Rome: Colosseum

The Next day we visited the Colosseum. It was amazing. I had only seen it on postcards and pictures in travel books, so I was not expecting how massive it was. It took about 10 years to complete, which is incredible considering that back then the builders only had cement and stone to build it. We had planned to leave the apartment by 9, but being the Speedy Herd of Turtles, (cleverly named my my Auntie Jane, although I don't like being referred to as a turtle- I'm very afraid of those creatures) we arrived there around 11:30 -ish. We met the Laferrieres and entered the giant gladiator arena.

Rome: First Night in the City

Upon arriving at our beautiful apartment in the center of Rome, we unpacked, showered and went out to dinner at a local restaurant. I had to get up and walk around just to keep from falling asleep. My parents and I were extremely jet lagged and the 6 hour time difference was brutal at first. We ate a delicious Italian meal then walked a short way to Piazza Navonna, a sort of square with gorgeaus statues and buildings. In the center, there's a huge fountain with street preformers surrounding it. Nate wanted to join the hip hop dancers so badly. Unfortunatly for him, he never got the chance, as we had to continue on our way around Piazza Navonna.

My "wait- I'm supposed to order in italian?!?" face. I had no clue what clam was in italian.  Clamo? no. Clamioa? nope. So, an english speaking waiter had to be summoned. I swear I heard snickers from near by tables.

                  

Delicious fried mozzarella cheese for starters.

The ravioli was to die for.

The whole gang at a fountain.

Street preformers

View from Piazza Navonna

Rome: Arrival and Settling In

So we finally got off that wretched flight. No offense to our Airline, it wasn't their fault. After a while hearing babies cry, the boy behind you kicking your seat and throwing up (who needs a bathroom when you can just use a bag right?... WRONG), and breathing recycled air get old after the first 20 minutes or so.   Anyway, it was all worth it when we stepped outside and we were greeted by my spectacular family. We hadn't seen them since Christmas because they have been living in Budapest for a year. Nate's 12 going on 13 and little Jack is 7 going on 35. Needless to say, there were lots of hugs and "OMG WE MISSED YOU"s. One we calmed down, we entered the crammed and you-know-what car and drove to our apartment in the center of Rome.

            My Uncle Kent and my dad reuniting. The brothers hadn't seen each other for 6 months.

Nate (12), and Jack (7),  who are brothers, and I are so excited to see each other. The 3 of us are very close.

Our Endless Beginning: Flight and Arrival to Roma, Italy!

Our European Adventure started at Logan Airport. We arrived at about 5 and had to wait, and wait, and wait 'till our 8:20 pm flight and I had no idea what to do with my parents on the six hour trip. Thank God, my aunt and my mom  had a surprise, my cousins, Matt and Amy, booked the same flight and Project: Deal with Sitting Between Parents had been relieved.

Dad and I watching "Fever Pitch" in the terminal, waiting to board the flight.

Amy and I waiting for take-off. 

 Matt and I are very excited for our trip, if you could'nt tell from our expressions.

Landing in Munich, from there, we would take a 2 hour flight to Rome.