We finished our trip to Italy in Rome and it was truly a downer to leave and fly home to LA from this historic city. What can you say about Rome? It's well-know that Rome is the capital of Italy, but did you know it's also the third most populous city in the European Union? Many people think of the Vatican when they think of Rome, but it's important to remember that Vatican City is an independent city-state located within Rome, and contains the cultural sites of St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. One of the special treats on our visit was the Vatican "Scavi" Tour that goes through the excavations below Saint Peter’s Basilica. It's one of the most exclusive tours in all of Rome (only 250 people, in groups of about 12, are allowed through each day compared to the 30,000 that visit the Vatican Museums) and lasts around 90 minutes. The tour ends at the actual tomb of Saint Peter, where you can see a container with the bones of the Apostle (you have to peek around a corner). Definitely no picture taking is allowed in the excavations!
As to cuisine, you can find anything your heart desires in Rome (including American Fast-Food places - Please...NO!!!!!) The subway there will take you all over the city, and the interesting thing we found out was that men riding the subway left seats open for women who might get on later (and we were on it at Rush-Hour!!!). Try to find that happening in a U.S. major city! We did experience an earthquake while we were there (three actually - Northeast of the city). Not huge by LA standards, but they did do a lot of damage to the small towns they hit. Sad. That aside, we did enjoy ourselves immensely and definitely want to visit again soon. Enjoy the pictures!
