See all of Rome in one day.
We we up for the challenge? Hell ya! 
In considering their plan for the day, Lori's parents decided to stay on the ship and enjoy all the amenities the Century had to offer instead of heading in to Rome. They have already spent an extensive amount of time in this city over the years. And? It was the perfect opportunity to spend the day with Cooper in a relaxed and non-rushed sort of way.
So! The two of us, Cooper'less, grabbed our 'Rome On Your Own' tickets and boarded the bus to Roma. Got dropped off right at the mouth of St. Peter's and started off on our extremely deliberate tour of the city. 
Since the Vatican was closed in the morning so the pope do some pope'ly things - our first stop was the Spanish Steps. Picture. Next! 
Since the Vatican was closed in the morning so the pope do some pope'ly things - our first stop was the Spanish Steps. Picture. Next! 
Trevi Fountain. Damn, we need three coins each to throw over our shoulder. Had to sit for a second in an outdoor cafe and enjoy a quick coffee and pastry. Still short on coins! Purchased an overpriced postcard. We now had enough change. Perfect!
We looked and looked, but alas, the name 'Cooper' is grossly underrepresented in Rome.
Next stop was the Forum. Maria had no idea the size or the grandeur or the spectacular aspect of the area. The amount of ruins that have been unearthed and the fact that excavations are still going on are awe-inspiring. We both want to go back and spend several days simply wandering the grounds. 
Colosseum. The line was way way long, but we did want to get inside. We walked around for a while taking pictures. Met a girl selling English-speaking guided tours that would allow us to jump the line. And? She was a Jersey Girl! Maria, instinctually sensing the shore connection, discovered she grew up in Monmouth County. Turns out that she couldn't hook us up, but no hard feelings.
Colosseum. The line was way way long, but we did want to get inside. We walked around for a while taking pictures. Met a girl selling English-speaking guided tours that would allow us to jump the line. And? She was a Jersey Girl! Maria, instinctually sensing the shore connection, discovered she grew up in Monmouth County. Turns out that she couldn't hook us up, but no hard feelings.
Typical Italians on the street.
Had lunch in the picturesque Piazza Navona. Artists showing their works, a beautiful marble fountain, and a plundered Egyptian obelisk could be seen from our outdoor table. The food wasn't so hot, but we had a lot of wine with our meal. A lot of wine.
St. Peter's. Full circle. And we are oh so happy that Maria's agnostic "recovering catholic" presence did not cause these historic walls to come tumbling down around us all. Couldn't get in to see the Sistine Chapel without waiting in line for hours, so we will have to see Michelangelo's frescos on our next visit. 
Vedilo Roma! We are going over there now.
Vedilo Roma! We are going over there now.
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