Epic!

I just spent the most glorious day in the most glorious place. It was Epic. I dont think I can describe just how Epic today was. Words fail. But I've come out of it feeling changed.

I went to Rome. Yesterday I arrived at my hostel in the outskirts of Rome (Ostia), but today Amy and I went into Rome proper. We took a bus to the main train station in Ostia, then a train to the end of the line to statzione Piramide (pyramid, which happens to be right next to - you guessed it - an ancient pyramid!) Snapped a few photos, ogled over the amazing ruins right next to it and then began our hike into La Cita Eterna. It was really just a few blocks up, but it felt like forever, after all we were completely excited to arrive and the walk was just in the way of getting there... but I digress.

After a few blocks we finally caught our first glimpse of The Colosseum. WOW. That word is a complete understatement. It was a dream fulfilled. I felt like a giddy school girl. I did a happy dance and giggled. Yes, me.

First view of the Colosseum

We kept walking and came upon the Forum, and so decided to veer around and get to the Collosseum via the Forum. Well, we happened to take the LOOOONNNG way around. Seriously. We completely walked the perimeter, which is fenced in with a high wall and a long drop. But in the end, it was the best mistake we could have made. The city, the ruins seemed to gently unfold before our eyes. Ruin after ruin through the high-wall. We stopped and took picture after picture, each view getting better and better.

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A gorgeous little church along the back wall of the Forum

This adorable Italian woman came out of the church and filled her cup from the fontana (fountain, obviously! :)

Two hilarious old men having an animated discussion outside of the church!

At the top of one particular hill, we ran into (truly) an older Roman gentleman. He was an absolute dear! I spoke what little Italian I knew to him and he was just floored that I was trying. We talked about our hometowns and then he gave Amy and I directions to a che buono ristorante for lunch. Che bella, buono cibo e non expensive (beautiful, great food and inexpensive) It was an adorable encounter.

Our lunch director - Grazie!

Eventually we finally came out at the Piazza del Campidoglio. It was completely overwhelmind. I teared up. I didnt know which way to look, every turn of my head, every tilt and gawk brought a new treasure trove of eye-candy. It was a lush layering of history.