when in rome

Last night’s dinner of spaghetti al nero di seppia is a good segue to showcase some of the marvelous sights I saw in Italy.  Of course, when in Italy, you must do the holy trinity of tourism: Rome, Florence, and Venice.  I admit, I dabbled in a fair ration of classical art and architecture history some time ago, so Rome was the seat of the world to me.  Unexpectedly, I fell in love with Florence instead, perhaps because I hadn’t studied it with such diligence and it took me by surprise.  What’s even more surprising was Venice didn’t leave me with an impression of being as romantic as it is perceived.  I found it was beautiful in the day, yet so dark and mysterious at night.  Whenever I visit Italy next, I plan to see more of Tuscany.  The striking views of endless lines of cypress trees along the route from Rome to Florence really called to me.  My trip to Italy was definitely an endeavor in architecture.  More on my perspectives of food and culture to follow.

In Rome: the colosseum in its grandeur.

In Rome: the ruins within the ancient Roman Forum.

In Rome: the Pantheon from beneath its oculus and from the exterior.

In the Vatican: St. Peter's Basilica's arm and dome.

In Florence: the Duomo at dusk and an afternoon view from above.

In Venice: gondolas in a canal and a gondolier in the Grand Canal passing the Rialto Bridge.