Dodicesimo giorno (Day 12): "When in Rome..."
“She had always been fond of history, and here in Rome was history in the stones of the street and the atoms of the sunshine.” -- Henry James
K: Another sad farewell, but excitement as we head back through the harrowing turns towards Rome! Could this really be the last destination on our grand journey? After an afternoon arrival, we teamed up with one of our tour mates to tackle the Roman Forum and the Colosseum (or Coliseum, both are correct). We used Rick’s self-guided tour of the Roman Forum Walk. It's strange how these ancient sites are just sprinkled in amongst the modern city and its elements. What seemed like a long line at the Colosseum actually moved swiftly, so we had plenty of time to explore. Using our Rick Steves’ guidebook, we selected a nearby restaurant for dinner and once again enjoyed a pasta meal “al fresco” style (outdoors). As with the other cities, it was easy to get back to our hotel using the underground system.
E: My main goal for Rome this trip is just to get oriented and learn my way around. I am coming back March 2013 with my class on a fully-guided AP History Tour, so I will see all the main sites, including the Vatican and the Catacombs, then. So, my mother and I are going to take Rome at a relaxing pace, take in the city on foot (like most everywhere else) and check out Ostia Antica tomorrow. If we happen to find a cute pair of leather sandals in the meantime, well, so be it!
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Our Favorites:
K: Looking up! There are so many gems of Roman culture all around -- facades, ruins, architecture. Just trying to absorb as much as I can to remember.
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E: I love the excitement in the air in Rome! It's warm, the driving is crazy bad, the pasta is great -- such a unique place!
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