When in Rome, it is very tempting to start thinking "this is the place where I want to spend the rest of my life".

 

Sardines/Olive Tree

 

Beauty and sophistication are everywhere.

 

 

Even nuns wear stylish bags.

 

 

Richness of ancient architecture is overwhelming.

 

 

 

 

Number of tourists in Rome is overwhelming too.

 

 

 

 

Temple ruins, scattered stones and pillars, headless statues, gorgeous pine trees, loud crickets, burned grass, dust, heat, all of these make Roman Forum in the summer very unique place on Earth. 

 

 

One of my favorite things in Rome are green balconies and rooftops, looking like little private oases.

 

 

During my visit to Roman Forum an American tourist said to me, almost complaining: "There is so much history, everywhere...". I guess at some point you do get tired of it.

 

 

 

And when you get tired of history, you are ready for hearty Italian food. I could eat antipasto all day long.

 

 

Italian men look so stylish, I mean ordinary men on the street. They are such a fashion lovers, even more then their women.

 

 

 

Piazza Navona was occupied by the wildest tourist crowd I have ever seen in my life.

 

 

After the rain, street vendors setting up their goods, while people taking stroll up and down the Spanish Steps.

 

 

 

I have always wondered what was the point of decorating Trajan's Column, when it's impossible to see all of its bas-relief scenes spiraling up all the way to the top. Emperor should have known better.

 

 

Strolling the backstreets of Rome, stopping by for a sandwich, espresso or cappuccino and seeing city's everyday life was a very pleasant experience.

 

 

Visit to Rome's biggest food market.

 

 

When in Rome do not miss Vatican.

 

 

 

Elbowing to get a good view.

 

 

And when you get a nice view, take the picture immediately.

 

View from the Vatican museum - just like Paradise.

 

 

In the Vatican museum we discovered the beauty of monochrome frescoes.

 

 

It was not allowed to take pictures of The Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo, but School of Athens by Raphael was available.

 

 

Celestial inhabitants.

 

St. Peter's Basilica was finale of our visit to Rome.

 

Ciao, Roma, till the next visit!