Overall reflection of the trip

No words can accurately describe the effect this trip has had on me. I enjoyed seeing the landmarks of Ancient Rome and various other tourist spots, but honestly, just spending time with everyday Rome taught me the most. Rome isn't just a city comprised of structural antiquities; it's a thriving city and should be viewed as such.

Removing my self from my comfort zone and into the culture of another country was very rewarding. I learned more about my way of life than I every would in the States.

Such a place of beauty and art cannot be fully appreciated in eight days. There are many things of which I am uncertain, but I am certain that someday, I will return to Rome.

Day Eight

On my free day, some friends and I took a train to Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa. Wow, what a beautiful place, Tivoli. Even if we had not made it to Hadrian's Villa, I could not call the trip a failure. I learned so much more about ancient and modern Roman life being away from the big city and tourist sections. Even Hadrian's Villa was not that occupied with tourists. Hadrian, I must say, knew how to live...and build. His villa, covering more than 300 acres, sat beautifully in the foothills of the mountains. what a tranquil place. Someday, I will go back and spend much more time there.

Day Seven

Although not as complete as Pompeii, Ostia Antiqua still had much to offer. Here, I could really get up close to the ruins...as in walk through them, on them, and over them. Most memorably was the toilets. Its funny to think that Roman life two thousand years ago was not all that different from modern life. Thinking about how far we've come, have we really gained all that much?

Day Six

Florence, although not as showy as Rome, was still a very nice place with plenty of things to see. Life in Florence seemed to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the capitol city. It was much easier to walk there than it was in Rome. As a result, I spent more time soaking in the scenery than looking for oncoming cars. It was just peaceful and refreshing. I wish we could have spent more time there. I suppose I'll just have to go back!

Day Five

The Villa Borghese (now the Borghese Museum) is a wonderful building filled with priceless works of art. However, I found my self admiring the ceilings most of the time. It was a truly beautiful building, but the building itself overpowered the various sculptures and paintings. It was nonetheless a beautiful venue.

Day Four

The infamous city of Pompeii. I immensely enjoyed our short time there. It was amazing to walk in a ancient city in its entirety. I actually felt like I had gone back in time and was walking the lively streets of Pompeii. It was truly a beautiful place.

Day Three

The Coliseum, arguably Rome's most famous landmark. Its magnificence towers over the streets like some ancient guardian. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this quintessential tourist spot. I still marvel at the advanced technology that the Ancient Romans possessed. Their culture, politics, and urban planning was outstanding. A great example of this is the Roman Forum, situated right next to Coliseum. The Roman Forum was a beautiful place to really feel like an Ancient Roman. The very center of Roman life, politics, and commerce.