Rome (Roma), Italy

Rome would normally be a place where tourists flock to in droves, but not this one. I am kinda sick and tired of Rome's dirty streets, millions of scooters, and most of all the bands of gypsies that stalk the subways. Don't get me wrong, you gotta go and see the sights in Rome. There are so many things to go check out like the coliseum, the pantheon, the Roman forum, the Spanish steps, and of course, the Vatican. But once you've seen them, get the hell out as quickly as possible. I spent some time there last year so click on that link if you want to see all the Rome sites.

We just had the worst day of the whole trip here. I mean, everything went wrong while we were in Rome. First, we literally break open a bottle of wine in the hotel minutes after we check in. Doug had to shuffle down to the office and get a cleaning crew to come up. The next day, we had an unpleasant encounter with the gypsies in the subway. Then Carol and I got separated from Doug and spent most of the day sitting in front of the coliseum waiting and hiding from the rain. We were just glad to get out of that town alive.

Tossing a coin over my shoulder at the Trevi Fountain. It's said that if you make a wish here by tossing a coin over your shoulder, you will return to visit Rome next year. Well, I made a wish last year at this very spot, so here I am! Wonder what will happen next year...

The gang on the move with full armor. Wonder what Doug's all happy about; his pack weighed a ton, even though it's one bottle of wine short of a full case.

Carol at the Roman forum ruins.