Vatican City

The Vatican City is located within Rome but it is an independent state from Italy, with its own government and its own currency. It is, in fact, the smallest state in the world, covering only 0.44 sq km or about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC. It is supported financially by contributions (known as Peter's Pence) from Roman Catholics throughout the world, the sale of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and the sale of publications.

Just one of the Vatican City's beautifully carved angels.

Rome

Rome is saturated with history and culture. Unfortunately, much of Rome was under restoration in preparation for the year 2000. We did, however, get a free tour of the Colosseum and learn of the many bloodbaths centuries ago.

The Forum was the center of Roman life. Here is where deities were worshipped, political beliefs were orated, and laws were created.

Sometimes I am a difficult child to please... I just couldn't leave Rome without seeing the Bocca della Verita, made world-famous by Audrey Hepburn's romantic "Roman Holiday."

Pompeii

I have always been fascinated and terrified of volcanoes. In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city of Pompeii . This body is a plaster cast of the hollowed out space of ash made by the original body.

When Napolean and his army unearthed the city 1700 years later, the buildings, frescoes, and pottery were preserved in almost perfect condition.

The best murals of Pompeii are found in the Lupanare, or the "official" brothel. The pornography can be found not only on the walls of the buildings, but also carved in Latin in the walls by satisfied guests. The god of fertility, Priapus, was a highly revered god.

Florence

Florence was home to the Italian Renaissance, and Michelangelo was one of its favorite artists. The city took "David" to be its symbol - a strong figure who overcame greater threats. The museum "Accademia" was designed and built for "David." I loved these two great works of art.

The best view of the red-tiled roofs, the beige-plastered walls, and the rolling green hills is at the Piazza del Michelangelo.

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