When in Rome...

Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2286474&id=11832732&l=f57064c993

Today we left Paris (early in the morning) to fly to Rome. I thought it was pretty cool when we crossed the alps (I think it was the alps; big mountains anyways), the mountains stuck up beyond a cloud layer looking almost like islands.

After arriving safely, we rode a bus into Rome. After depositing our suitcases in our room, we went walking around the city. Our first stop was the "Spanish Steps" - a large number (138) of steps built where the Spanish embassy used to be. I am not that familiar on the details, but the steps are used as a meeting point or socializing point - a lot of people sit around with their friends there. We arrived at the top, and walked down the steps.

After the Spanish Steps, the next closest 'tourist location' was the Trevi fountain. I was impressed by it; it is large and has a lot of water flowing through it. There is not really a good way to get a photo of the whole thing due to the number of people standing around it. I did 'brave the crowd' and tossed a coin into the fountain. According to the legend/myth, I will return to Rome at some point.

Leaving the Trevi Fountain, we went to the Pantheon. It is a very old building, built almost 2000 years ago as a pagan temple to all the gods (put them all into one place rather than lots of shrines/temples all over the city). It is very impressive in the fact that the roof is a concrete dome which has not been replaced since originally being built. It is an engineering marval that the dome is there at all; I would not have pegged ancient Romans capable of such a feat, and performing such a high quality job that it lasts 2000 years. The only light in the room comes from a hole in the ceiling; the occulus (which surprisingly enough, does admit a great deal of light, more than enough to see by). The building was eventually converted into a church and blessed by the Pope; it is still used as a church today. Additionally, two kings of Italy are intured there, along with Raphael (the artist).

After the pantheon, we briefly visited Piazza Navona, which in the days of the Roman Empire was used as an arena for races; chariot, horses, and runners. It was large (seems to be a common theme for the older piazzas; possibly a socialization point for the people of the time). Then we went back to our hotel to get ready for a very busy next day.