Reunions in Rome

We spent our last weekend of travel in Rome! It was a four day weekend, so we flew down on Thursday night. I was so excited all week to see my Mom and Aunt, who I hadn't seen since January! And it just so happens to be where Alex is studying :) We were exhausted from our long day and fell asleep pretty soon after our arrival, but Friday we woke up early to head to the Vatican! We had a reservation for the museum (definitely worth the extra 4 euros) so we were able to bypass the line and head right in.

Square at the Vatican

Swiss Guard

After the museum we stood in line to see St. Peter's basilica. The square was very crowded, but it was a gorgeous day so we didn't mind waiting. This was my favorite area in Vatican City. The square and the church are both beautiful. I didn't realize until the visit that this is the burial site of the apostle Peter. It was a great reminder to be joyful that Jesus conquered the grave! 

After our tour of Vatican City we went to lunch at a restaurant on Alex's street that he visits frequently (to say the least). It was fun to see where he lives, it is a very cool part of Rome! 

Raimundo! 

After lunch we finished our sight seeing of the day with the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and the Trevi fountain. It is incredible how much there is to see in Rome! 

 If you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain it means you'll come back to Rome!

 Spanish Steps

Pantheon

The next day we took the train to Pompeii, which is located right outside of Naples. The town was destroyed and buried in AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted, and was rediscovered on accident in 1749. It has been excavated ever since! The site is huge, and our guide did a great job giving us a sense of what life would have been like for the people that lived there all those years ago. I would definitely recommend the trip! 

 Body that was preserved from the ash

 Beautiful colored floor in what used to be a home

 Alex talking history with our guide

We walked by Piazza Venezia on our way back to the hotel, which is in the center of Rome. We had a great night just hanging out and having a long dinner. 

Piazza Venezia

On Sunday we went to the Colosseum, and the just walked around the downtown area for awhile. We had reservations for Easter dinner, and the restaurant was very authentic and a great last meal in Rome! 

 Maps of Roman Empire

I had an amazing time in Rome, it was an awesome city that I got to explore with some of my favorite people! I am finished with class for the semester, I can't believe we move out on Friday. This has been the fastest 3 months! It is definitely bittersweet going home, I can't wait to see everyone there but I will definitely miss Europe. Saturday we head to Dublin, then London, and then DALLAS on the 22nd.

-Megan