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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.
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