Italy: Rome

Shortly after arriving to Italy we tasted our first sample of Italian cuisine by ordering cappuccino. It more than hit the spot. Of the many ways that one can drink their coffee, a cappuccino is among my favorites. During the past week we have tried a variety of brews in a number of different sizes (when in Rome...), and while theorizing and philosophizing over our caffeinated beverages we have concluded the following: 

• Italian espressos are the tiniest of all drinks and they are most definitely not ordered for pleasure but rather for necessity as they don't taste particularly pleasing but do provide a burst of energy. 
• Cappuccinos are also small--and perhaps overpriced--but made with exceptional quality. 
• Near St. Peter's Square in Vatican City is a McDonald's which has a separate McCafé that has a beautiful espresso machine and serves decently-sized, reasonably-priced, and overall amazing cappuccino. 

I know what you're thinking: McDonald's? In Rome? Go there for the coffee and the coffee only as there are way too many pizzerias and trattorias and gelaterias to try. I've used the McDonald's-for-coffee strategy in Prague, Barcelona, and London in addition to Rome, and I must say that the last one takes the cake. 

The Vatican offers much more than just a delicious cup of cappuccino, obviously. We toured the Vatican Museums, visited the Sistine Chapel, walked through St. Peter's Basilica, climbed to the top of the dome, and returned the following day to attend the Papal audience. As we set for St. Peter's Square early that morning, we had no idea that we were in for a visit that would later make headlines. As the English-speaking visitors were greeted, a group from New Jersey began singing a (lengthy) creed. They got to the part where on the third day He rose again when a collective gasp and laughter erupted in the auditorium. Thinking it was an inappropriate time to interrupt the choir with such noises, I looked around to see what the commotion was: a young boy ran up on stage and began running in circles and checking out every detail on the Swiss Guards' uniforms. The boy's mother and sister both failed in persuading him to return to his seat, and Pope Francis was unbothered by the situation, allowing the boy to stay and play. He eventually returned to his seat, and Pope Francis later offered a reflection on the matter. He told us that the boy was nonverbal and autistic, but that he was still able to communicate as he had just shared a message with the audience of nearly 10,000 people. 

View from atop the Spanish Steps at sunset.

The Colosseum at dusk.

Rome offered us sights to see with every turn of the corner. We enjoyed learning more about the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, seeing the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, and also playing with cats.

The ruins of Torre di Argentina have been converted into a cat shelter.

Our time in Rome was memorable, to say the least. See more of our photos from Rome here.