• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch and Swirl
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Travel » Italy » Rome

    On Rome, The Vatican, and Home

    Published: Nov 1, 2011 · Modified: Oct 27, 2014 by Marissa Stevens · 9 Comments

    Rome is Italy exaggerated. It wields the power to thrill and annoy, delight and disgust, exhilarate and exhaust (like a 9-week vacation). In the last few days here, we explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. This astonishing city compels us to ponder its allure and 2500 year history.

    We admire the Colosseum's beautiful ruin, consider the brutality it brandished, and imagine its stolen splendor.

    keith-and-marissa-collosseum-rome

    collosseum-ruin-rome-2

    collosseum-ruin-rome-3

    collosseum-ruin-rome-4

    collosseum-ruin-rome-5

    collosseum-ruin-rome-6

    collosseum-ruin-rome-7

    collosseum-ruin-rome-8

    In the Roman Forum, we wander through ruins of relic government buildings at the ground level of ancient Rome - 20 feet below the modern city.

    roman-forum

    roman-forum-2

    roman-forum-3

    roman-forum-4

    roman-forum-5

    roman-forum-6

    roman-forum-7

    roman-forum-8

    roman-forum-9

    roman-forum-1

    roman-forum-10

    roman-forum-11

    After ten days and tens of miles on foot, we have to deny a creeping blindness to the cities' beauty. Extravagant architecture, lavish gardens, and opulent fountains are along every street and around every corner. Some days, second-hands tick away hours while we wade through hoards of people and fill our lungs with cigarette smoke. Rome loses her luster.  But then we ascend an unfamiliar staircase and find ourselves alone on a bench in the shade of an olive tree, before us a colossal skyline view.  And we're reminded - oh yes - we're in Rome. We're in Rome!

    On our last full day in this city, we roam the squares, churches, and museums of the Vatican.

    The Vatican is Rome exaggerated. It wields different, but equally opposing powers. We see St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo's Peita. It feels like fruition. And we know, it's time to go home.

    We'll post once more to this blog to let you know we're home and share with you what's next.

    st-peters-basilica-vatican

    More Rome

    • Mid Pleasures and Palaces...
    • Castel Sant'Angelo
    • Titian, Bassano, Caravaggio, Bernini - The Borghese Gallery
    • Lace Up Your Walking Shoes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Beth says

      November 03, 2011 at 6:35 am

      What an amazing trip. Thanks for keeping us update with postcards, the boys loved getting them. Look forward to hearing more stories.

      Reply
      • marissa says

        November 04, 2011 at 4:36 pm

        Thanks for being here Beth. Can't wait to see you...

        Reply
    2. Gordon says

      November 03, 2011 at 12:35 am

      Safe travels to you. I enjoyed every post.

      Reply
      • marissa says

        November 04, 2011 at 4:37 pm

        Gordon - thank you for your great comments. We loved having you here!

        Reply
    3. Inger-A. Steen says

      November 02, 2011 at 1:02 am

      A great travel blog with a lot of beautiful pictures. Will it be 65 days in Norway next time?? Wish you a safe travel home.

      Reply
      • marissa says

        November 04, 2011 at 4:38 pm

        Thank you Inger. If the people of Norway are like you, we can't visit soon enough!

        Reply
    4. Tim says

      November 01, 2011 at 6:10 pm

      Has it been 65 days already? Fantastic travel blog, your images were amazing. Safe flight home, arrivedeci.

      Reply
    5. Jenn says

      November 01, 2011 at 5:55 pm

      It's sad to think you are done, but its so exciting to think we will see you soon and hear about everything in person. I cannot wait to sit with the two of you, a glass of wine and absolutely NO schedule of events to rush to. I am ready to listen for HOURS. I already feel like I have been on this trip with you!

      Reply
    6. Colo says

      November 01, 2011 at 1:53 pm

      Thank you so much for taking us along with you on this trip of a lifetime. Safe travels and we await your final thoughts and reflections - But most importantly where are you taking us next?

      Thanks for the ride!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    The best food happens at home. I love delicious food prepared simply with fresh ingredients and that’s just what you’ll find here! You can count on me for well tested, mouthwatering recipes designed for home cooks. Learn more →

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    12 Recipes to Know by Heart Book Cover
    Subscribe for Free E-Cookbook

    Reader Favorites

    • Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
    • Lemon Garlic Pasta
    • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
    • Homemade Ramen Noodles
    • Homemade Tonic Water
    • Shrimp Tacos
    • Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Gyro Meat Recipe
    • Pork Belly Ramen
    • Grilled Lamb Chops

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Meet Marissa
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 PinchandSwirl

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email