Polipo and Pinguino
...Rome
Caesar's Rome:
Coming into the eternal city among the mid-day traffic, you could almost forget you were traveling along an ancient road that had funneled people into the capital of the world for generations, but Polipo and Pinguino found that Rome has a way of reminding you of her past. Whether they were touring a museum or people watching in a piazza, our explorers found Rome was a duality: ancient and youthful, imposing and accessible, sleeping yet always awake.
Rome: Back Street Riches
Polipo found she couldn't get enough of the hustle and bustle of Rome. She wanted to explore every shop and sample every ristorante. She love the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Mmmm... wedding cake..) and loved to watch the city rush by below her.
She found the people of Rome facinating. How they balanced their needs of the 21st century with honoring (and sometimes tolerating) their past through living symbotically with the remnants of history. Watching fashionistas strutting past ancient ruins makes sense in Rome. It all happens at once here.
Rome: Ancient Glory
Pinguino was enchanted by the persistence of ancient Rome. He wandered around the Forum, stared in wonder at the Colosseum, and toured the Pantheon. He felt the weight of all those years and lives.
He loved Castel Sant'Angelo and the "lasagna" of its years of use and purpose to the people of Rome. Everywhere he looked, the city was showing him the past and the echoes of those who had come before and made this city home.
Spero che ci vediamo presto
Rome, and Italy itself, is many things, all at once, and it wants you to see, feel, do, and experience them all. Polipo and Pinguino are so glad that they answered the call.