Rome

After so much hype it is hard to image loving Rome, but we did. We absolutely loved it and can not wait to go back! Our hotel was up in the hills with a great view of the city, but not easy access to all the sites. We hit the highlights - Coliseum, Vatican, Statue of Moses by Michelangelo, Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.  All of which are worth a visit but be sure to pack your patience. We encountered many a school trip and it is not even high season. High school students are all the same whether Spanish, Italian, French, Canadian or American they are loud rambuncious and generally unpleasant in large groups... :) A favorite observation was the current style of of very low cut pants which are at times worn with inapporiate under garments leaves an inconent bystander with a very unpleasant view.

Picture this you have just viewed the Moses Statue by Michelangelo. The beauty is hard to take in all at once; in fact we were just in awe of the sculpture of Moses who parted the Red Sea.  As we are walking down the steps of the church, a young lady is sitting on the steps in her very "hip" low cut jeans and all the world to see her undergarments as well as a "part" of her own! This was the most ungodly sight which had us shaking our heads and laughing for about 20 minutes.
Its worth mentioneing the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Rome. We have not seen this level of workmanship since Cairo. Everyone has a tour you must be on, a trinket you must buy or a cab you must get in. This is all part of the charm of Rome as long as you don't fall for the tricks. We both really enjoyed the salesmanship and creativity of the hustlers.