When in Rome...

Drink from the water fountains: They were everywhere, and Patrick was thirsty. I report no lingering illnesses a week later, so apparently it is safe! Also, this one was in the Vatican so although it's not Holy Water, it's pretty darn close.






Say "Hi" to the Pope: OK, we regretfully missed one of his last appearances, but we did check out his country, and the nun who sold me a beautiful St. Peter charm told me they were friends. Close enough for me!




Catch some rays through the Pantheon sunroof: We were in awe of the Pantheon 2,000+ year old precisely round domed roof. Apparently we are not alone, since over 1,000 years later, architects were still so stumped by such a large dome with no interior supporting columns and they allowed Brunelleschi to cut into the dome to figure it out. Armed with the Rick Steves free podcast, we walked around and easily spotted the "wound" above the door. We loved how the Pantheon was always a place for the masses; everyone was always welcome regardless of social status.




Sit on the Spanish Steps: Just kidding - look how many people were on the steps in February! We skipped this for the shopping nearby.







Have a beer at McDonald's: Yep. You read that correctly. But in our defense, it is the largest McD's in the world, 3rd coolest, and we didn't seek it out, we just happened to pass by. Leather chairs and artsy decorations sure made it feel like a step up from the dirty, french-fry coated jungle gyms we are used to...





Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain (at night!): So maybe the locals don't do this, but they don't have to wish to return to Rome! The Trevi, powered by a natural aqueduct, is unbelievably beautiful at night. I can understand why tourists throw over €3,000 in coins per day. Apparently, a local charity collects the coins each week to make sure they are put to good use.








Pay our respects to Caesar: It's pretty amazing that over 2,000 years later, people still adorn the spot where Caesar's body was burned with bouquets of flowers. This spot is easy to miss in the Roman Forum, so it was a treat to find it!



Sample the local fare: Patrick literally picked this orange from one of the beautiful orange trees that lined the street. Though they were beautiful, the orange might have suffered from city smog. No need to try for yourself.

 Decide a gladiator's fate: Thank goodness we had the Roma Pass and could skip the surprisingly long line (again - why so many tourists in February!?) to check out the Colosseum  It was pretty cool to imagine hippos, lions, rhinos, and leopards in the now exposed tunnel system underneath the floor. I find it amazing that they were able to even capture and transport the animals, but of course tragic that their lives were used so frivolously.