Appennini Rome

... records of the burials lost. It was common during the centuries, as it is today, to unearth spectacular intact Greek and Roman artifacts, like the Laocoon sculpture, commissioned and transported to Rome from Rhodes in the 1st century BC, but lost for centuries under Nero’s Golden House. Its discovery in 1506 became a sensation involving Pope Julius II ("Il Papa Terrible" for his bad temperament), Michaelangelo, Raphael ...

... wondered what must happen in the morning when the whole hotel had showers at around the same time? He told us to wait 20 mins and try again.

I went and told Witek and he was as excited about this as me. But we waited about 30 mins before trying again. No luck. I was just over it by now so I had a very cold, very quick shower. Witek was upset about it and wanted to let them know so he gave reception and call and gave the guy an earful. I can’t blame him, if I had more energy ...

... with brilliant blue domes set against the deeper blues of the sky and the Aegean Sea. Took the cable car down.

Tried to win a cruise with bingo n- only 16 players! Oh, well!

Piraeus, Greece (Athens)

If Athens represents the Greek soul Piraeus harbor is its heartbeat. The harbor, Greek capital since at least 500 BC is enormous n- cargo, commercial and private vessels. Pireaus is 40 minutes by Metro to Athens. Athens ...

... After Dylan finally pulled me away, as we were leaving we noticed that there were riot police outside the piazza. It wasnt like they were ready to strike or anything, not being in the crowds but farther away. They were just trying to make sure the protests didnt get violent. That hurried us out of there a little quicker. Next, we went to the Pantheleon, a huge dome that is still has uncertainty to how it was constructed without supports or ...

... Italian to ask for directions and we got back on track. Then we grabbed lunch and went to the Piazza del Poppola. And from there we went to the Ara Pacis which is a tribute to peace built by the Senate during the reign of Augustus. Next to the Ara Pacis was the Mausoleum of Augustus. Greg liked both of these because he studied them in school this past semester. After that there really wasn't much else ...

... the day before to do some last minute shopping and to have some dinner. We were able to watch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace and after walking past the Trevi Fountain again, we stopped at a restaurant to have some dinner. Later that evening we wandered around Trastaverie one more time before we headed back to the flat to get ready for the long trip back home.

... trust your eyes and sometime are leaning towards the centre and sometimes towards the outer wall as you make your way up. Lots of fun through and I got a great shot of Rachael coming down the top staircase on her bum to prevent falling. Next we were on to Pompei. The ruins in Pomei were fantastic...almost a shame we saw them before the ruins in Rome since I was much less impressed after seeing Pompei. Its was absolutely ...

... but he clearly doesn't understand english nor our story. he just kept pointing at mine and elizabeth's ticket saying 2 and then point out that there were 3 girls! ha ha so we just keep tryin to explain and explain, and finally he gives up and just lets us stay on the train! lucky yes i know. anyways, we get to rome, get to the hostel, and decide to eat because the other 2 girls are still not there. after pasta and a good rest, we hop back on the bus to our hostel, and hear ...

... real Italian leather shoes for $10. I bought nothing but did help some friends bargain which is always a rush. It stretched and curved for miles like a snake with dysentery and we didn't even cover half of it. When we finally found a way to leave, we had no clue where we were because we had traveled so far. But alas, we found the river and were able to follow it back 3 or 4 miles home, stopping along the way to see the sights. And of course what would my journal be ...

... guess!!!! (See Pictures) After the Palace we went to a museum and a Gallery and then walked forever again. The weather was so gorgeous that it seemed more appropriate to just wander than stay indoors seeing more museums and Galleries. Enjoy the Pictures attached and when you are looking at them, actually click on the pictures and then just keep pressing "next image" rather than looking at them small. Its makes a big difference!!!