Ilsa Around The World

The Eternal City

Since the moment my friend, Elmira, mentioned going to Rome, my taste buds started to tingle. I tried to starve myself for two days prior to departure in order to make room for all the cheese and gnocchi and pizza. It didn't really work... I couldn't be satiated. I ate every meal as it were my last supper. I even ate extra meals. Just writing it about now is making uncomfortably hungry (I guess I could have some dill-covered sushi from around the corner). Seriously, the food is amazing. I probably gained an extra 15lbs to my girlish figure and knew it was happening but kept telling myself 'when in Rome...'

Elmira's friend, Pavel, who almost missed the plane (it takes longer to get to the airport in Moscow from home than it does to get to Rome) in front of the Colosseum.

I like angels - they're everywhere in the Vatican museum.

This is outside of St. Peter's Basilica. The queues were crazy. We waited almost three hours to see the museum and then another lineup to get into the Basilica. All that waiting and pointless picture taking caused my camera battery to run out. But take my word, it's a must see when in Rome.

In the centre is Michelangelo's 'Creation of Man'. Here, in the Sistine Chapel, they were making announcements over loud speakers not to take photos, but no one was listening. It's a pity there was such chaos with all the tourists in this sacred place. I managed to find a place to sit quietly (once I put my camera away) and gaze up at the beautiful ceiling and walls.

Elmira and I made our wishes in

Trevi fountain. Legend has it that if you toss a coin behind your back, you'll return to Rome. This fountain, constructed in 1762, holds water from a 19th Century BC aqueduct bringing water from 20 km away.

I went there three times during the weekend and it was always packed with people - day or night. Luckily, I enjoy people watching, too.

I probably went into 20 churches over the course of the weekend. They're everywhere, along with other ancient buildings and and partial buildings. Just walking around is a pleasure.

One of the most interesting and most preserved buildings is the Pantheon. I think it was rebuilt sometime in the 1st century (unfortunately, I was missing my Lonely Planet this time). The construction of this building completely baffles me. I know there's a hole in the ceiling and tiny holes in the floor for drainage. I think you should just go to Rome and see it for yourself. In fact, I think I'll go, too. This city is special and the Italian people are warm and lovely as ever. Thank God for the delicious food they make. Ilsa recommends!

posted by Ilsa @ Wednesday, October 17, 2007