When In Rome...

We are very close to leaving lovely Belgie, so we decided to take advantage of the kids Spring Break from school and go on one last big European adventure. Jess has been asking to go to Rome, Italy, since we got orders over here, so this was her lucky break. Rome it is. We stayed at the lovely Hotel Della Torre Argentina, and couldn't have been happier. It was amazing. If you've never been to Europe, you will find that all hotel rooms are pretty small, and limit 3 people per room. Having two teenagers means having to book two rooms over here (double the expenses), and they are never beside each other. The Hotel Della Torre Argentina had a suite with two bedrooms and a large bathroom. We had plenty of space and all got to stay together. Not only that, but it also had it's own private balcony. How fantastic is this? I know what you're thinking, it must be pretty pricey, but it really wasn't. It was actually cheaper than booking two rooms at other hotels in the city. Another plus for this Hotel was it's location. It was right in the heart of Rome, and close to lots of historic sites and restaurants. We were only staying a few days, so we couldn't wait to get started on our adventure. As soon as we checked in that night, we took off to see the Piazza Navona. The fountains were gorgeous at night! This one is called the Fountain of the Four Rivers, and was designed by Bernini. Not too far from there is the Pantheon. It was designed in 118-25 AD. The fountain in front of the Pantheon was built in 1575. The pictures don't do it justice. It was beautiful. After a good nights sleep, we met in the breakfast room for some fantastic food to recharge our bodies, then took off once again. This intersection was the most entertaining (and perhaps scary) in all of Rome. When you hear that people in Italy drive like maniacs, it's an huge understatement. Lines on the road are a luxury. Rules are ignored. If you think you can fit two cars in one lane, then they will fit three. Maybe four. This intersection was complete chaos. Cars came from every direction, forced their way in and then sped around and out again. During morning and evening rush hour, a round column rises out of the road and a police officer stand on it and directs the cars. You couldn't pay me enough to do that job. What a beautiful day to check out Rome. We couldn't have asked for better weather the entire trip. It was amazing. On our first full day in the city, we had tickets to check out the Colosseum. You can't go to Rome and not do this. I think it's the law. It's totally worth it, too. It was breathtaking. It was hard to believe that we were really there. The Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and it's construction was started in 70 AD. It took 10 years to complete. It could hold around 70,000 people, who watched everything from gladiator combats to wild beast hunts. More than 100,000 cubic meters of travertine were used to build the Colosseum. Just beside the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine. After touring the Colosseum and other neraby sites, we walked back to the Piazza Navona to check it out in the day time. It quickly became our favorite hang out spot. There are three fountains in the Piazza, and lots of restaurants (rather pricey) and shops. For cheap entertainment, we got some gelato and sat down to watch the painters and street performers do their thing. Occassionally someone played a saxaphone or guitar as well. But I liked listening to (and looking at) the fountains most of all.

Then we walked over to see the most famous fountain in all of Rome. Heck... all of Italy. Trevi Fountain. This is what I wanted to see most during our visit. The fountain was completed in 1762, and marks the end of an aqueduct. The aqueduct brings water from Salone Springs, and provides all of the water for the fountains in the historic center of Rome. Neptune, the God of the Sea, is at the center of the fountain. And it's gorgeous. And even more gorgeous at night. If you turn your back and toss a coin in the fountain, the legend says that you will return to Rome one day. Jess and I both tossed in a coin. The guys just relaxed and admired the view. We told them we'd send them a post card when we went back. This is the Piazza Venezia. It's also known as the Wedding Cake Building. Even I don't need to explain that one.

A new day brought more walking and exploring. This is the Castel Sant'Angelo. It was the papal castle for 1,000 years, and a viaduct connecting it to the Vatican lets the Pope head over here when things get a little crazy.

That's the Vatican in the background. This might be one of the most scenic spots in all of Rome.

And here's the Vatican up close. Is that the Pope? Everywhere you look is another beautiful building.

This is the site of the Circus Maximus. It was where they raced chariots.

*On a side note, while we were walking around Rome, we were looking for the pretty fountain that was in the movie When In Rome. Jess and I wanted to take pictures of it. We asked some locals, but no one knew where it was located. It turns out that it isn't located anywhere. It's all movie magic. Hundreds of statues and fountains in Rome, and they made one up for the movie. If you ever go to Rome, don't ask about the statue. They will just look at you like you are crazy. Trust me, we know.

Another famous site in Rome is the Spanish Steps. Apparently it is also a popular resting spot for tourists.

After exploring the city and enjoying the beautiful weather, we needed another gelato break. (OK, maybe we took a lot of gelato breaks during our Roman holiday, but who's counting.)

If I posted all 1,000 of the pictures I took in Rome, we'd be here all week, so I will stop at this point and just tell you... fly there and check it out yourself. It was amazing. Better yet, watch the movie When In Rome and see the sites virtually. It's a lot cheaper, but you don't get to eat the gelato. You choose. Personally, I think the gelato was worth the flight.

Family Update

Russ picked out his new car... it's hot pink, and he can certainly pull it off! Jess decided to skip college and is joining a convent. Yep, we saw that one coming. Brandon dropped out of school and is starting a band. Fingers crossed that they accept him on next season's European Idol! Woohoo! Me? I'm training for the Boston Marathon! My goal is to finish in the top 10! Oh, yea... Happy April Fool's Day!

The Belgian Rebel

On the main street of a nearby town, a man decided to build a house. Nothing unusual about that, because construction is a booming business in Belgium. He started with a rather large hole, piling up the dirt in what will become his back yard. Once the basement was completed, he accepted a shipment of golden logs. Now he had my attention. Log houses are all the rage in Alaska, but I haven't seen a single one in Belgium. (In case you are wondering at this point if I'm stalking this poor man, I am not. I just happen to travel through his town pretty often and I need little things like this to entertain me.) He formed the foundation, and slowly the walls began to grow. Taller and taller the orange toned beams climbed... until he had a two story log cabin, complete with a covered back porch and lots of windows. At this point, you would picture him relaxing on said porch, sipping on a cold beer and surveying fields of corn out behind the house. Unfortunately, there is still a huge mountain of dirt there. Due to the long construction process, it is now covered with weeds and grass. I'm wondering if the neighbors complained about the unsightly mess, because he recently installed another addition to his unusual abode. Right on the tip top of the messy mountain, there now flies a rather large rebel flag. Take that, nosy neighbors.

Field Trip to Aachen

The underclassmen are still testing, so what are the poor Seniors to do? Why spend the day in Aachen, Germany, of course. They couldn't have picked a more perfect day. The sun was shining and Spring was in the air. After soaking up a little culture, it was off to shopping and lunch at Pizza Hut. (It was their choice. They get European food all the time, so Pizza Hut is a real treat.) We arrived back at our pick up spot a little early, so the teens stretched out on the steps in this little park and soaked up the sun. I must admit, I'm kind of enjoying their week of half school almost as much as they are.

Pottery Class

In case you were wondering, pottery class is still in full swing, but there are very few classes left. And that makes me sad. Of all the things that I'll miss about Belgium, this ranks very close to the top. It's been tons of fun learning how to throw clay, chatting with the ladies and harassing Danny (our teacher). Come to think of it, he might be looking forward to the end of our classes. Nah. He's a great sport, and he's really taught us a lot. And fixed our mistakes when we mess up big time. My latest creation is my butter bell. If you want to see what they are supposed to look like, then check out this site. Mine is more... original. I made two, actually, but this one is my favorite. While cleaning it up, and making sure it all fit together before I added the handle on top, I realized it looked like a mushroom. Someone suggested that instead of the handle, I just add spots, so I went for it. I'm very pleased with the results. All the other butter bells in the world will be jealous. (And yes, I know that the second picture is sideways, but Blogger wouldn't behave.)

Lazer Tag in the Valkenburg Caves

Seniors do not like to take tests. Lets face it, by the time you're a Senior, you've taken more than your share anyway, so you feel like you need a little break. Luckily, they are not required to take certain tests that the other grades are. This week is one of those weeks. So what do Seniors do when they have to keep quiet and stay out of the way of cranky underclassmen? They go play lazer tag, of course. And since they are Seniors in Europe, they go play lazer tag in a cave. Yes, it's a tough life, but someone has to do it. This lucky group of teens got to go to the Valkenburg Caves and get their game on. Needless to say, fun was had by all. The place is pretty cool, so if you ever find yourself in the Netherlands with some rambunctious teenagers, be sure to check it out. In a large central room in the caves, you'll find a wooden cabin housing the office, as well as a nice little cafe for those who choose not to attacks others with strobes of light. The players divide into teams, enter the dark chambers of the caves, and... game on! There are lots of other fun activities at the caves as well, so be sure to check out their site. And I thought it was just an awesome place to have a Christmas Market. Who knew?

Anniversary

22 years and counting! And while it's been crazy and exciting, I'm looking forward to the days when we will be sitting in our rockers on the front porch, sipping Southern sweet tea and talking about those "young whipper snappers" speeding down our street like hooligans. So what are your plans for the weekend? ;0)