Final Day of Sighteeing

(The Colosseum)

This is our last day for posting our European Adventures. Thank you for reading and joining us as we traveled Europe.

Today was a busy day. We were headed to see all outdoor sites and historic monuments in Rome. God gave us our greatest gift this trip sunshine and and a temperature of 57 degrees. It was the first time the jackets came off, so you will see our clothing for the first and only time of the trip and not just our jackets. This was a blessing because every site was outside. We had another full day of walking.



We started at the Colosseum where we quickly discovered they only took cash and we were four Euro short. We had to quickly find an ATM and get back in line. Once we resolved the problem we had missed the guided tour for the hour. We decided to book a later tour and come back at the end of the day. So, we headed onto the Roman Forum. This was the main square for all activity during the Roman empire. Today, very little of it remains but artifacts and rubble. We were able to read some commentary on each site which helped piece together what we were seeing. Then, we hiked up the Palatine Hill which used to be where all the palaces of Neo and Julius Ceasar were placed but were destroyed and remains are all that is left. Todays journey got me very interested in European history. Larry and I hope to rent more movies about Julius Ceaser and watch the Gladiator, where it shows the reconstructed Colosseum.



We had our last savoring taste of italian pizza for lunch. Then, we headed to the Colosseum. We were excited to get a guided tour in English and I was also excited to be around other Americans or at least English speakers. However, this was not the case. Many of the people in our group weren't speaking English or its not their first language. But they can understand it to join a tour. I was very envious of this gift. I wish that I was able to converse in another language.



One observation I have made is that when two people converse and they both speak different languages, they both start to speak in English to converse. I never realized how luckily I am to speak such a universal language. While most people were able to speak English with us, it is very frusterating to not be able to converse with others.



The Colosseum was our favorite event of the day. This larger than life amphitheatre was built for entertainment such as gladiator fighting. The vast size and construction in the shape of an elicpse was amazing. They have even reconstructed a portion to show you what it would have looked like and it would have been even more beautiful than we can imagine. I can't believe we are still constructing stadiums the same way today.



We headed to the Pantheon which has been preserved very well and is now a functioning church, but mass was soon starting and we were kicked out. We continued walking around the various squares enjoying all that Roma had to offer.



Then, we finished up some shoppping and got Larry the shirt he has always needed, an Italia shirt. After all, he is one-fourth italian. We ate our last italian meal along with some italian desserts canoili and tiramsu. We have truly loved Italy. The food is by far the best than in any other country as you can see from my posts and many mentions of all of our meals.



We are very sad this wonderful experience has to end but are so greatful for the quality time, amazing memories, and breathtaking pictures we have. Tomorrow comes the difficult part. We are leaving at 6:40 am to catch a train to the airport. Our flight leaves around 9 and we have a 10 hour flight to Newark, New Jersey. We are praying that we can work out the time difference and are able to sleep on Sunday Night. We arrive in Detroit around 9pm, which makes our travel time 19 hours. Please pray for patience, strength, and our bodies to rest and heal for work on Monday. I can not wait to turn on my phone and say Hello when we get to Newark. We love you all and will be seeing most of you very soon.



Mom and Dad don't forget you are picking us up in Detroit. I will call you in Newark to arrange details.