They say "All roads lead to Rome".  We were ecstatic to finally take the road far enough to experience the eternal city. Though I know very little about my family roots, I am 1/2 Italian I always knew that someday I would set foot in the country of my ancestors.  This was truly a magical experience.  It's hard to explain the feelings that rush through you as you encounter your own personal history.  If you haven't already done so I would strongly suggest it. 

Rome is exciting and exhilarating, just a wonderful lively city.  We were surprised how easy it was to walk around and visit so many sights, a great place to tour on your own.  We felt comfortable being out late at night, though we always take precautions, such as a money belt and staying in well-lit areas.  My 15-year old daughter and I fell in love with Rome.

People watching is one of our favorite vacation activities, "I tell you, this is the place". There is a special feeling seeing so many nuns and priests briskly walking around the city as if they were on a strict mission, which I'm sure, they were.  Or the overwhelming feeling in the Sistine Chapel as the nun next to me began her silent prayer. The women are beautiful, my co-worker commented "They look like they just stepped out of a magazine".  There were tons of student groups all having the time of their life, to them Rome must be one big party.  Even as the gypsy approached us with kisses and tried to reach into my purse, it just felt as if it was part of the experience. 

Our hotel was a great price ($95.00), nice clean rooms and a fantastic location.  The Victor Emmanuel II Monument also called the "Vittoriano" a massive structure to the west of our hotel became our landmark.  Sightseeing is abundant and quiet a thrill.  Imagine yourself in a city over 2000 years old where there are temples to Venus and Mars and ancient structures abound, this is the Roman forum located right behind the Vittoriano.  Here you are able to walk the streets, touch and feel the existence of this long ago city, high on the hill sits the Colosseum, just an amazing view.  We enjoyed our another look in the evening where Brittany commented on how they use the light as an art form.  Fountain Di Trevi is a great place to stop and enjoy some gelato, crowds of lovers, students and the rest of us were all enjoying a much needed break.  There are wonderful fountains tucked into corners and pedestrian areas all over the city.  People were relaxing and enjoy the view from The Spanish Steps another great place to take a break. 


Our concierge suggested we see head to the Vatican Museums, it was the last Sunday of the month and it's free.  If you plan to do the same, get their early plan to wait in line, know that there will be masses of people touring and most important enjoy.  It was overwhelming so many beautiful painting, status and more so we headed back the next day for another look. And a good thing we did, each time your bound to catch something you missed.  Brittany and I agreed this a not to be missed site when in Rome.  You just can't believe you are standing in the Sistine Chapel or wondering through St. Peter's square.

Each day we asked our hotel concierge where we should have dinner and they always had a great suggestion for a quaint family restaurant around the corner or down the street.  Oh the food, another wonderful reason to travel to Italy.  There are some important tidbits to know; food can be less expensive if you take it to go or stand at the counter.  There is usually an extra charge for a table, an extra charge for the bread they serve if you wish to eat it, plan to pay for any water you order.  There is a 15% service charge added to the menu, with an extra tip expected on top of that.  So keep in mind the prices on the menu and your actual bill are usually much higher.  Always recalculate the bill sometimes the addition can be off.  And always order the wine, house wines are a great value, less expensive than a pop! Diners ran us approximately $35 for two and less for lunch.  

Rome will always have special place our hearts we hope that you will feel the same.  We can't wait to head back to Italy and next time for two or three weeks, but what to choose Northern or Southern?  

Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS to send you on vacation to Italy or the country of your ancestors, 303 442-2320.