(James, Teddy, myself)

We start to adventure around the city over the next three days and I’m amazed at the history, ancient architecture, and culture.  On our first night, I’m am marveled at the detail and history of the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona which is located across from Sant’Agnese in Agone; a 17th century Baroque church.

That night I also get to visit the world famous Trevi Fountain which stands 86 feet high and 161 feet wide.  Legend has it that you are guaranteed to return to Rome in your lifetime if you throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.  I threw two in hopes of increasing my odds!

As our night comes to an end and we begin our walk back to Teddy’s apartment and I get my first view of Vatican City.

Even though it’s dark, I’m still in awe and can’t wait to get a better view of St. Peter’s Basilica the next morning.  Returning the next morning, I make sure to bring along my Detroit Red Wings jersey to have it blessed by Papa Francis during his message to the people.

After all of our walking in Rome it’s time for some traditional Italian pizza and Teddy knows just the place.  Tulio’s Pizza is located a few blocks from Loyola Chicago’s Rome campus and is a must for anyone who ever visits Rome.  Tulio’s chicken salad pizza is probably the best piece of pizza I have ever had.

With our belly’s full, it’s time to keep exploring Rome.  Next on our list; the historic Roman Colosseum.  This is truly on of the most amazing structures I have ever seen.  Construction was started in 70 AD and took just 10 years to complete.  Historians believe this amphitheater could hold around 80,000 spectators!

Located just a few blocks from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was our next stop.  During the height of the Roman Empire, the Forum was the main center of commerce and politics in Rome.  Public trials, political speeches, markets, and celebratory marches were all common in the Forum at this time.

Before our time in Rome ends, we have one final event planned; Roma futbol.  In the US, soccer takes a backseat to football, baseball and many other sports.  In Europe and the rest of the world, futbol is almost a religion.  The Roma fans are some of the most passionate and crazy people I have ever seen.  The atmosphere at the game was almost enough to turn me into a futbol fan.

James and I are grateful for having Teddy and his friends Chandi, Russell, Mitch, Antonella and Berni, and his roommates Daniela, Elisabetta, and Barbara, as our personal tour guides while in Rome.  I swear I learned more about history, architecture, art, language, food and culture in the 3 days I was with them than I did in any of my college history classes.  Thank you all for taking the time to show James and I around.  Your hospitality and friendship was greatly appreciated and my door is always open if you ever feel the need to visit Toledo, Ohio!

As part 1 in Rome comes to and end,  we gear up, head to the train station and get excited about to our next stop; Innsbruck, Austria.