Roma is amazing

I definitely need to find another word because I think I have used amazing too many times, but Roma is amazing!

I have spent the last three days walking across the city and seeing a lot of the sites in central Roma. The first day I was in Roma, I walked around and went to Santa Maria Maggiore Church and then came across the Colosseum. It is so incredible - everywhere I look, there are fountains, temples, beautiful buildings. There is so much to see! Trevi Fountain is much the same: it just kind of appears out of a building.

So the next day I walked around the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill and went into the Colosseum. It was an amazing day and I loved everything I saw. But the day was made better by the fact that the Roma Marathon was happening that day. It was incredible to watch the runners come across the finish line with the Colosseum behind them. Briefly, I thought it would be so great to do that and I missed running. Then I looked a little further and noticed the runners collapsed on the ground in exhaustion and cramping and I re-thought the whole marathon thing. But it was great to watch and cheer the runners on!

I have also had a great time hanging out with Emmy. We are staying at a hotel the first 4 nights because we couldn't stay at her apartment as previously planned. I finally experienced some negativity regarding my travels. Her roommates didn't want a "backpacker" staying at their apartment. I don't know if they thought I was going to steal something (silly, considering I am trying to get rid of my own stuff). It was just really frustrating and I felt bad for Emmy as it has caused tension. But we still go over in the evening to make pasta dinners (tonight is burger night) and hang out.

I have been to most of the "minor" sights - it seems weird to say it that way as everything is so magnificent and important. But what I mean is I haven't done the major museums (that is today) and I have yet to do the Vatican and St. Peter's. That will definitely take a full day and I am so excited. I will definitely keep you posted!

Plus, on Friday I get to go on a fieldtrip with Emmy's class to a mozarella farm and a palace (I think). Anyways, my time in Roma is filling up. Plus I want to get an Opera in there as well.

But I am having a great time and hopefully in the next few days I can post in a little more detail. Everything is well, I am safe and happy and just trying to absorb as much as possible.

Talk to you soon, Ciao.

Love, Lisa