So, after a good night of sleep I was up pretty early and ready to start my 2nd, and last, day in Rome. I got dressed and went down for breakfast at the hotel (I was excited at the thought of an actual breakfast!). When I got downstairs I was SHOCKED at the spread that was there. This was no American continental breakfast (not even like the nicest hotels I have stayed in). There were like 3 tables of food: 1. Had tarts (with fruit on them) and sweets on it (sweets like pastries, etc), along with jams and honeys. The fruit was also on this table and so was the yogurt. 2. Juices and water 3. Croissants, bread, prosciutto, and cheeses. I'm telling you, this was NOT at all what I had been expecting. However, I was excited. They offered me hot tea or coffee, so I took them up on the tea. For breakfast I had: two peach halves, some vanilla yogurt (with a liiiiitttle bit of granola)...well, I ate the granola, peaches, and yogurt together...and I had a little bit of the tea, but it wasn't very good, and then I had a small (tiny) piece of a tart that had strawberries on it. I also had some peach juice to go with it! It was the PERFECT breakfast...not too much, but not too little and the food was more "normal"! After I ate, I went back to the room and organized my purse and got ready to go out for the day! I was excited to get going and excited that my hair was cooperating...well, until I hit the cool air!
After I double checked that I had everything I needed for the day and that I had cleared all of my stuff from the room and it was safely in my backpack, I headed downstairs. Ughh that meant riding that tiny elevator, but at least it was a smooth elevator. When I got downstairs, I went to the front desk and gave them the room key, made sure everything was paid for, and left my backpack with them. I was excited to set off today because I would be seeing the Colosseum and the Roman Ruins. My plan was to walk down one of the main roads that was supposed to have some nice (less expensive) shopping. Though I knew a lot of the stores were supposed to be closed on Sunday, I wanted to look and if I saw anything then the plan was to come back this way that afternoon as I was going back to the hotel. It was a good walk to the Colosseum! I did see some stores I wanted to come back to (though the best looking ones were OF COURSE some of the ones that were going to be closed). I just kept following my map trying to find the Colosseum. On my way I saw a cool theatre that was named "after me!" I took pictures later, so i'll add them later. There was actually a movie theatre AND a regular theatre with my name in it! :) I did see some other nice buildings along the way; a neat church
that had clearly been lower than the current Roman streets, and a HUGE bank. Seriously, everything in Italy is huge or gorgeous or ancient or something amazing! As I was walking there was this couple that we kept passing each other and I was hopeful that this meant I was headed in the right direction (they were obviously tourists as well). I kept following my map, and the couple, and we came to this huge hill. After we came to the bottom of the hill, we had to go down a big staircase. When I got to the bottom of the staircase I saw my first Roman ruins. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit awestruck. I didn't know what I was looking at, but I knew it was older than I can even fathom.
So I turned down this road that was lined with ruins, on both sides. I stopped and took some pictures. 
I could tell I must be in the right place because there were pockets of people all walking in the same direction. I stopped to look at some of the ruins and you could walk on a side walk that took you "into them" and then over them. It was really cool...again, just to know that they were older than I could even fathom.
This was also where I saw my first "Roman Soldier"; he was asking me where I was from and what I was doing in Italy...I was not wanting to talk...I wanted to get to the Colosseum! So I continued my walk down this main road and could not stop looking to the right and left...SO MUCH to see! Then...I spotted it...at what looked like "the end of the road"...THE COLOSSEUM!!!!! 
I was very excited and a little giddy...don't judge!! I was a little confused on where to go first though. My guide book told me to go to the ruins first so that the line wouldn't be long, but I didn't have anything to telling me where to go, so I followed the crowd into the Colosseum. Fortunately, the line was basically non existent. Thank goodness I was an early bird...I think I only had to wait behind like 3 people. I bought the ticket for both the Colosseum and Roman Forum and I decided to get the audio guide for the Colosseum...I figure if I'm going to be looking at it, I might want to know a little about what I am looking at. So after I bought my ticket I had to go pick up my audio guide...I thought it was strange that I had to leave my driver's license in order to take it; however, I suppose you will come back if you want your license. So armed with a map, audio guide, and two cameras, I set off up the steps to see the Colosseum. 
I walked quickly through the museum set up, because it was kind of boring (dont judge...I was more concerned with seeing the ACTUAL history).I immediately had this sense of, "holy cow...look at the unbelievable history that I am STANDING IN!!!" Then, my next thought was, "wait, where the heck am I supposed to be...this map sucks...where is point #1 for the audio guide? Wow, look down there...it's amazing! Wait, how many people can squeeze in to this little overlook place! Hey lady, I was looking too!" SO clearly a lot going on at once.
I eventually realized that I was at the starting place for the audio guide and I started listening. I also had someone take my picture at the first look out point.
I enjoyed the audio tour, but was unsure at some points what they were talking about. I was taken aback by how steep the steps to the top of the Colosseum had been! 
Of course, just like in today's stadiums (ha), the poorer (lower class) people sat at the top! As I walked around the audio guide points, I heard some interesting information. They pointed out where the animals were kept, where the gladiators came out, the cross that was erected to represent the Christians that were martyred in the Colosseum,
and more.I was also happy that I had come so early because I rarely had a problem with getting "to the front" to get a picture. I was so grateful for that! The history in this place was just amazing! At the top of the Colosseum you could see out to more ruins. In front of the arch(Arco di Costantino)they had uncovered what had once been a fountain,
but it was still not fully 
uncovered...again, just amazed at all of the stuff that had been underground for years and years. I enjoyed continuing to explore the Colosseum.
You see old ruins, columns, words, museum exhibits about the games and stuff that were played/events that were held there. It truly was amazing...I feel like my words are failing me here because it is something you just have to see for yourself. While the audio guide was somewhat helpful, I think I would have benefited from just my guide book OR a real tour guide! However, I did enjoy being able to take my time and take it all in at my own time frame.
I went in the bookstore and looked around for a few minutes, but then continued exploring.
Then, I went to find the "bathrooms" that they had signs for..hmm..misleading signs! I had been wondering HOW IN THE WORLD they were going to put bathrooms (plumbing, etc.) in this archeological site...well, it IS possible; in the form of porta-potties! ;) Thank goodness I had my travel toilet paper! However, after that I started searching for the exit...man that was difficult! I had to walk halfway around the bottom of the Colosseum again. Finally, I found the exit. I had spent about an hour and a half in the Colosseum, and enjoyed it thoroughly!When I walked outside of the Colosseum, I went to this staircase near by and tried to take some pictures of me with the Colosseum (with my mini tripod). However, I didn't like them that much! So, I moved on and went to find the Roman Forum (the famous ruins we all know about and see). I walked around the outside of the Colosseum for a few minutes and then I spotted the famous tourist trap of the soldiers dressed up! I saw people taking pictures with them, and I had a funny idea! My mom's friend wanted me to get a picture of some cute guy with the Roll Tide beads, and here was my chance! ;) I went up and asked them how much it was. The guy said "5 euros" and I almost had a heart attack, but I figured that this was going to be worth it and perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, I told him that if I did it, I needed one of the soldiers to wear "this" and one of the others to hold "this"! So here is the result:
It was fun and funny to do this, so definitely worth the 5 euros. There are some other funny ones with him making me "stab" him and stuff.
My goal was just to have the Roll Tide beads, me, and Flat Erin all in one picture! :) I hated that the guy on the far right was NEVER looking at the camera! I was pleased though that the guy took like 7 or 8 pictures...so I definitely got my euros worth out of this experience (for the quantity of pictures AND for the ridiculousness and humor of the pictures!). Also, I had promised Erin some Italian boyfriends...and clearly I had found them! However, they did exceed the age limit that Erin and I had set for ourselves. Oh well!My next stop was the Palatino and the Foro Romano. I almost went in the exit by accident because it was so attractive, but then I realized that I had further to walk. There were signs saying it was so many meters to walk to get to the entrance.
When I did, I saw this HUGE line but thankfully realized that this was the line for people without tickets at all. I spotted the line for people with tickets and thankfully there were only like 10 people in this line. The line moved pretty quickly and there were some ladies who felt like they needed to break in line, but an Italian man behind me quickly told them off...Once I was through the entrance I grabbed a map and chose to go to the Palantine Hill first.
I was a little unsure of what I was about to see, but it was really cool! It was a walk up a hill surrounded by these ruins that had been the palaces (homes) of the Roman founders. 
The guide book I had said that you needed to keep an open mind and imagination. This was amazing...again, just the idea that these "structures" were from a time period that I cannot fathom! The book said to remember that "this is where it all started"! Wow!; what a thought! The thing that I was most excited about seeing was the "stadium". When I got here, I was excited! The book said that it is generally assumed to have been a racecourse or stadium. So naturally, it having been a stadium and all, I had to represent the BEST team in college football who has THE BEST stadium in the country
(or perhaps the world...as I have yet to see one greater!). So I continued to just walk around and explore. Half of the time I was unsure of what I was looking at, but it was interesting. I was rather anxious to get to the Forum though. There were some nice views of Rome from the top of the hills. I did A LOT of walking during this and A LOT of climbing...my legs were SO tired, but it was worth it! Once I made it to the path to the forum I was getting more excited because I knew I would "recognize" a few more things from tourbooks, etc. The walk down was nice...there was a great overlook point 
and then you walk down a path and come out at the Arco di Tito (Arch of Titus). 
From here I walked the entire length of the forum.This was interesting, but probably would have been better with a tour guide. I think it would have benefited me to know what I was looking at (or for someone to tell me what it used to be). Apparently at some point I was looking at where Caesar was killed and cremated and then where Marc Antony gave his "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.
I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him" speech...I thought of Mrs. Frye who made us learn part of that speech. Anyway, it was still fun to walk around and experience history. My favorite parts were the big columns...there was a set of three and then another larger set that said something about the Capitol. 
Even looking at my pictures I am having a hard time figuring out what is what...stupid Roman ruins, why aren't they whole so I know what I am looking at!?!? ;) Side note: I had read that in the summer this is a very hot place with no water sources, etc. I have to say, it was rather warm (with no shade) even in the 65 degree weather, so I cannot imagine exploring this area in the heat of the summer. I made my way back to the exit near the Colosseum because I wanted to see it (the place that intrigued me earlier) and I also wanted to get a few more pictures of the Colosseum. THIS was the BEST decision I'd made all day because I found this "hill" that made for the PERFECT place to take pictures with the Colosseum behind me...PERFECT!!! So, I had a mini photo shoot here because it was just perfect!! I set up my mini tripod and laid my stuff down (there was like..NOBODY around and the few people that were, they were taking their own pictures, so it was TOTALLY safe for me to lay my stuff down...plus i was within 5 feet of my stuff. Had someone wanted it, they wouldn't have been able to run fast enough to get it before I walked to it...). Anyway, so here is my FAVORITE picture from this spot... 
At this point, it was getting late and I was starting to get hungry. I had eaten breakfast at like 7:30 and had brought this little pack of "cookies" with me from breakfast and had eaten them at least an hour and a half before this...and this was probably 1:15 or so!?!? I was definitely getting hungry...all that walking and climbing...After I walked down the beautiful exit, I walked to the other end of the Colosseum to get some more pictures from a different angle. It was a long walk at that point because I was so tired. Then I climbed this hill to get a great picture of the Colosseum and then walked back down to the main road, which had been closed off to traffic (I read that they do that on Sundays) and so there were a lot of people walking and it was nice to not all be crammed on the sidewalks. My legs were DYING to rest, but my stomach was DYING to eat something. I was desperate for something to eat...I had decided just to look for some pizza or something quick because I still had shopping to do and I was beginning to push it to make the train I wanted.
So i walked down this main road and saw some nice places to sit so that I could figure out exactly which way I needed to go. However, I realized that I was at this HUGE building that my cab driver had stopped at last night and it was big and white and just drew me in. So I told myself that I would just go around to the front of it and take a picture, but then I saw that people were going in. I told myself, "you're only here once..." (well, I did throw the penny, so surely I'll return...but when in Rome..!). So, hungry and exhausted, I began to climb the steps. It was a BEAUTIFUL building.
I later found out that it was also the location of Italy's "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier", 
which explained the guards and wreath. As I was taking pictures, people were getting in trouble for putting tripods down or for sitting down. They were VERY strict about what you could and could not do. I continued up MORE steps to see where everyone was going. When I say that this building is HUGE...i mean HUGE...and this stark white marble. My guidebook tells me that it is "The monument to Victor Emmanuel" or the Vittoriano. I went inside and breezed through a few museum rooms and then went to the place where you could overlook the city! It was a great view! I took some pictures and then made my way to the other side of the building. I passed this glass elevator that I decided to take up to the next highest point...until I saw how much it cost...NO THANKS! I almost got something to eat at the rooftop cafe, but then saw how much it cost and how crappy the food looked (by Italian standards of course) and decided against it. I then began my search for the exit. When I found it I began to descend all of those stairs I had climbed...I stopped at the bathroom and encountered a VERY uptight bathroom attendant. She was nice to me, but NOT to some others! After that I left the building, and began my climb back up the steps and hill from this morning.
These are pics of the theatre with my name: 
At this point I was desperate for food! I was glad that I stopped and saw the building, but I was pretty sure that my stomach was eating itself. I talked to my daddy as I was walking. I looked down every side street for a place that might have some pizza. I saw a few places, but they all looked touristy and I didn't want to waste my time. I was also looking in the store windows again, but not finding anything. Then, I finally came across this restaurant that I had seen that morning (and had looked enticing), and I decided to check out the menu. It looked decent and with decent prices. At this point I was desperate, so I got a table and was ready to eat. Though I had my heart set on pizza, I saw a lady eating ravioli on my way in and decided that I wanted that too! My waiter sat me at a table near the door which was nice because the sun was shining in and the air felt good So I ordered my ravioli and water (naturale) and ate some bread that came before my meal. I really enjoy people watching and it is even more interesting in Italy for some reason. I think it is their interactions...a lot of it, especially in cafes and restaurants is just so hurried and seems rude to the English speaking ear, but if you know what they are saying (or most of what they are saying), it really isn't rude at all. So my food came and it was pretty good...nothing too special I suppose, but at this point IT WAS FOOD!!!!!
THere was a nice business man eating alone that made me feel not so bad about eating alone as well (though I've never reeeeally minded eating alone...).When I finished my meal, I asked for the check and left. I was getting to be in a bit of a hurry. I really wanted to catch the 4 o'clock train. I left the restaurant and headed up the street. I was still in search of a dress (I desperately wanted a graduation dress from Italy...and I kept striking out in Florence). I stopped in a store that I had seen a cute dress in that morning...IT WAS OPEN!! I as excited...then, I spotted two potential graduation dresses, and tried on the "dress" that had originally caught my attention that morning. The saleslady was nice, but not understanding AT ALL about what was too tight and what was not, on my body! However, I ended up finding a graduation dress (that has houndstooth on it) and I loved the dress that had attracted my eye from the window! So, I made my purchases, and was out the door. At this point I was in a hurry. I still had to walk back to the hotel
, grab my stuff, use their clean bathroom, and book it to the train station.I made it back to the hotel
and got my backpack. I repacked a few things (so that I wasn't carrying shopping bags around the train station, used their bathroom, and I was off. I decided to take a slightly different path to the train station, thinking that it would save me some time AND I would see a little more of Rome. I was glad I took this route because I came across this gelato place
that was ONLY gelato, so it was authentic. I noticed that there were quite a few locals (again, assuming they were locals because they didn't have all the things that a tourist would) and so I stopped in for a quick snack. I decided to get this little gelato pop thing.
There were so many flavors to choose from, but I decided on the chocolate and "creme" one! It is different than vanilla...it really is a little more creamy tasting! I ate it as I walked. I didn't see anything too interesting on my way to the train station.
When i got there, I had to book it...I got in line to buy my ticket, but quickly realized that I would NOT be catching the first train that I wanted, but there was one only 15 minutes later...
so I was fine! In fact, in the time it took me to buy my ticket, find out what platform it was on, stamp my ticket (because the machines were not working), and get on the train, I only had about 5 minutes until it left! :) So, that made me happy! The train ride back was good! Nothing eventful. The sun began to set, but it was nice. I started to write notes about my day in Rome, when this guy sitting across the way started talking to me. His name was Samir. We talked about Rome and what we were both doing in Italy! He is studying abroad for a semester and goes to college in Pennsylvania somewhere. He was traveling with a friend. He was really sweet and we exchanged emails and stuff before we got off the train. It did make the time pass quickly though. We also agreed to get dinner or something one night. We talked until we parted ways at the train station. He gave me a hug and I was on my way! It was nice to have someone to talk to, and nice to have a dinner prospect.
WHen I left, I walked home and was so happy to be laying down. Dinner that night was good! They left Lorenzo and I alone most of the time. He was nice to talk to! I found out that he is an oral surgeon! We had some good red wine and just talked. It was a nice dinner. **at this point...I dont remember what we ate...oops**
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