Places in Europe I have always wanted to see, part 1

ROME!!

After Munich, Otto and I spent 3 days touring the city. I cannot imagine what high tourist season would be like since we went in February and it was very crowded. I waited in line 2 hours to get into the Vatican Museum. It was painful, but worth it...once in my lifetime anyway.  The Sistine Chapel was an amazing room of painting (no photos allowed), but dodging the crowds made it less than meditative. We stayed in the Navona district which was perfect for easy access to all the sights and food.  Otto and I ate so much - I even found a locally brewed IPA, yum! On to the photos (a fraction of what I took)...

The night view from our room in a lovely guest house

The Parthenon, just a few blocks from where we stayed. The building is lit by a large hole in the roof. At first Otto and I couldn't believe that it was truly open, so we went back after a rain shower, and sure enough there was a puddle of water on the floor!

One of the coolest churches (Sant'Ignazio) we saw. The paintings were 3D - seriously. I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself. Otto was even impressed, even though he hated me dragging him into so many churches.

Lovely outdoor cafe after a full day of sightseeing.

Of course we had to visit the Colosseum - it was truly impressive.

Ancient ruins at the Forum right next to the Colosseum. I never get sick of the history and wandering around the sites imagining the people that actually lived hundreds of years ago, doing all the normal things we do (minus the internet...)

Another one of my favorite activities in Rome.  These are coffee bars. You go to the register around the corner and pay for your coffee, take the receipt to the bar, they make it for you and you drink it right at the bar. Starbucks has it all wrong.

While I am not a religious person, I couldn't help but go into every possible church I saw.  Each and everyone was like an art exhibit. I wish I had traveled to Rome during the time I was in art history at University. On the one hand the opulence makes me ill thinking of all the Catholics around the world that cannot afford food and shelter, but it is hard not to appreciate the beauty of the art and architecture. 

 Just a little taste of Rome. I look forward to visiting more of Italy.  Next stop Portugal...