Il n'y a Jamais Assez de Temps!

We definitely got an early start today--and I'm proud of myself. I knew there was just so much to see, and I couldn't waste time just sleeping in bed. I wanted to start out at the Coloseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum since they're all right next to each other. We were able to get there by 09:00, and there was hardly a line at all. It was so nice! Since Emily had already been, it didn't make any sense for her to pay again, so she gave me her AMAZING guide book and I went through while she took care of some errands. First of all, wow. The guide book (The Blue Guide: Rome) was so detailed and it helped me understand where I was and what it meant so much more. I'll give you a little history about each piece before you see it, so you can gean idea of what it used to be.

The Colosseum! Its construction started in about 72 AD and took about 8 years to complete. It was used for a lot of public events and was actually a great space for politics because the citizens were able to express their views about the current leader because they sat in such close vicinity.

Often on these ruins you see regularly-spaced holes. Usually these were spaces for hooks (or something?) to hold the marble and bronze that often plated these amazing buildings. Wow.

Also, you see that much of the colosseum is deteriorated. Or is it? As a matter of fact, it was most certainly pulled down and apart to reuse its exterior marble and bronze. This was done with a very many of the ancient monuments.

A view of the Temple of Venus (7th century BC!), in the Roman Forum, from atop the Colosseum.

Arc of Constantine. This is a triumphal arch (after which was modeled Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe in Paris!) commemorating his victory in 315 AD. It reused many of its spoils from pieces of Ancient Roman artifacts, which to many symbolizes the decline of art in the Roman Imperial Period. Coooool!!

Entrance to Palatine Hill. This is one of the most ancient centers of Rome, and there have been remains dating back to 1000 BC!

An Ancient Aqueduct. No big deal :P

Not related to ancient Rome, but this couple had matching shoes. How cute!!

Some surviving artwork on the walls of one of the palaces.

I just couldn't get over the fact that I could actually TOUCH these things. I still can't wrap my mind around it. 

Entering the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill. This area contains some very important buildings to ancient Rome, and in fact was the center of almost all activities. It's where the Senate has its origins. Many of the ancient buildings were rebuilt in Imperial Rome. This was very common in Imperial Rome.

A rose garden in the garden of one of the buildings. I'm horrible and don't remember which one, but it was probably important because I took a picture :P

Oh, just the main street of Ancient Rome, Sacra Via. All the drains had petal-like covers on them. So. Freaking. Cool. I'm walking in the very same place where the ancient Romans walked. No big deal.

The Temple of Caesar. Where Julius Caesar's body was burnt and Marc Antony delivered his famous funeral oration. Really?? Wow. All that is left is one curved wall, but still!!!

Basilica of Maxentius. One of the grandest examples of Ancient Roman architecture, (312 AD) it has three arches and it used to have a huge spiral staircase. All that remains is one quarter of a wall. At the time, it was the largest thing ever to have been built. Wooooowwww. Notice the domes and the ceiling decorations, which used to be adorned with stucco flowers, probably.

Met up with Emily after my adventure. Yay!!

Basilica of St. John Lateran. The official seat of the Pope, and the oldest Papal basilica in Rome. These organ pipes were HUUUUGEEEE.

These bronze doors on the rear of the basilica (cathedral) were actually taken from the ancient Roman Senate. I am touching them. Yessss.

There were two main things I was thinking about the whole time. Firstly, how so much of these ruins were built over, or their parts salvaged and used. Nowadays, we would never dream of tearing own the Colosseum, but instead spend significant time and money on its preservation. That's not at all how it used to be. The Imperial and Medevial Romans (and presumably everyone around the world) would just build right over what used to be. Very interesting.

The other thing is how difficult I found it to picture these ruins like they once were. I mean, when you think of these sites you have in your mind how they are now. But for the most part, they were covered in marble and gold and all sorts of diferent precious materials. I appreciated trying to grasp the sights for really what they were.

Jake said we must try Kebabs in every city. Here is us eating our DELICIOUS kebab after a long morning of walking!

This is supposed to be an example of how beautiful Rome is. Disregard the girl in the middle.

After getting our lunch, we headed back to Emily's place because I needed a rest. I was so not going to make it without one. I'm glad we did because we had fun talking about apartment plans :) Plus, we wanted to go to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps after dark (which is only after 16:30, really) :P

The Trevi Fountain. It's the largest fountain in the city. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain over your shoulder it is good luck and ensures your return to Rome. All the coins are collected every Monday and donated to charity that goes to help the poor in Rome. :)

My coin!!

Here it goes :D

We're both now officially coming back to Rome !

The Spanish Steps. It's actually the widest staircase in Europe, and boasts a great view of Rome. Personally, I didn't think the view was great (and I thought the one by Emily's house was better), but it was fun climbing them (not!! :P )

Then, we rushed off to get dinner at what Emily says is the best pizza place in Rome. I must agree (though I only went to two :P). Holy cow. I know I love pizza, but wow. It's so different from the pizza we have at home, but so oh my goodness good. We were both so hungry at this point. It opens at about 16:30 and she said the lines get long quickly. We got there at about 20:00 and it was already super long. We were so starving, so we chose to sit outside even though it was cold and we got seated right away. It pays to sit in the cold, I guess :P

The kind waitress gave me an English menu. I love this description. The restaurant is called Dar Poeta.

Yes. I ate that whole thing. And it was delicious.

The day was just so amazing, I really can't say much more. I learned so much, and Emily was such a great host. So much fun, but so exhausting :)