Rome 2011

I had to go to Rome for a meeting and Diane came along for her first visit to Rome. The boys were with Grandma and Grandpa. Quality together time in a wonderful place. It was very hot, but the evenings were very nice. Drinking some beers in front of the Pantheon was a real joy.



The first full day I had to give a presentation at a before meeting workshop. While I was working Diane explore Rome. This is a image of the entrance to Santa Maria - Maggorie Basilica. Diane really liked it. I went back with her later in the trip. An amazing church more than a thousand years old.



Diane got the waitress to snap this shot while she was rejuvenated in front of Santa Maria - Maggorie Basilica.



Diane at the Roman Forum. We would return to do a guided tour later on the trip (see below).



The first thing we were able to do together was visit the Museum Borghese. Unfortunately, no photography allowed. In fact no cameras, cellphones, etc allowed. An amazing collection of sculptures and other treasures. We highly recommend a visit. Get reservations beforehand. Almost impossible to get in otherwise.



Having a beer in front of the Colosseum. One of life's simple pleasures.



We took a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. This was a special tour which took us into the basement and to the third level of the arena. These areas had only become accessible by tour in the past year. These organized tours are nice for 2 reasons. First, you have a guide who gives you lots of information about what you are seeing. The second thing is that you avoid standing in the long lines, which can be crazy. This is a picture of the colosseum from the adjacent area of the Roman Forum.



Diane and I in the colosseum. One of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.



Looking up at the colosseum from the basement. Soon enough we would be on the 3rd level in the area in this picture.



Looking down at the basemen from the 3rd level. We had been in the shadowed region under the area covered with a wooden floor.



Diane with the Roman Forum in the background on the 3rd deck, with the Roman Forum in the background.



Diane looking into the Colosseum from the 3rd level. Another nice thing was that were were the only group on the 3rd level. Pretty mellow compared to the chaos below.



Tom taking pictures in the remains of the Roman Basilica.



Arch of Titus. The oldest Arch in Rome. Built to celebrate the victory over Jerusalem.



Some of the extensive ruins in the Roman Forum. So much history. It must have been an amazing sight in it glory a couple thousand years ago.



Arch of Septimius Severus on the right with columns of the Rostra behind.



The Trevi Fountain. Beautiful fountain in a small Piazza. Always crowded. Throw in a coin so you are sure to come back to Rome.



Just to prove we were there.