Ancient Roma

Today we headed to ancient Rome. First stop was the Colosseum. An amazing feat of Etruscan architecture and slave labor this huge arena was built in eight years! Our guide Monica was tiny but full of information. We learned about the construction, the political purpose, and the actual competitions, tournaments, slaughters.... you decide what to call it. She was also very good about finding shady spots to stand when she talked because today was hot!

After the tour and time for some photo ops we headed over to the Forum. This was the old 'downtown' of Rome. There were three distinct sections - the economic (market), religious (temples), and political (senate).

At the end of our tour we met back up with Rudi who was going to take us on a walking tour of the city but as we made our way it started to rain. It rained hard so we ducked into an art gallery for some shelter. They were nice about it and we saw some interesting modernist paintings, glass and furniture.

We hustled to the bus and headed back down to Piazza Navona. Here we split. Some went to a typical Roman lunch that Rudi had arranged. Those that didn't want to do that found lunch on their own and spent some free time in the area. Then we all got back together and finished the walking tour. This took us to the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain. Then to dinner for pizza!

It was a late night by the time we got back to the hotel and we have to be up early in the morning!