Italy

Italy

Our trip started out in Rome, where our friend Becca is living. Her apartment is right in Trastevere neighborhood, and within walking distance to some really cool parts of Rome. We walked to the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, and many Piazza's echoing accordion music, cellos, and street bands. 

We had a great time in Rome, and it exceeded my expectations. I guess I didn't know really what to expect, but I was anticipating a typical mega city, overrun with tourists. While there were many people touring the various places, the beauty of the city, the language, and the history overwhelmed the experience. 

Time after time, we'd be walking through the cobblestone streets, watching people pour in and out of pizzerias, cafes, and bars, hearing what sound liked violent arguing. Then hugging and laughing. Then loud confrontations followed by kisses on the cheeks. Italians are so expressive, and I guess contrasting that with the Thai people (who are very reserved) provides two opposite ends of the spectrum. 

Rooftop view from Becca's apartment where we stayed 

Getting some amazing bagels at a local cafe in Trastevere

Walking to grab some food in the neighborhood

The Roman Forum

The Colosseum. 

Inside the Colosseum. They used to do navel battles in the bottom part of it before they added cages for slaves and lions. 

Walking up to the Vatican

Enormous Marble pillars all around the Vatican

My favorite Pope-Mobile

A really old Pope-Mobile 

Inside the Vatican. Amazing detail in every square inch of the place.

The front of the Vatican. If you look closely you can see a small man sitting on the top. Odd enough. 

The Pantheon. The oldest and best preserved original structure in the world. 

An overview of part of the city. The volcano( Mt. Vesuvius) is in the background.
The one that destroyed the city 1500 years ago.

We took a day trip down to Naples, visiting the ruins of the ancient town of Pompei. Walking the streets of Pompei was pretty surreal. Slabs of white marble still clung to many of the walls of the city. The volcano erupted and buried the town in ash in 400 AD, but walking the streets gave us a great idea of what life was like back then. (Thank you Rick Steves iPhone app audio guide)

Part of a ancient Roman bathhouse. Much of the detail is still left

Original artwork that was part of one of 32 brothels in the city

Our bartender friends 

Part of the walled city in Pompei

Pizza in Naples. Next level!!

More delicious pizza.

Pizza. That’s what Naples is all about, and the reputation doesn’t even do it justice. We stumbled through some ruff neighborhoods, and into a fun little bar (where we finally found some Wifi). The bartender had a major crush on Becca and we made some friends. Then we headed around the corner and had the best pizzas in my life. I can honestly say that’s the best pizza I’ve ever eaten. That being said (for our Portland peeps) Appiza Scholls is as close to true Nepalese Pizza as I’ve had.