Aside from cameras, this was the entirety of Peter's belongings for the 10 day trip. Rick Steves would be proud.
After navigating the craziness of Ciampino Airport, we made it to Rome in time for an evening stroll.
Descending the Spanish Steps.
We arrived on New Year's Day, so many nativity scenes were still up around the city.
Window shopping along via dei Condotti.
Looking back at the Trinità dei Monti.
St. Peter's hovering over the Tiber, from Ponte Umberto I.
Scooters abound in Rome.
Tired but cheery.
The next morning...life-sized nativity scene in St. Peter's Square.
The Pope's Christmas tree.
19 of the approximately 2,637,832 columns in Rome.
St. Peter's.
The Swiss Guards, who must be deemed "easy on the eyes" to attain employment.
Looking back at the growing line and marveling at the scale of the square.
Speaking of scale, the inside is staggering.
Even the cherubs tower over Adina-sized lifeforms.
The letters around the center are about two meters tall.
Same for these letters (i.e. taller than Peter).
The dome.
God saying "good morning."
And calling this lady up for an appointment.
The alter and dome.
The alter alone (lower right) is 30 meters tall!
The line had circled back on itself by the time we emerged from inside.
The first church dedicated to St. Mary, in Trastevere.
The first pasta dedicated to our stomachs, just up the street from the church.
The family patriarch directed traffic and chatted with the priest at the table next to ours.
The Italian commitment to road safety starts early, as evidenced by the presence of a car seat in this vehicle.
The first gelato of the trip.
Walking the track at Circus Maximus.
The Arch of Constantine, near the Colosseum.
Inside the Colosseum.
It actually seems rather small on the inside, though our perspective is skewed by modern stadia (dorky Latin joke in honor of Rome).
Dorky jokers.
Outside at sunset.
The Colosseum Christmas tree.
Full moon rising.
A beautiful evening stroll before dinner.
"Church with blue sky."
Indian food in Rome, as recommended by our local friend Alvin.
Trevi Fountain.