Italy: Rome

On our way to Rome, we hit one little town that most would not stop at. It is called San Gimignano and is a little medieval town. We hiked up the hill and saw many cute little shops. As we got to the top, there was the most beautiful view of Tuscany. Gorgeous!

YIKES!

As we got to Rome later that day, we did a walking tour. We stopped at the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and of course the Pantheon. I was absolutely amazed at the Pantheon. The dome inside is made completely of concrete and stays up with no supports. The next day we visited the Vatican. The square is really awesome and full of sculptures and architecture. Then we went inside and saw the Sistine Chapel. Words can't describe how amazing it is in person. I could have stared at it for hours, but unfortunately we only had about 20 minutes. Then we were able to climb to the top of the dome. What a view! The last day we spent in old Rome. We visited the Colosseum first. I have never seen anything like it before. It felt like we were on the set of an old movie; a surreal experience! Then we toured the Forum, seeing the Circus Maximus and all the other old structures. We were very sad to finish our trip to Italy, but glad to be headed home. That was where our baby was waiting for us!

Trevi Fountain

 Shane tossing in a coin

Spanish Steps

Pantheon

Vatican City

 St. Peter's Dome

 Michelangelo's Pieta

Climbing the Dome

 Tiny cramped quarters

 Curved walls as you climb

 View from the top!

Colosseum

 Yummy authentic Italian pizza for lunch!

 Circus Maximus