Rome

ROME!
We are kinda staying out in the boonies, but that's not too bad, the hotel is the nicest yet.  On our way here I got my first glimpse of Sfogliatelle!  At a gas station no less, haha.  We're in Rome on a Sunday, and wasn't able to find a bakery that was open.

We did a fantastic walking tour starting outside the Colosseum, the Forum then to the National Monument for Vittorio Emanuele, the Trevi Fountain, a Gelato stop, the spanish steps, the Pantheon, and then to Piazza Nuvona where there tons of artists, I picked myself up a small water color here.

Outside the Vatican

Colosseum

Trevi Fountain
Threw in two coins, one to return to Rome and the other for good luck

Inside the Colosseum

Inside the Vatican, this was on our way to the Sistene Chappel.  No photos were allowed inside, but it was a beautiful walk there.  And then St. Peter's Basilica was just mammoth!  Definitely felt insignificant.  The Vatican was packed to the brim... and apparently it was a "light" day... 

Details inside St. Peter's

Just outside the basilica, the Swiss Guard at the entrance.

We met up at the Colosseum a little later for a guided tour of the inside and of the forum, absolutely fantastic.  I would recommend this to anyone.
After a long day, a few of us had lunch, souvenir shopping then made our way home by way of metro and a bus.  Feeling pretty good about getting around given the language barrier!
This morning was another day in Rome, this time in Vatican City.  Holy wow were there a lot of people.  Our tour guide was a little nuts and I know I didn't retain any information, but the sights were amazing.  here are a few of my favorites.  No photos of the Sistene Chappel, it's forbidden.  The St Mark's Basilica made me feel sooo small!
After that back to the bus and we spent just about all day on the bus getting to Venice or Venezia.  We had a lovely dinner, and tomorrow we will be set loose.  I'm excited to see what this amazing city has to offer!  So many good things in the next few days including a rafting trip in Austria.  :)  Keep you all posted as soon as I can.