Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Europe: The Final Chapter

You know that saying, "What are you waiting for? Christmas?"

Here's the final chapter of my trip--finally making the time to post! oy!


After the crappy time I had in Venice, I couldn't wait to get to Roma.


View from my hotel's rooftop terrace

Ruins:
It can't be avoided; when in Rome, must see ruins.

The Colosseum





The Pont Sant'Angelo:

I'm convinced that the person who designed this bridge knew that one day, there would be such a thing as cameras.  Seriously, you don't even need to try to get a good shot of these statues...it just happens, naturally.


Leading to the Castel Sant'Angelo, this decorated bridge was built in 134AD and it's still beautiful.  I guess some things do last forever.






I must have walked up and down this bridge for over an hour.  It's just so pretty.



My most favourite part of Rome; The Borghese Gardens...it's like walking though the pages of a storybook.

My hotel was across the street from these GORGEOUS gardens so I had a nice stroll after breakfast each morning.  Unforgettable.






Some other 'hot spots' around Roma:


I'm sure you all recognize this one; The Trevi Fountain


The Vatican


Piazza del Popolo


Part of the stunning fountain at the Piazza Navona (one of my favourite spots)



See that 'Torrone' gelato? The best Torrone gelato I've ever had.  It was so good, I forgot to look at the name of the place as I was walking out.  Criminal!  But, I'm sure I'll sniff this place out again if I ever go back to Roma.

It's a huge city and I have a ton of photograph's---hope I've highlighted some intersting places for you! 
I highly recommend a trip to the Eternal City.

(Btw, I've finally obtained a great biography on Michelangelo and can't put it down!)


Paris

After Rome, I flew to Paris, the last leg of my journey.  A girl can't go to Europe without stopping in one of the most amazing cities on the planet.



This time, I stayed in the Montmartre neighbourhood.  Historic, full of culture...and coffee houses--my idea of the perfect 'hood'.



Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, smiling down on Paris from her home in Montmartre


Really, it doesn't matter how many times I visit Paris, I will always, always find something new to see and new reasons to love this city.