Rome part 2

Next stop was inside the Roman Forum and Palace. We walked around on our own through this one and enjoyed the Roman ruins quite a lot.

On our way out, there was this amazing view of the Colosseum; had to take one last shot.

Circus Maximus

Lunch was pizza, of course, at a charming little sidewalk bistro

And then we entered into a new country, Vatican City; these Swiss, Vatican, guards signaled this entrance.

 Outside the Vatican. The Pope was there and going to give a speech in an hour so it was super packed. 

Because of how packed it was, we didn't go inside. But the courtyard was quite grandiose.

 This was a large nativity scene that we decided not to wait in the super long lines to get closer. But it was cool to see from afar.

After walking across the bridge right outside the Vatican and returning once more to Italy, we saw the Castel Sant'Angelo. Massimo told us this is where they tortured Protestants who would then run, lit on fire, down the bridge while the Pope watched from the window above.

Probably one of the most picturesque parts of the city and we thankfully were there right at sunset. So pretty.

This is one of the first Protestant churches in Rome

Piazza Navona

One of my only "missions" in Italy was to eat gelato, and I thought it would be super cool to eat it in Rome. Since it was very cold out, there wasn't many places serving it but we finally found one place that had amazing gelato; it was SO good!

Here we are for another coffee stop in a vey famous coffee shop; it was so crowded there was a line out the door. If you will notice, there are no tables inside but a lot of counters. The temperature of the coffee is not very warm and that is because the people enter, order their coffee, and stand at the counter and drink it right away. Very interesting. And very good coffee.

The Pantheon

Rafael's grave, inside the Pantheon

Loved the streets still decorated for Christmas!

Last stop was the very famous Trevi fountain. There are huge steps in front of it and it was very crowded. We could barely get our pictures taken and Susannah told me during the summer the steps are crowded with people eating gelato and hanging out. It is a famous place to go on a date, also, and tradition says you kiss in front of the fountain. Aww; so romantic :)

And that, dear readers, is Rome in a day :) We saw and walked through practically the whole city, thanks to the sweet Mollica's and the public transportation system. It is a day we will forever remember and are so thankful we had the opportunity to see!

And, stay tuned for part 4 of Italy...there is more to see!