The Grandeur

November 12, Saturday -Rome

There are a few places in the world that should be on everyone's list to visit. Rome has to be near the top.

Say nothing else for them, but when the Romans do things, it's on a grand scale. I cannot even imagine how much more fantastic thier world was when it was in full flower, but it must have been almost otherworldly. My neck began to hurt after so many times straining to see the tops of the monuments. From the Collisium to the Arco di Constantino to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, you not only are stunned by the amount of effort that went into creating them, but have only tapped the very begining of Rome. Lord, there's a lot here.

Usually when you get a map of the city you are going to there are several key places to see and some smaller things to see as well. Rome's map literally filled with sites, museums, monuments, spires, cathedrals, fountains, squares, plazzas, shrines, castles, towers, and you haven't even reached the Vatican City.

Whew. Bring your walking shoes.

I was talking to someone earlier about how easy it would be to fall in love with Rome. Every corner you turn there's a gorgeous statue. Every lane you walk down you discover reliefs carved into the walls. Every courtyard you surprise upon holds a secret garden with a fountain. And everywhere are cobblestone streets with an uncountable number of outdoor cafes that beckon to you with thier intoxicating scents that waft by every 30 or 40 feet. Strength of will is all that is in between you and mouthwatering delights.

Whatever led me to Rome, I am thankful.

Oh, and don't worry Annah, someday we'll explore Rome together.