When in Rome

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When in Rome...be mesmerised, be amzed, be inspired. Rome is an intoxicating city. One moment you find yourself almost being run over by a crazed (but determined) taxi driver or one of a million vespers (that seem to be the main mode of transport for citizens of Rome) and the next, you're standing before some amazing Roman relic dating back thousands of years and you can't help but be awestruck. In short, Rome is crazy and random and very fun.

In one afternoon spent strolling around the cobbled streets, we visited many of the famous city landmarks. Sites such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are every bit as
picturesque as the movies portray them. It was at the Spanish Steps during our first outing that we encountered our first street merchant who managed to catch me unawares, handing me a rose and then quickly seeking payment from Adam (who was standing by shaking his head at my lack of street smarts). Unfortuneately for the merchant though, we had a grand total of 0.70 euros in change so perhaps we lucked out there! (Since that first encounter, I've regained my street-smarts and am as savvy as a tourist armed with her big city map can be!)
Other sites are far more amazing than I had imagined. I was completely captivated by the Partheon-walking inside took my breath away! Famous piazzas with their baroque building
facades and fountains and obelisks can not possibly be done justice in pictures, nor can the incredible beauty found in each and every basilica in the historical centre. Upon venturing into a few, we both wondered whether we had ever seen a real church before...these structures
go far and beyond any church I've ever seen. The way religion is at the core of Roman life is reflected in the immense dedication of each parish to maintaining the beauty and upkeep of their churches. They are truly masterpieces in their own right.

The history of this city may well be unparrelled. We have of course visited the Coloseum and while I thought I knew what to expect of such, the immense scope of this structure is truly awesome. Nearby Palantine Hill and the Roman Forum provide much insight into the history of Rome. Its amazing to stand on a site and imagine what once was...this is made easier in Rome by the mulitude of historical relics everywhere. We walked along Via Sacra too-the oldest street in Rome (and possibly the world) and marvelled at the site of Julias Ceaser's cremation, Constatine's arch and basilica, the first Senate building and the arch of Benevuto.

Our visit to Vatican City is perhaps the most monumental of our experiences so far. The Vatican Museum is truly magnificent. The works of Raphael and Michelangelo on display here are breathtaking, as are the magnitude of sculptures and tapestries and historical artefacts that are on display. You could spend years exploring and still not see everything. Of course, the Sistine Chapel was a huge highlight. We spent a good few hours marvelling at the beauty of the frescoes. Its amazing the vision the renaissance masters possessed. St Paul's Basilica was similarly awe-inspiring. Again, the Pieta and the dome are masterpieces worthy of a visit in and of themselves. We climbed the 500 or so steps up to the dome of the basilica for an incredible view over the city. It was simply amazing.

We spent our last day in Rome visiting other interesting churches and the Capital Museum, which again was an awesome gallery. Rome, in short, has been truly awesome (despite its craziness) and we've both learnt heaps and heaps about the history of the Western world.

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Comments

[Kyrie]

Jealous
Hey guys! Rome looks amazing i'm so jealous of you both righ now..I'm glad to hear that u guys are having a wonderful time. Miss u both lots and can't wait to talk to u both. Have fun and can't wait to read about more of ur wonderful adventures together. Love Kyrie xox