Day 2-Italy, Rome

Oh, what a day! I feel like I've walked a bajillion miles and seen most of Rome, but I know that's not true in the least bit. Today's main hits were the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, a couple of Greek temples, and the medieval church of St. Valentine where I saw my first reliquary (remains of a patron saint-this case being the scull of St. Valentine)...very interesting..Anyway, then with a smaller group at night I went and saw the outside of St. Peters in the Vatican! It was so beautiful and I can't wait to go inside and see Bernini's statues. Not to mention possibly seeing the Pope...so crazy!

So a couple fun incidents/realizations happened today. One: I'm short. Ps. That's not the realization ;) While on the metro I unfortunately found out I can't reach the top handle, so I have to grab the special one in the middle or I'm hurtled onto someone's lap the second the speed machine takes off...also my head's less than ideally at the level of normal people's armpits while standing, thus making for awkward situations. Yay for no personal bubbles! Two: little Italian boys are adorable when they're not openly mocking you taking pictures as an obvious tourist (yes, this did happen) and even more so when they pout in the corner of the gelato shop or plead for that special chocolate egg at the grocery store :) I don't think whining can get any cuter. Three: Italians are very persistent you eat all of and enjoy their food. While enjoying some pizza at a cute open cafe with an awesome misty fan thing, our waiter keep insisting we "mangiare, mangiare, mangiare!" Didn't have to tell me twice! Talk about excellent pizza in an excellent city :D