is either ancient or old, but it's beautifully preserved. Similarly, everything seems to be designed on a large scale. The buildings are big and grand, as are the statues, and most things are white. White, white, white. It's great, it's grand! You should really visit.
A few things have struck me as being out of place though. Firstly, the palm trees. Palm trees in Rome?? Really? Hmm... Secondly, the Egyptian influence seen all aroung the place (which may just account for the palm trees). From the 13 obelisks scattered around the city, to the general Egyptian 'feel' of the place. Can you say 'Walk like an Egyptian'?! And here I was, thinking I was in Roma! Oh well, my mistake!
Next stop: Napoli! Arivederchi! Ciao.

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