We didn't have a hostel booked for our two nights in Rome, so after exiting the train station, getting lost, eating gelato and walking forever with our backpacks on, we finally found a bed. That was always a relief...just to know we had a bed to go to at night.
Oh, but first things first. The train ride to Rome was the best yet. We laughed so hard. It was hilarious. Okay, I'll explain -though it was one of those had-to-have-been-there moments. We sat across from two Italian guys. One was studying English, had a dictionary with him and everything, and full of questions! He thought a lot and wanted to learn everything he possibly could. The other sitting back comfortably, with ear buds in listening to the football game, began to laugh at the one trying desperately to communicate and get his point across in English. Or maybe he was laughing at us trying to figure out what he was trying to say. Anyhow, he couldn't keep out of the conversation. His English wasn't very good, but he was trying his best to help the one guy out. He'd take a deep breath, pretend to wipe the sweat from his brow and dive in. It was hilarious. He obviously thought the one guy thought way too much and told him so. We had the best time though, just trying to communicate and help the one sort out his English and the other totally miss his football game. We also decided that we need to hone our English skills!
Okay, Rome in one word...crowded!!!!! If you can't tell yet we're not fans of crowds. But Rome was amazing! We did like it better than Paris! It at least felt safe -for the most part. The Roman Centurions swarming the Colosseum, and trying to rip you off by getting their picture taken with you, with your camera, were scary. But mainly, Rome was full of tourists just like us.
We started our last day in Europe, the morning of the 26th with a tour of the Colosseum.
It was really hard to comprehend the history that actually took place here.
The animals - lions, tigers, bears and other exotic beasts were kept here, under a floor that is now gone.
These are actual pieces of marble from the original work. Most of the marble was striped from the buildings and other artifacts that used to be covered with it.
Here you can see part of the floor that they replicated. This floor was covered with straw and was where the horrid, bloody fights took place. It's hard to imagine it even standing there where it happened. How can people be so cruel?
The Arch of Constantine
The Roman Forums were a highlight for me. We had an awesome guide too. I'm thinking I could have spent a whole day just meandering through the incredible ruins and beautiful gardens.
You can see some of the remains of the marble here.
Samples of the magnificent marble that once adorned these ancient ruins.
Wow! Ruins
everywhere!
We so got lost looking for the Vatican. But we did find some gelato along the way. Gelato shops were great places to get information, rest our weary feet and backs, and get re-energized for more walking.
Saint Peter's Basilica
The guard.
The mosaics in St. Peter's are fascinating!
The following are views from the top of St. Peter's Basilica. It was a long narrow climb, but well worth it!
Traffic was DAUNTING!!! so glad we weren't driving!
Beginning our night walk through Rome.
An obelisk: Obelisco Sallustiano, at the top of the Spanish Steps (or
in Italian: Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti). 
At the bottom of the Spanish Steps... Piazza di Spagna
Fontana di Trevi...
Can't tell from these pics, but it was soooo crowded here.
Another fabulous cheese and meat shop!!
The following pictures are of the Pantheon. We didn't get to go inside and the outside was under construction, but pretty neat anyway.
Arrivederci!
Anna and Sarah
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