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.
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.
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.
What an amazing trip. Thanks for keeping us update with postcards, the boys loved getting them. Look forward to hearing more stories.
Thanks for being here Beth. Can't wait to see you...
Safe travels to you. I enjoyed every post.
Gordon - thank you for your great comments. We loved having you here!
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.
Thank you Inger. If the people of Norway are like you, we can't visit soon enough!
Has it been 65 days already? Fantastic travel blog, your images were amazing. Safe flight home, arrivedeci.
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!
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!