For our remaining time in Rome, we had another tour guide for children. This time she was an American named Daniella. She went to Rome for a study abroad years ago and never left!
She obviously loves the city and it was truly shown in the excitement in which she showed us around.
Day One with Daniella:
Spanish Steps
Water from Ancient Aquaducts
The water in this fountain is delicious, cold, and safe to drink, as it comes directly from the aquaduct. Not so in the other fountains, but there are many other public drinking fountains to enjoy throughout the city – you just need to know how to aim!
Obviously, some enjoyed fooling around in the water more than drinking it!
We couldn’t miss out on the Trevi Fountain during our walk through the city!
The kids made sure to throw a coin in to ensure that they would come back in the future!
Aside from all the fountains, there are a great number of statues and obelisks throughout the city. We stopped at a select few and learned the stories behind them. The favorite one for the kids was “Bernini’s Little Elephant,” holding an ancient obelisk dug up from under one of the nearby buildings.
Our last stop was the Pantheon. The outside isn’t much to look at right now, but . . .
the inside is amazing!
Just learning how they built this huge dome and wondering how it has lasted for so long is an architectural marvel. Definitely one of Chris’s all-time favorite buildings!
Day Two with Daniella:
This was our big day for the Forum and the Colosseum! These were the two topics the kids did reports on before we left, so they were anxious to show off their ‘smarts.’ They, however, were surprised to find out how much they really didn’t know about these two places!
The Forum –
What looks like just a large area of ruins, is so rich with history! This actually turned out to be the kids’ favorite part of Rome!
Daniella definitely made all these old buildings and ruins come alive to the kids! She helped them pick out the Latin words on the buildings, described what they were used for, and in most cases what temple was built for whom.
Temple to Hestia
Temple that doubled as a Bank!
The kids LOVE mythology, so they were on the same wavelength as Daniella. Chris and I cannot say the same, but we enjoyed just hearing the kids and Daniella discuss the Roman deity family trees!
Of course, we enjoyed marveling at the great archaeological finds these must have been when they were dug up. Imagine finding this Arc of Triumph in one piece!
Colosseum –
During our whole weekend in Rome, this was definitely where we ran into the most tourists! You can’t go to Rome and not see the Colosseum!
We learned that just recently they have opened up parts of the bottom or basement level to tour . . for an added fee. Daniella was able to go down to the un-tourist areas as her friend is on the archaeological team working down there. She said it has a definite eerie feeling. So much horror and bloodshed happened there, even below the arena!
Still, an amazing structure!
As we have started to travel more recently, we told the kids that they have to experience the native food of the country we are visiting. This time we ran into no arguments as pasta and pizza rank among their favorites! Although, I think I did hear a couple of the kids admit they were a little sick of pizza!
We also may or may not have had more than our allotment of gelato during our stay as well!
I love the pictures! How fun for entire family to enjoy in rome. What great parents you are!