Rome

We have had a fantastic 3 days in Rome thus far. The weather has been scorching hot and very humid. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like hot weather one bit but I am holding up pretty well. We are staying at the Hotel Oceania which is conveniently located near the Termini train station and Metro stop. We have been taking Metro when possible but have literally walked miles and miles every day taking in all of the historic sites.
I'll add more narrative to this post later for the specific places we have been:

Trevi Fountain - was one of my favorite sights. It is a beautiful sight that is not directly approachable by any streets. We were walking down a small alley way and there it was. The structure by Nicola Salvi was completed in 1762 after being commissioned by a pope to celebrate the reopening of the aquaduct.

Colosseum - 2000 year old engineering feat through the use of concrete and the rounded arch. Doric, Ionic and Corinthian are all examples of Greek columns that were used in the construction of this huge amphitheater. I shudder to think of the cruel, barbaric and death resultant activities that took place there. Ugh - all in the name of entertainment.

The Arch of Constantine - Marking the turning point in history for Christianity, the arch is covered with recycled carvings and ornamentation.

The Vatican Museum - We bought tour tickets in advance and avoided a 3 hour line to get in. and they were worth every penny! Immense museum with unforgettable works that are mind numbing in their beauty and scale. Sculpture, Tapestry, Fresco's, Paintings, Contemporary... the list goes on and on.

Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo's work is astounding and even more breathtaking in person than I imagined. The story behind it truly fascinating.

St. Peter's Basilica - Enormous doesn't begin to describe the church. I was in awe. Michelangelo's Pieta, Bernini's bronze canopy, entombed pope's of the past, statues of saints, the magnificent dome...

Roman Forum - The walk took a few hours but we were rewarded with history and sights of the Arch of Titus, Basilica of Constantine, Temple of Julius Caesar, Caligula's Palace, House of the Vestal Virgins, the Curia, Arch of Septimius Severus and the list goes on and on and on.