Roma - FAVORITES

Some randoms... all favorites... from a wonderful weekend in the bella citta of Roma!

fancy farmacia (pharmacy)

train - from Rome back to Milan

The train ride between Rome and Milan is so nice and easy.

A new, clean train... and a smooth, fast ride with just a couple stops between. Yes, please!

The total ride between the two cities is just 3 hours. Such a nice weekend getaway!

The Rome train station has a large international bookstore!

I also grabbed some breakfast at the station before boarding the train.

There are a lot of tunnels along the ride, but the views between tunnels were really nice.

When heading to Rome, it was evening and the sunset was lovely but then I didn't see much of the land.

it was nice to travel during the daytime and see the land and mountains.

pieces of this and that - Roma

You didn't think I would travel to Rome and not take photos of doorways did you!? Haha...

(Doorways and colors...)

street sprays - Roma... THIS guy again!?

THIS guy again!?

I love it.

THUMBS UP!   : )

...This guy gets around too!

street sprays - Roma

I love the random street sprays around Rome. ...I wish I knew the story/thought behind each one!

street signs - Roma

Various signs and stickers:

"Library" - bookstore!

'not your dolls' ...nor does it seem 'open'...

I took this photo... just seeing these stickers on the wall next to an entryway with a garage door shut over where the door is. Later, walking by... the shop was open and it is a great vintage shop! King Size is the name. 

breakfast a Roma

Breakfast in Rome consisted of walking until I found a cute cafe... and then ordered a cappuccino with brioche... and sat on the street with my Kindle. Perfection.

Morning deliveries! Across the way... someone was delivered plenty of fresh veggies and (below that) a flower delivery truck added some color to the morning:

buildings and colors of Roma

Rome has sooo much to see and so much variety.

Below are some of my favorite photos of various buildings and the colors throughout the city:

...Another gorgeous piece of architecture coming into view while walking along the street!...

I found a really great area of cafes and vintage shops that's behind where I stayed at Hotel Nerva.

This street below is one end of the area and there's a cute, quirky cafe at the end where I had a lovely cappuccino and date with my Kindle.   : )

Archways-no-longer... near the Colosseum:

COLOSSEUM - Roma!

Ah, the Colosseum of Rome. Wow.

The first time I stepped inside the Colosseum was between the sophomore and junior years of college. It was my first full day in Italy and the entire experience was amazing and overwhelming. I teared up! I didn't expect to have an emotional reaction like that... but going to Italy was a dream of mine and the history held within one place was so incredible to me - still is! ...And now, to think, that I live in Italy. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

I figured I couldn't be in Rome for a weekend and not take a stroll around the Colosseum. About half of it (the part with the highest outer walls remaining) is currently under scaffolding, which is too bad for tourists seeing the Colosseum for the first time... but it's still gorgeous.

The nearby Arch of Constantine is also currently covered in scaffolding.

And more nearby ruins (this city is like an outdoor museum!)...

city sights in Roma

After the workshop, I checked into Hotel Nerva Friday afternoon... then took my camera and went for a walk! The first photo below is part of the Roman Forum, which looks like they are still working on excavating the ruins...

I love the sunlight in this photo. (And... I just loved the sunlight that day!)   : )

Just beyond the Roman Forum is the Altare della Patria, including the tomb of the unknown soldier - Il Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emmanuele (with eternal flame). This monument is very central in the city and overlooks Piazza Venezia.

I walked around for a while... popped into some shops... bought a pair of golden loafers (truly!)... and then found myself at the Spanish Steps:

The Piazza di Spagna is at the bottom of the steps (where I stood to take the two photos above) and at the top of the staircase is another piazza with a church - Trinita dei Monti.

Interesting new fact that I just read --> The Spanish Steps are the widest staircase in Europe! (Spanish Steps - Wikipedia article)