When in Rome...

Buongiorno from Roma!
First thing I want to say about Roma - craziest drivers in Europe yet!  Madre mia!  My mom was afraid for her life while my dad and I were just along for the ride!  haha.  I will say that Roma is not my favorite place I have been so far.  Maybe it is because it is about Easter time and the amount of tourists here is incredible.  And the lines!  We waited for 2 hours in line to see the Sistine Chapel.  Then when inside, there is like a planned route that you have to take.  It is so crowded and there is so much to see.  By the time we got to Michelagelos work, we were too exhausted to truly enjoy it.  Honestly, I was not too impressed with the Vatican.  Yes, it is the Vatican - world famous.  And yes, it is truly beautiful and ornate.  However, I felt empty when visiting it.  I dont know why.  Maybe I felt like the emphasis was too much on man and on the Pope rather than on Jesus Christ and the Lord.  Im not sure... But either way I am so lucky and was so excited to see St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museum where Michelangelo painted the ceiling :)
Other high points of Roma... definitely the Colosseum!  To see where the gladiators faught for their lives!  Barbaric - yes but amazing none the less!  Then we toured around the Roman Forum and Palatine.  The fact that it is so old and historic is the most interesting part.  We also were able to see the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Castle of St. Angelo and the Pantheon.  There is so much to see in Rome!  Not only are there a ton of historic sites and ruins but every building looks so important!
When in Rome... try the food!  We ate so well on this trip.  Most importantly, the GELATO!  We ate some each day we were here.  But today was the best - Nutella and Hazelnut gelato.  Yummmmy :)  It hit the spot!  The day we went to the Vatican we ate at a wonderful little hole-in-the-wall place that was delicious.  The people were so nice and even gave us some free bruschetta and wine.  Best service in all of Roma.
Although I am excited to get out of Rome and go to Florence with Sara and Morgen from my study abroad program, my parents are leaving as well.  I am so blessed to have parents to come all the way to Europe to visit me.  (Like they wouldnt have wanted to anyways - I mean, its EUROPE!)  I just want to reiterate how blessed I am to have wonderful parents - and wonderful family and friends for that matter.  I miss you all!
Un beso,
Sarah
PS pictures will come as soon as I find a computer with the proper capabilities!