Roma!

We arrived in Roma at 10 yesterday morning. The group was divided into pairs and each pair led from one destination to the next.

First we went to the Piazza di Spagna where the Scalinatta di Piazza Spagna (Spanish steps- the longest and widest in all of Europe.) are located. We learned that no one is allowed to eat on the steps. A couple of years ago, an intoxicated man drove a toyota celica down the steps. He was arrested and no one was hurt. Last year an artist filled the steps with thousands of plastic multi-colored balls in protest to artists' conditions in Rome.

From here we walked down the Via Condotti to the Antico Caffe Greco, a very old and famous coffee shop. Keats, Mark Twain and Hans Christian Anderson all lived upstairs at one point and may have written in the coffee shop. I enjoyed a caffe latte here, which was thoughtfully provided by the Auburn program.

The Via Condotti is filled with designer shops like Prada, Gucci, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Ferragamo... you get it. The stores all have such amazing window displays. Check out my Rome picturs to see the staircase in Louis Vuitton!

We walked down the Via del Corso to the Piazza Colonna to the Fontana di Trevi. The Trevi fountain was incredible. It took my breath away. We all took turns tossing in our coins, which are donated to charity at the end of each day when the fountain is cleaned out. 1 coin=you'll return to Rome. 2=you will fall in love with an Italian. 3= you will marry the Italian you met in Rome. The number of coins I threw in will remain a secret.

Next we walked to the Pantheon. Also incredible with its enormity and intricate details. My brain cannot grasp how much history lies in these places. It began to rain just as we entered the Pantheon. Cinzia said, "It's better inside when it's raining." I didn't know what she meant until I walked in and looked at the oculus (the circular hole in the center of the ceiling). Water poured in sheets through the hole and it was very beautiful. Sorry, but it couldn't be captured by camera.

From there we walked to the Piazza Navona and then to the Campo di Fiori. I really loved the Campo di Fiori. In the middle of the square was an open market full of spices, fruits, vegetables, dried fruit and nuts. I got some dried fruit there that even had dried kiwi in it. I think the dried cherries are my favorite. Or maybe the apricots. We ate lunch in the Campo di Fiori at a small sandwich shop. I had a panino with fritati (like omelette) zucchine and mozarella. It was so good. We also got gelatto, I got cioccomente, or mint chocolate chip. I could eat that for every meal.

Next Amanda and I were the guides and we led back the Via Condotti (the longest and most difficult route, thank you very much.) then to the Via Margutta and ended at the Piazza del Poppolo (the square of the people).

The Piazza del Poppolo has great people watching and is surrounded by beautiful buildings and statues. We walked up this hill and to the top of a building where we saw a view of all of Rome (check the pics). It was so beautiful.

I know my words can't give you a picture of what I am seeing. I still can't believe I am here. I can't believe I am able and allowed to do this. I am learning so much but it is all so much to learn. My head is full. My eyes are full. Today is my birthday. :) It's very rainy but I think we will still go out to this neat little place we found in Albano. 22 in Italy is very nice. I am attempting to post photos to photobucket so you can see! There will be a link soon to view my photos.