Roma: Colosseum and The Forum

Fast forward ten days and we're at the Colosseum. Once again SO tired and SO hot.

Our original plan was to visit the Colosseum the same day we did the Vatican. hah! Impossible. There is sooo much to see at the Colosseum/ Forum. It's an all day thing, and even when it's one hundred degrees outside, it's something you have to do while in Rome! Just wear a light skirt, and not tight shorts and garments like me. It's enough to turn a pregnant lady into a hot hot crying mess. Also, do not go to Rome in July/August. Ugh.

We had no problem getting tickets, it wasn't that busy. A few of us had downloaded Rick Steve's free podcast before the trip so we all shared headphones and tried to educate ourselves. After a lot of walking and sweating, we made our way down to the Spanish steps for dinner and the Trevi at night for our last gelato.

 ^ doesn't it look hot? I can feel the heat radiating from this photo ^

^ Rick Steves buddies ^

 ^ look how small and cute my bump was! This was before Mckell sat in disgusting pigeon poop ^

 ^  Site of the very first Hunger Games ^

 ^ exhausted at The Forum ^

^ the fam was fascinated by these orange men. They were everywhere. ^

^ We didn't find our favorite Roman gelato until the last night. They had mini cones, cookie sticks, AND whipped cream. My dad's dream. I think my favorite combination was Cookies, Milk, and Hazelnut gelato. YUM! ^

Until next time Rome! 

Roma: Trevi, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps

Our first day in Rome...

We arrived in the Roma airport around 9 AM after our miserable red eye flight. Jake and I had to sit in the back of the plane, and after boarding it took about an hour to get the plane moving. Oh and there was NO A/C. Cue the anxiety attack. There were some tears and aggressive paper fanning. Eventually we got going and after watching fifteen movies and attempting several different sleep positions... we gave up on having a "relaxing" flight. So we met up with the family, and to say we were all tired and snappy would be an understatement. Luckily we got on the right train to our hotel and after an hour of dragging our luggage up many stairs, we reached our place of refuge and started our journey through Europe on the only rainy day we would have.

As designated Rome tour guide, I thought we should keep our first day easy going and check out the Trevi, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps. These are of course must sees in Rome but what I love is that you can see them whenever, they're within walking distance of each other, and they're freeeee. So we did our walk slowly and sluggishly and crashed around 9 pm.

^  Our first time at Valle Aurelia, we became public transport Pros. ^

 ^ before our day even began! ^

 ^ where are you Paulo? ^

 ^ wish making. Also check out father's veiny arms... ^

 ^ Brielle's first Italian gelato ^

 ^ Dad educating the group with some Rick Steve's knowledge ^

Taormina

If I was being completely honest, I would have to say Sicily was my favorite stop on our trip. It was our first excursion and we were told to grab a taxi from the port and drive an hour up to Taormina, a small town on the hilltop.

After some bartering we cut the price in half and squeezed into a van with a Italian driver named Giovanni who didn't understand a lick of English. He took us on a dangerously speedy drive up to Taormina where we had the best gelato and Margarita pizza ever made. It was everything I dreamt the Italian coast to be. I hope Jake and I can go back some day and spend some more time there because this trip was far too short!

Roma, Vatican City

I always imagined Europe with my husband like an old black and white film. You know, Audrey and Gregory riding through Rome on mopeds, the wind blowing through her hair in a long flowy skirt...
Instead what we got was me waddling up the metro stairs with my elephant feet while my husband giggles with my baby brother. STILL it was amazing. Italy, no matter what the temperature, is breathtaking and inspiring. The fact that we traveled all around Rome with ten Americans without getting lost or mugged made the trip a success.

Our day at the Vatican was especially exciting. It was soo busy! Luckily we bought our tickets before hand so we didn't have to wait in line. However, the museum has no A/C and each room was crammed with people. After an hour of it all, I felt the dizziness kick in and collapsed in a corner so I wouldn't pass out. Afterwards we grabbed some lunch and ventured on to St Peters. If you ever go, make sure you're wearing sleeves and a long skirt. Also... be careful about cutting in line. It took us Mormon girls three attempts and a lot of creativity to get through the modesty police. At one point I'm pretty sure we had a security guard telling us he was going to call the police. Somehow we got through and climbed to the very top of the basilica. The day was exhausting but so incredible and the pasta and pizza make every step worth it.