Pope in Rome Part 3

Day three in Rome.

We went back to the Roman Forum to walk around, but on our way we got stopped by some "Roman Soldiers" one was completely in love with my friend Shannon. It was hilarious, but I will let her tell that story.

We each got a picture with a Roman Soldier. Mine wanted me to kiss him and I wouldn't. He kept saying "come on just let me kiss you, or at least kiss me". I was not going to let that happen , I'm not sure where those lips have been ;) so he kissed me on the cheek. He made me pay five Euros for my kiss on the cheek and pictures. I couldn't believe it. What happen to a couple Euros. Later we ran into some really hot Roman Soldiers who called me Blondie, I should have saved my five Euros and taken a picture with them.

(One of my favorite pictures)

Just siting on some marble taking it all in.

It was fun to walk around the Roman Forum. I bought a book that shows the Forum now and what it looked like years and years ago. It was really cool to stand there and picture what it looked like. They funny thing is we where looking for Julius Caesar's temple and later found out we were siting on both sides of it and never knew, there's really not much left.

Next stop The Vatican Museum

Shannon walking through the Vatican museum, making our way to the Sistine Chapel.

The ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo. It was awesome to see. It took him four years to paint. I can't imagine lying on your back to paint, how exhausting.

Mailing my post cards

This is the restroom I had to use outside St. Peters. Crazy, at least I didn't have to pay for a hole in the ground. Some places you have to pay.

Later we found our way back to Trevi Fountain. It's said if you toss a coin in the fountain you can wish your way back to Rome. I definitely made that wish, so I hope it comes true.

The Pope in Rome Part 2

So here we are on day 2

When we were waiting for our city tour bus we heard that Pope Benedict XVI was going to be speak at St. Peters. Me also being the Pope thought that it would be awesome to see him. We asked our very helpful hotel front desk guy Dario and figured out what time we should be there. We hopped on the subway and made our way to the Vatican.

After going through security we made it inside. St. Peters was so beautiful. Amazing! We asked and unfortunately the Pope was not speaking but they were having mass so we went and sat down and watch it for a few minutes. Shannon and Shiloh brought the Rick Steve's book along which was awesome and we started our own tour.

The Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo

This is inside St. Peter's Basilica

Shannon and I decided to hike to the top of the dome of St. Peter's. It was over 500 steps. Shannon and opt for the elevator for the first 200 steps. It was a good thing because man my legs were a burnin' by the time we got to the top. It was a gorgeous view.

The crazy stairs we climbed.

Amanda, Shiloh, Shannon and I outside St. Peters

Pizza and Diet Coke, well Italy's version of Diet Coke.

Shannon and I enjoying our food with the awesome scenery behind us. It almost looks like a movie set.

This is Piazza Navona; one of the most famous square in Rome. I bought a watercolor painting from one of the many talented artists.

The Pantheon

Next up shopping and dinner. We weren't really hungry and just wanted something little so we went to McDonalds. Yes, that right I said McDonalds. It was a upscale McDonalds which was pretty awesome.

After McDonalds we got some gelato and of course went to Trevi Fountain.

The Pope in Rome

Ah Italy. My trip to Italy was awesome. I loved every minute of it. This was my first time to Europe and I would love to go back.

We left Thursday November 5th and flew to Detroit and then flew to Paris. The first four and half hours of the flight were awful, good thing we had our own individual TVs to take our mind off the turbulence. We had an eight hour lay over in Paris. We hurried and went through customs and got our passports stamped. (one of my favorite things, cheesy I know) We bought a ticket for the metro and made our way to the Eiffel Tower. Wow, is all I can say! This was so cool to see. It really is amazing and huge. We also had to get a famous chocolate banana crepe to eat as we walked closer to to the Eiffel Tower.

Next stop was the Arc de Triomphe, then a diet coke that was 3 Euros YIKES and a walked down Avenue des Champs-Elysées

Shannon and Shiloh had been to Paris before and gave me a great tour, they also got me hooked on these awesome macaroons from Laduree. Thanks guys :) Good thing I bought enough to have these gems throughout my trip.

After our short adventure in Paris we went back to the airport to catch our flight to Rome. We finally arrived in Rome late Friday night and found our hotel, I couldn't wait to go to bed.

Saturday Morning we woke up bright and early and started our adventure in Rome. Our first stop was the Spanish Steps.

We couldn't figure out what was going on there, but we realized it was the anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down. They had a concert the next night it was pretty cool to see.

We decided to hop on one of those tour buses to get a great view of the city. I love these buses. My favorite was when we turned the corner and saw the Colosseum. AHH it was so awesome.

After our tour of the Colosseum, we went to Palatine Hill which overlooks the Roman Forum

Shannon, Amanda and Shiloh

I had to laugh when I saw this picture because Shannon and I may or may not have been distracted several times during our tour by the guy behind me, check out those arms. Too bad he was with his girlfriend.

Later that night we went to the Trevi Fountain. I loved this fountain. You could hear the water gushing before you even saw it.

And of course we enjoyed some gelato. Loved it.