THE ANCIENT BEAUTY OF ROME

During our travels to different cities in Europe, our favorite city by far was in Rome, Italy. The ancient ruins and rich history takes you back to an empire that at one time controlled most of the known world that surrounds the Mediterranean sea. Walking through the Vatican and actually seeing the beautiful paintings of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel gave you a sense of completion after seeing only pictures of these great works of art in school books and on television. Eating Italian pasta, enjoying a gelato, and strolling through the quaint shops just enhanced the relaxed and unrushed atmosphere.

There's also something very romantic and poignant as you stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of Rome during the early evening...and then suddenly discovering a "piazza" (plaza) that's bustling with outdoor table restaurants, musicians, people crowded around big-screen televisions watching the EuroCup, elaborate fountains, and talented artists proudly showing and selling their artistic creations...and then being pleased to find another romantic cobblestone street...and then discovering another piaza, and then gladly repeating it all over again.