The first day we were there, we visited the Pantheon (very unique church from the first century), the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. The Trevi Fountain was beautiful and surprisingly relaxing even amongst the countless people. Paul and I took the time to toss a coin over our shoulders and make a wish. On our second day we ventured to the Vatican City first thing in the morning. We were greeted by a line-up containing hundreds of people, but just assumed that it was an ordinary day. We followed everyone through security and up the steps of St.Peter’s Basilica to realize that there were thousands of chairs set up. We still had no idea what was going on, but followed the crowds and found a seat. After waiting for about an hour and half we realized that we were about to take part in the Catholic celebration of Epiphany (celebrating when the wise-men brought gifts to Jesus). There was a huge processional with lots of men dressed in fancy costumes, and then... the Pope himself walked in! It was definitely really cool to see such a famous and important man, and we were about 2 feet away from him! After the excitement of seeing the Pope wore off, we were stuck in a very large church, with thousands of people reciting very old songs, sayings and rituals in every language but English... for the next 4 hours. 
On day 3, we visited the Coliseum and Roman Forum – both very incredible experiences. Roman history can be so fascinating when you’re standing right there in the middle of it. The Coliseum was everything I expected it to be, and more. It’s massive, beautiful, and breath-taking. It’s crazy to imagine things the way they were in those days. The Coliseum was constructed on the wish of the Emperor as a form of entertainment. Hunters, Gladiators and animals of every kind fought there: hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, turkeys, boars etc. Secondly, the Roman Forum is a giant city that has been preserved since Ancient Rome (except for a couple hundred years submerged under water). We toured the Palatine Hill (remains of a giant palace) which overlooked the city, and walked amongst the ancient cobblestone streets beneath towering pillars, arches, and churches.
Some really neat tips / facts we learned when in Rome...
1. Always look up! – The structures are so high and immaculate that if you don’t look up you will miss the beauty that surrounds you.
2. It IS the eternal city – Romans constructed their buildings with eternity in mind, they wanted them to last forever – for as long as the buildings stand, Rome will stand. This is a huge contrast to countries such as Canada, and is a main reason for the unique history that is present in Rome.
3. The Romans recycled – Giant buildings such as the Coliseum were constructed with brick interiors and a marble facade. A certain man (I believe it was a King), ordered for all the marble to be taken off of buildings such as this and recycled in order to build churches.
When in Rome, we also ate lots of delicious pizza, pasta and gelato – food which is eternally delicious!
1. Always look up! – The structures are so high and immaculate that if you don’t look up you will miss the beauty that surrounds you.
2. It IS the eternal city – Romans constructed their buildings with eternity in mind, they wanted them to last forever – for as long as the buildings stand, Rome will stand. This is a huge contrast to countries such as Canada, and is a main reason for the unique history that is present in Rome.
3. The Romans recycled – Giant buildings such as the Coliseum were constructed with brick interiors and a marble facade. A certain man (I believe it was a King), ordered for all the marble to be taken off of buildings such as this and recycled in order to build churches.
When in Rome, we also ate lots of delicious pizza, pasta and gelato – food which is eternally delicious!
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