Exhausting Rome

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There is a lot to see in Rome.

We smashed it all into two exhausting days.

The first day we started early in the morning at the Vatican museums. The line went on forever, but the wait was worth it. We hit the highlights inside. A full tour would take days. The Sistine Chapel was probably my favorite thing to see inside, but again, no pictures! Then we headed to St Peter's Basilica. It is massive. We felt like ants inside.

In the afternoon, we saw the awesome Pantheon. Its probably my favorite sight in Rome. Its 2000 years old, but is amazingly well preserved and the inside is just as impressive. The artist Raphael's tomb is something to look for. Then, we headed to a couple of small churches off the beaten path, both were a pleasent surprise. The Gothic Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva was uncrowded a gorgeous inside. There's also a Michaelangelo sculpture inside that, unlike in the Vatican or Florence, you can get right up next to and take as many pictures as you like. The other church was the Chiesa del Gesu. It was a little more flamboyant, but very pretty and crowdless. Its worth checking out.

Today, we hit the ancient sights. We start on Palatine Hill. Vicki, we hid something up there for you to find! We will see if its still there by the time you make your trip! The view of the city from the Palatine are great. Next we head down into the Roman Forums. This was an amazing sight. You have to use your imagination some to imagine how amazing the ancient city must have been, but even the ruins are spectacular. The Colosseum is right next door. Its very cool, but I say the Forum is much more impressive.

We have an early flight to Germany in the morning and then head home the next day, so this will probably be our last entry. Its been a blast and sharing the experience with all of you has made it even more fun. We have been amazed by the following we've amassed along the way and we hope you've enjoyed following along as much as we have enjoyed sharing.

Ciao from Roma!

Jeff

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Photos

Michaelangelo sculpture in Minerva Church
Unlike David or the Vatican museum, you can walk right up to this one. And you have it virtually all to yourself.

Gesu Church
Another hidden gem in Rome.

Somehow, Nicole's bag gets hit
by bird poop! I had to get a picture!

Comments

[Vicki]

Thanks so much!!!
Oh my goodness Jeff and Nicole you guys travels have been the highlight of my day. Thankyou soooooo much! We have so enjoyed your Blog. Have a very safe trip home. I am looking forward to my scavenger hunt!