Rome, Italy... Loved it! Still glad to be an American...

I made a pretty monumental goal for myself and when I finished it, I went to Rome. It was an amazing vacation with so much to see I could have never seen it all in the week I was there. Even with all the amazing things to see, I was really glad to come home and grateful for the country that I live in. However, it did expand my world views and words can't express the difference I feel after being there. Thanks Jan!

Proof that I was there... Less anyone wonder! :)

The discus thrower.

Angels and Demons anyone? A trip to Vatican City is absolutely necessary in Rome.

The frescos painted in the Vatican are absolutely stunning. Neither words, nor pictures can do them justice. My appreciation for ancient artists has greatly increased.

Yes, this is one of THOSE pictures... one that you see all the time in books and magazines and here I am seeing it for real! Michaelangelo, DiVinci, and Raphael all pictured here.

The view from the top of the Basilica. You actually have to pay for the opportunity to climb all 551 steps to the top. The view, is totally worth it , though.

One of the buildings behind the Basillica. We didn't know who lived here, but it was sure nice. Can I move in?

In front of St. Peter's Cathedral.

Day trip down to Pompeii. AMAZING ruins. Whole city covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. When you know what went on there, you'll know why it was covered!

However, that aside, the excavation process is amazing and to be able to uncover an entire city with so many amenities... even though they were ancient is absolutely undescribable. Those people were brilliant. Using gravity to create water pressure for fountains... AMAZING!

Daytime view of the Colloseum. Talk about one amazing structure. Even going to a NFL football game cannot come close to the awe inspiring creation the Romans built!

The view under the floor where the gladitors trained and the animals were held for the games.

A view from farther away.

I think these are the steps where Cesear was killed. I mean, we walked right there, on those same stone streets that were built in the BC period! Can't get over it!

This guy, I think his name is Marcus Arrelius, who no one really remembers anymore, thought so much of himself that he built a monument to himself. His mustache is 5 ft long! His horse is over 42 ft long. I guess he really wanted to be remembered. What was his name again?

Went to the Borghese Art Gallery where there were some amazing paintings. We were only allowed to be there 2 hours. That's all you get. Wanna see more? Have to come back, but have to purchase your tickets early because these guys don't sell tickets at the door. They sell out too fast.

One of the excavation areas in the Jewish ghetto. Jews had to live outside the city for hundreds of years in this ghetto area, forced to see Christian churches as they would leave for work and come home each day... hoping they would convert. Got to eat a shwarma there. YUM!

And now, the weary travelers head home. Thanks for all the memories Jan! It was truly an amazing experience. It was tough to choose my favorite pictures from this trip, and I didn't want to bore anyone, so here's some highlights!