From Genova, we took a high speed train 6 hours south to Rome. It rained the entire time, and the country side was totally flooded. So we were happy we opted for Rome instead of continuing on our journey down the Riviera, because the weather would have been less than idyllic.
The train was pretty gross and dirty, but it was an easy and cheap way to reach our destination, and took us right to the heart of Rome, where we found a cheap hotel that was a good central base for foot exploration, and wondering around the streets. We explored Rome for 3 days.
I always wondered where priests got their fancy robes... I thought they were custom made or passed down by the church. But nope, they sell em' at stores outside the Vatican city. Seeing all the "ceremonial" gold cups that hold that are meant to hold "blood of Christ" during communion on sale really shattered the sacred misconception we had of these items. It seems, if you have 400 Euro, you too can look like the pope, and perhaps perform an exorcism with a kit that you picked up on sale across the street from the church. I was pretty crazy to see all of this for sale...
This is where the Sisters do their shopping. 
No monument of ancient civilization seems to be complete without the token McDonalds sign. LOL! 
The Pantheon! I was very excited to revisit this cool place, and Jacob loved it too. 
The Oculous (sp?) in the roof of the Pantheon. The dome is soooo tall that when it rains the rain never hits the ground, it evaporates first. The coffers (the square divits in the ceiling) used to be filled with gold stars, but these were pried out and melted down to coat the dome of St. Peters Basilica, in the Vatican City. 
Another cute Roman Car!
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