Rome

It's almost strange to be home again. April 9th feels like it was months ago, and Italy was really beginning to feel like home. I think somewhere around the 21st I resigned to the idea that I could just be happy to stay forever (if I had my dog and my computer, of course). And I while I was staring out the window at the airport in Milan, I was feeling a bit sad, since I hadn't actually gotten to see any of Milan...

But I'm home, and it's time to get back to things, and share stories and photos - lots of photos.

April 10th
Straight off the airplane and into a bus headed to the Colosseum. I can't say I learned much while I was there, since every time I got a chance to sit on a rock, I started to fall asleep.

I did learn the reason the Colosseum is full of holes is because rather than constructing it with cement that would crumble during an earthquake, they used steel pikes which would allow the stones to shift and not fall. But, when we reach the point in history that people start to cannibalize the Colosseum, they dig out all the metal pikes to make weapons, since that is easier to do than mine for metal. And now, there isn't really anything holding it all together.

Far too jet lagged for an outfit post, but here is an adorable couple getting married!

April 11th

Touring the city on foot and seeing the Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps and the Pantheon. I loved the fountain, it was unbelievably beautiful. Apparently if you toss a coin in over your left shoulder you will someday return to Rome. I didn't have any euro coins, so I tossed in a dime from the year I was born.

I didn't climb the Spanish steps (I know, so lazy, right?) But with the intense population of tourists, it was hard to move at all. I can't even imagine what Rome is like during the peak tourist months!

The Pantheon was really interesting as well - there is a hole in the top of the dome that was designed so that no water would come through it when it rains.

Day Outfit

Floral cardigan Gap - Grey Tank Urban Outfitters - Jeans Kohl's - Sneakers Converse - Scarf Taken for Granite - Earrings Taken for Granite - Bag Avon

Evening Outfit

Dress Urban Outfitters - Lace Cammi TJMaxx - Belt Nine West - Red pumps Nine West - Bag Bandolino

Favorite shop window

Black, white, and red; stripes and polka dots -- I love these looks! Fun thing about all the shop windows in Rome - The prices of the items were listed on little cards so I would know straight away if I should even bother going in to torment myself.

April 12th
(My Birthday!!)
My last day in Rome was spent on a tour of the Vatican, where is such a tremendous amount of art and beauty - I could have easily spent a couple days there, the collection is so expansive.

My Birthday present from my Mom is the nOir Jewelry porcupine ring (which I think is actually a hedgehog and therefore have named him Sonic) In the interest of being Chic on the Cheap, you can find him at HSN for $50.

In the plaza outside, I spotted this cute boy, who's name is Marcus

I loved this girls outfit

And how cute are matching couples?

Day outfit

Yellow coat Vertigo Paris - Jeans Kohls - Snake sandals Naturalizer - Scarf Taken for Granite - Bag Avon - Pink top Avon - Ring nOir

After seeing the Sistine Chapel (where you are not allowed to take photos) I went to St. Peter's and actually attended Mass (and almost fell asleep a few times, haha).

Evening outfit

Blazer Kohl's - Jeans Kohl's - Scarf TJMaxx - Red pumps Nine West - Bib necklace Macy's - Earrings Taken for Granite

By the time I was back at the hotel it was 8 pm or so, and my time in Rome was quickly running out. More than anything else, I wanted to take a photo of the Colosseum at night and rather than going out to dinner (cuz I can have a birthday dinner anywhere, but I can only photograph the Colosseum in Rome!) I took my tripod and started walking. Then it started raining. And I stopped, and looked up at the sky and demanded that the rain stop, because it was my birthday, and I was getting my photos!

And it did stop. And it was beautiful.

Back at the hotel I had my €2 cake that I picked up earlier, which was a very odd cake, to say the least...

Sorry for the length, but I just have so much to tell!