ROMA (Rome)

ARRIVAL

We flew into Rome's Fiumicino airport early in the morning, and took a train to Rome.

One thing that caught our eye right away was how many windows were festooned with rainbow "PACE" (Peace) signs, and indication that Italians are predominantly against USA's intervention in Iraq.

We took a cab to our first hotel, on a narrow, colorful alley. (Actually, the cab couldn't even reach it, so we walked there the last bit).
Our hotel was near Campo Dei Fiori, a square with a daily market.

Soon we realized that we had packed too many clothes: Italy was experiencing a record-setting heat-wave!

MONUMENTS

In school Ann had a teacher who was enthusiastic about the history of ancient Rome. Ann was excited to see that civilization's actual monuments, built 2000 years ago, and more recent buildings (but still ancient by US standards).

These are the ruins of the Forum. The buildings would still be up, if it weren't for the later Romans, who helped themselves to these stones to build their own palaces.

And this, of course, is the Colosseum.

FOUNTAINS

Rome is known for its majestic fountains. Here are the "Barcaccia" (bad boat) in Piazza di Spagna, 2 of Trevi, and a fountain on the Campidoglio.

Here are fountains in Piazza Navona, and a quaint fountain with turtles, we found in a tiny square.

Rome is also full of small, utilitarian street fountains. The water is potable, a fact that the thirsty traveler appreciates.

VATICAN

The Vatican is actually a different country, inside Rome. We visited the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel (which Ann found anticlimactic) and St. Peter's Basilica.
Here is St. Peter's square and a typical Italian man and his carriage horse.

TRAFFIC

The traffic in Rome is something that must be seen to be believed: cars go every-which way, and mopeds don't even attempt to obey traffic laws. In the middle of all that, pedestrians take their lives in their hands when crossing the streets.

Sidewalks double as parking spaces. Small cars are the way to go, such as the ubiquitus "Smart Car" and many ancient Fiat 500s. (We saw only a couple of SUVs.)
Davide is standing by a 3-wheeler.

CATS

Rome is known for its stray cats, roaming freely in the enclosed ruins. Romans used to drop their unwanted cats in the Forum, and cat-lovers would drop scraps of food for them.
Things are changing now as a sign tells us.

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