Rome's Colosseum

Hotel: Hotel Selene (2 nights)
Tour Highlights: the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, "fountain" walk at night, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica

A Swiss Guard sworn to protect the Pope


The famous Trevi
Fountain


The view of St. Peter's Dome

What I'll never forget: our local guide Francesca's talks about Romans, travel and history that seemed to impress everyone • my first view of the Colosseum after leaving the metro • being surprised at how much I loved the Roman Forum • staying up late to write post cards • shopping (but buying little) with Maegen and Deborah • using my last few Euros to buy liquor and chocolate the morning I left • ordering enough pizza and wine (for myself) to feed at least 2 or 3 people • tears at our last dinner together • tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain • our moonlit walk through Rome • the treasures of the Vatican • the man yelling "NO PHOTO!" in the Sistine Chapel • my excitement at seeing both the inside and the outside of the Pantheon • seeing Michelangelo's beautiful Pietà and feeling sad that it had to be behind glass

My favorite foods: pizza, gelato, white wine, prosecco

The Pantheon, built about 125 and generally
considered Rome's best-preserved building

A ceiling in the Vatican Museum

I finally made it to St. Peters

A view of the Roman Forum

My tour buddy, Beth, and me in front of fountains


Farewell!

I had a difficult time trying to sum up my fourteen days in Europe. When I think back to the amazing things I've seen and the people who made the experiences so meaningful, I hope that many more travel opportunites await me. Before leaving for this trip, I decided that I was either going to love travel or hate it. Needless to say, I've been bitten by the travel bug and cannot wait for my next adventure.

What I have gained from the experience? I definitely feel more confident about what I'm capable of doing. Before getting on the plane, I asked my husband, “Am I crazy? Why am I leaving everything that's familiar to me?” Although it felt ridiculous at the time, traveling alone was one of the best things I have ever done. I've also discovered an appreciation for cultures that seem to focus on family and happiness, more than wealth and long hours at the office. Italy, especially, seemed to embody a sort of carefree attitude, and I hope I brought a little bit back home with me.