Enjoying Rome

We’re finally in Rome! It certainly seemed long enough in getting here, especially with the three necessary flights, but now I’m slowly adjusting to the Italian way of life.

Some things I’m finding very pleasant – gelato, spaghetti alla Carbonara – others, like the crosswalks, are taking a little more getting used to. There’s a bit of culture shock going around, what with a more holistic orientation toward time which means much more time spent at meals than we Americans are used. It’s definitely been a measure of patience as we try to decipher maps, figure out when stores and internet cafes are open (with Sunday and the Holy Day of New Year’s Day it’s been a bit dodgy to find open grocery stores and the like), and struggle with the language barriers.

We’ve done a fair bit of wandering around the city, exploring the many churches and other intricacies of the city. Today we had a chance to walk pass by the Coliseum and the Forum. As with our viewing of the Pantheon yesterday, I’m in awe of how old these things are. After reading so much Greek and Roman mythology when I was growing up, it’s hard to believe that places that honor the ancient gods still remain. One of the most interesting things of note in the city is the celebration of Epiphany, which has filled the Piazza Navona with a Christmas market.

There’s still so much to see and do though. The Spanish Steps definitely need to be visited, as does the Trevi Fountain. The Temple of the Vestal Virgins will certainly need to be inspected a little closer as well. But until then, arrivederci! Ada