Rome, Italy

Rome, I was completely impressed and fell in love with this historic city.  Ancient ruins everywhere you walked.  If you love history, you will definitely love this city, I love history, so of course I was in awe when I arrived.  I stayed on Via Nazionale Street, this is a great location to stay at.  It is only 20 minute walk to the Coliseum.

When I arrived at that Coliseum, I was taken back.  Then walking around the Coliseum, I just had this incredible feeling.  Wow, am I actually at the Coliseum !   What a feeling !  You learn about this in history class, but when you are actually at the Coliseum, the feeling is overwhelming.  At least that is what it did to me.  We all know the Coliseum is an oval-shaped amphitheater situated in the heart of Rome, and one of the most exclusive landmarks of Rome.  The Coliseum had its foundation laid between 70 and 72 AD,  the amphitheater was completed in the 80 AD.  At the time of its construction, the Coliseum had the capacity of seating around 50,000 spectators. Initially, the amphitheater was used for holding gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as; animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on Classical mythology.  The games played in the Coliseum are believed to have taken the lives of about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals.  Just a little history facts I thought I throw in :-)))  If you pass by the famous Trevi Fountain on your way to the Coliseum don’t forget to throw a coin in the fountain for good luck.

Another must see is the Roman Forum, wow, I was really blown away.  I find the Roman Forum is one of the most fascinating attractions in Italy, and top ancient site to see.   The Roman Forum or the Forum Romanum, was once the center of ancient Rome, the place where the Romans used to meet, do business, politics and shop.  In 46BC Julius Caesar built a new forum because the old one was getting small for the growing population of the city.  The Roman Forum today is an area of ruins of temples, arches and basilicas.  Walking through this ancient city had me just as overwhelmed as the Coliseum.  After seeing the Coliseum and the Roman Forum the same day, I was ready to relax and have some nice Italian wine.

Visiting the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica is a one day event only you will need to spend out of your trip to Rome.  The Vatican is its own independent state and the smallest independent country in the world.  Regardless of your religion, you must visit the St. Peter’s Basilica.  You will appreciate it immensely whether your Catholic or not.  I waited in line for almost 1.5 hours.  The line when I got there was never ending.  It is worth the wait.  I was utter blown away by the architecture.  St Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world.  St. Peter's basilica is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites.  Enjoy the pasta and panini's when in Rome, it is really good.  When you visited all the sites, just roam around Rome, you will feel you are Rome-ing  back in time. 

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.  This city is really coming alive with activities and people dancing all around at the water front having a good time.  I also noticed people were dressed in costumes in the stores and around the city.  I still don't know why,  but maybe they just like to dress up in costumes.  When you come here try the tapas.  There are many tapas bars, and all vary in prices from inexpensive to expensive, so check first.  This is the common staple in Barcelona.

For the traveler, Barcelona offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do, perfect for sightseeing and shopaholics.  From the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, to the beautiful parks overlooking the city, here is a list of some things you should see when visiting Barcelona.

La Rambla: This wide avenue is one of the main arteries that runs through the city, and features many shops and department stores, as well as a large number of street performers and flocks of people. The excitement of this street is unparalleled within the city, and among the shops are bakeries, restaurants and more.  I stayed in this area, this a good place to get a hotel.  I would recommend staying in this area because  it is near PlazaCatalunya, the main bus stop that takes you to and from the airport.
Plaza Catalunya:  This large, round plaza at the end of La Rambla is always full of people and pigeons.  Located exactly at the heart of the city, this square, with its beautiful fountains, is a great place to get a cup of coffee and relax.  Again, if you stay in La Rambla area, this is the square where the main bus stops are.
Sagrada Familia: For both the first-time visitor and the experienced traveler, Sagrada Familia is an unforgettable sight. Designed by the famous architect Gaudi, the cathedral is still unfinished, but the intricate details of the arches and towers, and the stunning tile work and carvings on the façade of the building are unique in architecture.
Park Guell: Another vista over the rooftops of Barcelona, Park Guell was intended to be a paradise retreat for the rich and famous of the city before being turned into a public park.
Barrio Gotico: The narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, in the center of Barcelona are a wonderful place to shop and explore. Filled with tiny cafes and unique bars, and full of life, this area is another lively section in the city.
Picasso Museum: Rated as possibly one of the best museum in Barcelona, this collection offers an amazing glimpse into the works of one of the most famous painters of all time. From his early works to his discovery of modernism and cubism, the museum follow Pablo Picasso's journey as an artist.
Olympic Harbor: Built for the famous 1992 Olympic Games, which took place in Barcelona, the Olympic Harbor is a beautifully-designed waterfront, complete with boardwalks and parks. Full of walkers and people during the day, and dance clubs and restaurants at night, this area always has something to see and do.

You will be amazed with the architecture in Barcelona.  One of the most beautiful cities I have been too.  And don't forget try the tapas !