jmac + kmac: Rome

There are some things in the world you just have to see in person to fully appreciate, and the Trevi Fountain in Rome is, 100%, one of those things. I have wanted to go to the Trevi Fountain my whole life, so the first time I saw it was surreal. We walked around the corner and there it was-- and I immediately got teary-eyed.

We found ourselves wandering back to the Trevi at any chance we got. It was magnetic, and it was magical.

We woke up early one morning to see it before the giant crowd formed (highly recommend!), and it was just so beautiful. The sun was shining, the water was clear and blue, and it was PERFECT.

We asked this cute Russian lady to take a photo for us, and she snapped a couple before she said,

"Beautiful. Now KISS!"

Haha. So we did.

^the most romantic setting in the history of romance^

^CAN YOU EVEN HANDLE IT??^

^my arms literally look twelve feet long here. Like, am I a giant or what is the deal??^

We stepped off to the side of the fountain where we get a different view (and people watch!), and it was so peaceful. It's such an oasis in the center of the city.

^Hey, handsome!^

^I'll never get over the streets in Rome^

After we threw our coins into the Trevi and got at least a zillion photos, we walked over to the Villa Borghese Gardens to wander and enjoy the beautiful morning for a bit.

We got some treats from a snack cart in the park (why don't they have these in America?), and sat on a bench in the sunshine... just as a full on police horse brigade came marching by. It was pretty awesome, and we took a video for the boys because we knew they'd love it.

^Park snacks done right! Also, coke is SO MUCH BETTER in Europe.^

^i love him^

^I loved this fountain, even though it seemed like a baby compared to the giant Trevi we had just seen haha^

^This statue was a memorial for King Umberto I^

What a perfect morning.

Afterwards we hopped in a taxi to the LDS Rome Temple, which I will post photos of soon! Because holy cow, that was such a highlight, too.

But if you've ever even thought of going to the Trevi Fountain, DO IT. I will never forget it!!!

****

P.S. You have to see the Trevi in the daytime, but also it's a MUST at night!!! Because holy cow, it is amazing when the sun goes down and it's all lit up. We went back a million times at night, so here are a few photos.

My gosh, it is pretty spectacular.

^check out that crowd! And we were there in the off-season...can you imagine at peak tourist season??^

^I've already posted this, but I had to post it again because I love it.^

M A G I C.

Dear Trevi, I love you!!!

One evening while we were staying in Rome, we headed over to the neighborhood of Trastevere. It is one of the oldest areas of Rome, and is located just down the road from The Vatican (and across from the Tiber river and historic city center where we were staying). I had heard of its character, old charm, and AMAZING restaurants, and I knew we had to go check it out.

But on our way to cross the river, we got distracted by some amazing churches and views (because hi, ROME), and we also stopped to visit the Mouth of Truth.

^We seriously just bumped into this. So incredible.^

^It was so beautiful, and there were only like two other people inside. Just amazing.^

^Loved this guy.^

On our walk we passed the Teatro di Marcello, which is an amphitheater that was built in ancient Rome that really resembles The Colosseum (but is definitely not The Colosseum). It is such an incredible structure, and it took my breath away when we first passed by it. Rome is full of so many hidden and amazing things like this! I am still not over it.

Also fun fact, apparently there are now apartments in the top of the building that can be rented out. Is that not the coolest?? Sign me up!

^Teatro di Marcello^

Then we made our way over to the Mouth of Truth!

Before we had left for Italy, we were researching must-sees on the internet when a photo of the Mouth of Truth popped up. Boston sat by us as we read about the legend and the story behind it, and he was PUMPED for us to go there.

So even though the line was a little bit longer than we were anticipating, we waited it out to get a picture for our Boston boy.

^This was only half the line. The other half wrapped around next to the street!^

^He's either pondering something, or trying not to fall asleep in the long line haha. Maybe both.^

Legend has it that if you're a liar and you put your hand into the Bocca della Verita, he will bite it off! Luckily we came away with all hands and fingers in tact. Haha!

We left the Mouth of Truth and headed across the river to get to Trastevere, and the view from our walk on the bridge was so beautiful.

It was just the most amazing, crisp evening to be out strolling with Jordan. It was another one of those dreamy moments that kept happening on the trip.

As we wandered the narrow cobblestone streets of Trastevere, I could immediately see why so many people talked about falling in love with it. It had a completely different feel than the historic center of Rome where we were staying.

It was like something from a book, and I couldn't get enough.

^These shutters! Swoon^

We found a little piazza where we could sit and talk and people-watch as the sun set.

We sat in front of the Basilica di Santa Maria, which we later learned was most likely the first official place of Christian worship in Rome. Is that amazing or what??

^I LOVE HIM^

^Basilica di Santa Maria^

We thought the outside of the church was beautiful, but when we went inside, we were BLOWN AWAY. It was my favorite church we saw the entire trip. The details of the gold ceiling alone just cannot even remotely be captured with a photo.

Also there was an organist playing as we sat inside and soaked everything in, and it was just so beautiful.

We went back outside to wander a bit more and to look for some dinner. The lit-up buildings and restaurants gave everything such a different feel as it got darker outside... and it was magical.

We felt like we were some of the only people on the planet as we walked around, which was pretty special since this place is usually crazy busy with tourists (another perk of traveling during the off-season)!

^He is the best travel partner.^

We ended up stopping to eat at Grazia & Graziella, and it was soooo yummy. The atmosphere was so cozy, and we were sat right next to a fire place which made it even better. (I do have a slightly irrational fear of fire...so I may have freaked out for a minute...but I got over it once the food came out. Haha!)

Jordan ordered the classic spaghetti and meatballs, and I got the Salsiccia e Patate pizza. It had mozzerella, baked potatoes, sausage, and rosemary, and it was SO good.