Rome, Italy (second trip, June 2005)

Navigating Rome is like navigating a jungle. Narrow alleyways twist and turn, opening into oval piazzas, from which pathways stretch beyond like fingers into the depths of the city. Rome is chaotic but enchanting. Where else can you find Greek and Etruscan ruins preserved in the midst of the city? In addition - the food is amazing; delectable pizzas, pasta carbonara, and mouthwatering gelato, everywhere you look, if ever the hint of hunger should succumb you. My friends and I tried to check out the best of what Rome had to offer, energized by frequent espresso breaks. At the Trevi Fountain, we cast our wishes by tossing a penny backward over our left shoulder into the massive, tiered fountain. We perused the Forum, walking amidst remnants of columns and buildings that still hold the glory of ancient Rome. Fragments of statues dot the forum, saturated with symbolism and legendary stories (you must take a tour, otherwise you will not know what you are looking at). Later we dared to put a hand a inside the Bocca della Verita, "the mouth of truth," at the Church of Santa Maria is Cosmedin, made famous by Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. Legend has it that Romans took their spouses here to test their fidelity, the truth tellers were spared, but the all-knowing river god would bite off the hand of those who had sinned. Afterward, we continued past the Spanish steps, through the Pantheon, across Piazza di San Pietro - leading up to awe inspiring wonder that is Saint Peter's Basilica. Since we were in Rome in June, shortly after Pope John Paul II's death in March, we were able to view his tomb in the basilica's crypt. Four days in Rome is not nearly enough to cover all that the city holds - but you must see and tour the Vatican and the Coliseum. Walk through the Arch of Constantine where Roman soldiers would march through after returning to the city victorious after battle. Take note of the monstrous cobblestones that are marked by deep cuts in the rock, a memento from the days of chariots (truly!). Rome's chaos is perhaps overwhelming in the midst of your journey, but it is an experience that will award you many memorable moments. I still think back to the memory of a perfect baguette, a cat sunning itself in an open window, a local family strolling and socializing through the piazza under the setting sun.