ROME, ITALY!!! 10-14 July 2007

The Colosseum

Going to Italy was one of the most special trips I have ever taken. Rome must be the most glorious, interesting and diverse city I have ever been to. I had the wonderful pleasure of going with Ted, the remarkable man whose taken me underwing as a grandaughter. As both of us share the same interests, it was a real treat to appreciate the same things together and enjoy the sweetness of good company. I took the time to plan out each day before embarking on this trip and that made all the difference! I feel we really made the most of our time. Consistent with all things in Europe, the famous parts and pieces are just THERE in front of you, crowded amongst buildings and busy streets.

Rome in the ruin of its ancient glory. The structures still maintained their power and majesty, despite the crumbling stone. It was almost overwhelming. One of my favourite parts of Rome.

The Parthenon

My Rome

Little bits of Rome which endeared it to me.

Pompeii!!

Yes, we went to that famous, amazing city. I remember thinking for days afterwards, 'Wow...the dust of Pompeii is still on my shoes'. I was astounded at how well-preserved many of the things were, especially the art. In the top left corner of the collage, note the seashells still framing the shrine (if you can see them). It was fascinating to see little evidences of daily life in Pompeii, like the ruts carved by chariot wheels in the stone-paved streets. Even though Pompeii was discovered in the 1700s, archeologists are still uncovering, ever so carefully, different parts of it. We saw some at work and noticed that, while about four feet of soil divided us, we were standing on the orange-tiled roofs of partially uncovered homes. In the background of the top picture is Mt. Vesuvius. Who knew such an innocent-looking mountain could have spewed forth such massive amounts of ash and covered (and destroyed) an entire city??

Hadrian's Villa

We also went to Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) outside Tivoli, about an hour's busride from Rome. Tivoli was where all the wealthy Romans migrated in the summertime to escape the heat. You can see the hillside city of Tivoli in the top right-hand corner picture. Hadrian's Villa was designed by and built for King Hadrian. It was IMMENSE. And it's all gone to ruin! It is about 2000 years old, roughly the same age as Pompeii. But Pompeii was much better preserved! Amazing what ash will do. Hadrian's Villa was quite interesting!

MORE PICTURES TO FOLLOW!