Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Rome was my latest trip, therefore, I'm choosing to write about it while the details are still fresh in my mind. I spent a total of three days in Rome, and it was a life changing experience indeed. I'll be the bearer of bad news, just briefly so I can warn anyone traveling there. Airport customs was the worst I've ever experienced. A new system needs to be implemented, because they had about five or six custom agents for at least 700 incoming travelers.  Hopefully you have better luck if you visit. On the bright side, once I escaped the hours of torture in hellish customs, I quickly recovered and was rewarded with the most awe-inspiring views of my life.

Rome is so full of culture, history, and beauty; it can actually be overwhelming if you try to take it all in in three days like I did. I suggest a longer visit so you can take in the grandeur slowly and comfortably, without having to walk what seems like billions of miles... in one day...under the hot June sun. Since we were visiting for such a short time, my tour group and I started very early at the Colosseum. (BTW kids under 18 get in for free, but bring some form of ID to verify age so you're not hung up at the gate for an hour).

It was absolutely beautiful in an ancient and haunting way. Even in its deteriorating form, the architecture has a way of thrusting you into the past. The arena's intricate network of underground walkways are exposed, letting visitors imagine the gladiators and condemned prisoners hidden from view preparing to fight for the death. The levels of the seats in the arena were divided by social status. On the higher levels you can still see marble set into the floor for the elites of society. Besides the painfully steep steps leading into the arena viewing area, I'd have to say that the visit was very enjoyable. It's pretty crowded all the time, so visit early in the day before the noon crowds come in. It's also a great opportunity for memorable pictures, so bring your camera! I recommend bringing a water bottle with you too, especially in the summer months, because it does get very hot and the Colosseum is obviously not air conditioned!

I highly recommend visiting! It's a once in a lifetime experience that I swear you will never forget! If you have any questions, comment below!