Day Two Roma!

Today we were supposed to go to Castel San't Angelo...well we didn't even make it close. We tried to make up what we missed on day one. We were totally wiped out from traveling.

Fontana del Tritone

Today we went to mass at Santa Susanna. What an amazing church! We do not have anything like it in the US. This church is a masterpiece of Baroque art. It was completed in 1603, and every inch of the interior is covered in the most beautiful frescos. It was really awe inspiring. I had great hopes of taking pictures of the Baroque facade of the church, but it is currently under going renovation. I felt so much at home sitting there taking in the surounding. Mass closed with my favorite hym, How Great Thou Art.  I was moved to tears to hear voices of everyone around me in this amazing church.  Thank you Father God! 

We also walked around town for about 5 hours after the mass, and yes my dogs are barking! We visited the Piazza Barberini, and saw the amazing Fontana del Tritone.  We met some other American's there from Florida, who shot this picture of us. We returned the favor and shot a picture of them also. 

view from atop the Spanish Steps
the Dome of San Pietro in background

We also went to the Spanish Steps and the Trinita del Monti.  The most fun for both of us was people watching.  We sat on the steps like typical Romans and watched the other tourists from around the world act like tourists. It was so interesting to see the diversity of the people that are visiting Roma.  We also heard so many different languages today, how blessed we are to be on this adventure.  I don't know about DH, but I haven't felt out of place or uncomfortable yet! 

Detail from the Porta Pia

We also visited the Porta Pia, as it is only a few blocks from our hotel. This is the last architectural work of Michelangelo.  He died before it was completed in 1565. Commisened Pope Pius IV to open a new gate in the Aurelian Walls. 

We also visited the iconic Fontana di Trevi.  Just seeing pictures doesn't give any indication of the scale. This is a very large structure. We approached from the north-east and could hear water rushing before we could see the back of the Fontana.  We went around to the front and I was taken aback at the sheer size.  I still can't believe that we are here in Roma and seeing the sights in person. I keep thinking that I will wake from this dream soon.  

detail from Fontana di Trevi

We were unable to toss our coins in, as there were to many people to make it down to the pool of water.  The legend says that if you toss your coin in, you are insured a return visit to Roma.  I am thinking we will venture back in a few days to toss our coins....but also to shop. I saw the cutest purse, but don't want to purchase until after we visit Florence. We will be visiting a leather making school, and maybe I will find something equally as impressive for less Euros. Yes I am still hunting for a bargin!

I can't wait to plan our next trip to Italy.  I have mentioned wanting to travel to Paris for our next trip, but I am falling in love with Roma, the eternal city. I can now understand the saying, "There once was a dream, and the dream is Roma".

Tomorrow we head south of Roma, to Napoli and the ruins at Pompeii. Will be a long day, but one I have been looking forward to since 8th grade.