Italy

Rome

Me with the River God--The Capitoline Museums (on top of the Capitoline Hill) were our first stop when we arrived in Rome. 

Everything in Rome is BIG!

Terrence with the statue  of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Everything in Rome is OLD!

(Not me, the rocks!) While taking this picture, a museum guide told us "Not to sit on the rocks, they are very old!"  Me Scusi!?  I'm pretty sure I left them in the same condition I found them.  We thought it was funny!

The Colosseum

Arch of Titus outside the Forum
       


  

Gladiators anyone?

Piazza Navona

Behind (literally, ya see it?) "Fountain of the Four Rivers" by Bernini.


Trevi Fountain

Legend has it if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain you're guaranteed a return trip to rome. About 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain daily.

Next stop was St. Peter's Basilica where St. Peter's bones are supposedly buried.  I'm pretty sure he had his bones when he appeared with James and John to restore the priesthood back in 1830.  I wondered, "Whose bones are at the Basilica?"

Swiss Guard

St. Peter's is the largest Christian church in the world.  Capable of housing 60,000. We attended a live mass in one of the side rooms while visiting.

St Peter's Alter

La Pieta' was our favorite.  This picture doesn't even begin to capture it's beauty.  It's hard to believe Michelangelo was only 24 when he created it.

We climbed to the top of the Cupola.  This picture captures the slant of the dome as you get to to the top.  It was an incredible view and sounded like the Tower of Babel with everyone speaking different languages and gesturing to take pictures of each other.

The Vatican Museum

Entrata

   

The Sistine Chapel was AMAZING!  However, the whole time they had someone on a megaphone yelling, "SHHHHH! NO FOTO!"  This is our bootlegged picture. Above that is me with the lamps like ones used by the Ten Virgins.  Below that is Terrence touching the "Papal Ring" (or as close as we could get).  The acorn fountain in the Vatican Garden Courtyard.

The Pantheon

It's not much to look at from the outside, but the inside is impressive.  Snow and rain does come in through the dome sometimes, but the floor is slanted and there are drains to collect the water.

Florence

The Grand was "Bellisimo"

Preferred forms of transportation

Venice

Our Gondola ride down the Grand Canal. On the left is the Rialto Bridge (oldest bridge in Venice).  To travel under it is to bring good luck... it only cost 50 more euro.  This was where we turned around and took our own chances with luck!

Our Gondalier was a fourth generationer.  His training started when he was 11.  It can only be passed down from son to son and you have to be a Venetian Citizen.  He has... one daughter.

Boat Taxi ride down the Grand.  Prego!

All in all, Italy was Bellismo.  "Ciao!"