tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80544063892894799112024-03-19T16:23:29.808-05:00what's next?real life in the Windy CityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-25778875825498956472008-03-30T22:13:00.002-05:002008-03-30T22:24:40.418-05:00BagelsChicago is not the town for a good bagel<br />or so I thought....<br /><br />after scouring the city for a really good bagel sandwich today I found it at the hip i-tune playing, rock boy's day job that is the Chicago Bagel Authority.<br /><br />Usually I would find places like this stressful but I was in the need for a bagel fix so I went along with the flow and order Sam's Sunrise: Egg, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato on a plain bagel. yum yum.<br /><br />oh yeah the most interesting part is that at The Chicago Bagel Authority toasters are so passe and all the bagels are steamed. This process takes a little longer (READ: you're going to wait at least 15 minutes) but the outcome is all that I have hoped for in a bagel sandwich since moving to Chicago.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-8508619679287770322008-03-30T22:05:00.002-05:002008-03-30T22:11:28.206-05:00Watch and DiscussFriday night the remote wasn't working and instead of walking over the TV and changing the channel I watched VH1's greatest songs of the 90s.<br /><br />Here is their Top 10:<br />01. Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"<br />02. U2 "One"<br />03. Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way"<br />04. Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You"<br />05. Madonna "Vogue"<br />06. Sir Mix-A-Lot "Baby Got Back"<br />07. Britney Spears "...Baby One More Time"<br />08. TLC"Waterfalls"<br />09. R.E.M. "Losing My Religion"<br />10. Sinéad O'Connor "Nothing Compares 2 U"<br /><br /><br />So, in honor of the special it's been a 90s themed weekend. I've been listening to "Nothing Compares 2 U" and J is going to leave me if I play it again.<br /><br />What do you think of the TOP 10?<br />Click <a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/127759/episode_featured_copy.jhtml">here</a> for the complete list.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-58922802335695683062008-03-30T21:37:00.004-05:002008-04-01T22:09:16.161-05:00Pinky and the Brain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVSZoqQm6kcwnGOcX8ZelBvZL1tIub16XNSopuuBVGLjYVCu1LFkwVjgN36FMdurLds0EHX_9BGRN9uc978jZQ7QsMiEpn45cgKevvh5rqQ_-dpwu9F9QbB1nCfVOKZa_6ogN5n3WRs7x/s1600-h/EasterChicago+095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVSZoqQm6kcwnGOcX8ZelBvZL1tIub16XNSopuuBVGLjYVCu1LFkwVjgN36FMdurLds0EHX_9BGRN9uc978jZQ7QsMiEpn45cgKevvh5rqQ_-dpwu9F9QbB1nCfVOKZa_6ogN5n3WRs7x/s320/EasterChicago+095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183734902257323714" /></a><br /><br /><br />Meet Shia (pronounced Shy). The newest addition to the chaos. Roscoe and Shia are best friends and get into a lot of trouble together. They remind me of Pinky and the Brain from the Saturday morning cartoon, 1995.<br /><br />Pinky: What are going to do tonight Brian?<br />Brain: Same thing we do every night Pinky, Try and Take over the world!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-80251312240253477652008-02-16T17:01:00.002-06:002008-02-16T17:13:21.103-06:0040 degrees and Vampire weekendI didn't really post too often during January because I didn't really do too much. Its been very cold and snowy so my life has consisted of staying warm, watching movies and going to work.<br /><br />Today it was almost 40 degrees and sunny! Hot Damn! So, in celebration we went out to breakfast (not that I need a reason to go out to breakfast). We also semi-explored Logan Square, a neighborhood outside of Wicker Park that has cheap rent, but the exploring ending up being going to the Gap Outlet and buying clothes, which is a plus for moving to that neighborhood if we do!<br />We went to Reckless Records, in Wicker Park, to get the new Vampire Weekend CD. Ronson went to see them in Ciny last week, Check it out <a href="http://ronsonville.blogspot.com">here</a>. It a really good CD. I would write a review but instead click <a href="http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/48053-vampire-weekend">here</a> to read Pitchfork Media's review.<br /><br />Sadly, the weather isn't going to stay warm, the cold is coming back tomorrow but after today I'm super excited for Chicago in the summer.....now I'm going to go sit by the window and bask in the rest of the day's sun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-29971641561295142602008-02-16T16:56:00.003-06:002008-02-16T17:01:01.026-06:00New Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEzg26B404s7tSMJT7VegceoSn8zgx4YX0Agv9wAP294eFk8C15fWe-UNOH494JW1FT4PZWcjhdkKWNQOuuI_t9nOZt-HqJhB__qkWbnbxFID5mNRdZDIGdkvfX7soXloYstmyeRpaxTB/s1600-h/23281170.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEzg26B404s7tSMJT7VegceoSn8zgx4YX0Agv9wAP294eFk8C15fWe-UNOH494JW1FT4PZWcjhdkKWNQOuuI_t9nOZt-HqJhB__qkWbnbxFID5mNRdZDIGdkvfX7soXloYstmyeRpaxTB/s320/23281170.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167716545220595138" /></a><br /><br />Well I guess I shouldn't say "new blog" but Amy invited me to be an author on her cooking blog. Since I do like to cook and try new recipes check <a href="http://silverspatula.blogspot.com">here</a> to see what I've been cooking. (I haven't posted anything yet!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-69414166683558238492008-01-13T22:33:00.000-06:002008-01-13T22:38:25.888-06:00Going to be an Aunt!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7bb4Q5kTIUvhv2Zz6NwerFvMQ4DdzCXF5R-LQwxWr0-3f0J32WGZfAIhygnDsovBq1krFqS54auJRnzGTxsmtf1XEMs_y9ED2q5xyTfMX4m0-0ZXiaL6bdUXSCge3UIe1yIZ4QvhzcO7/s1600-h/Vegas+Day1+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7bb4Q5kTIUvhv2Zz6NwerFvMQ4DdzCXF5R-LQwxWr0-3f0J32WGZfAIhygnDsovBq1krFqS54auJRnzGTxsmtf1XEMs_y9ED2q5xyTfMX4m0-0ZXiaL6bdUXSCge3UIe1yIZ4QvhzcO7/s320/Vegas+Day1+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155186816380373602" /></a><br /><br />2008 is going to be very exciting! <br />Lori is going to have a baby! <br />She is 11 weeks pregnant and is due in August. <br /><br />Check out her blog: <br />http://www.babysites.com/sites/schatzel/default.asp?page=home&seq=1Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-92217635172203728212008-01-06T20:57:00.000-06:002008-01-06T21:21:27.081-06:00What I've been eatingThis last week was pretty busy because I started my new job! Yay! Besides that I'm been following my goal of eating at home and have been busy planning, cooking and eating!<br /><br />Here is what I've eaten:<br /><br />Grilled Mahi-Mahi with wasabi mashed potatoes with caramelized sweet onions and peas.<br /><br />Spicy black beans with salad (I posted about that already!.<br /><br />Hamburgers, Sweet Potatoes, and a vegetable.<br /><br />Cheese Tortellini with broccoli, tomatoes, and garlic.<br /><br />Mushroom, spinach, and Cheddar wrap with oven fries.<br /><br />Garlic crusted pork loin with mashed acorn squash.<br /><br /><br />We did eat out once after my eyebrow wax in Wicker Park at Earwax Cafe.<br />Its a very hip cafe with mismatch furniture and graffiti type art. I got the tuna melt an fries which were very spicy and J got the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with fries Very good and yummy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-58027121174388928612008-01-01T21:04:00.000-06:002008-01-01T21:15:37.884-06:00Dinner Tonight: Spicy Black Bean CakesAfter shopping for 3 hours at many different stores to complete the grocery list I wanted to make something easy. I'm also trying to include more beans in my diet and one of my favorite magazines "Everyday Food by Martha Stewart" had this recipe.<br /><br />Its so easy and super good. Its a spicy dish and I'm not really a spicy food person- this recipe calls for a jalepeno chili but i just put a tiny bit in and it was just enough spice. The black bean cakes are served with lime sour cream which takes some of the edge off of it.<br /><br />I didn't take a picture but check it out <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=bcb48720cf1d4110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=spicy%20black%20beans%20cake&rsc=header_1">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-61933897774463194212007-12-17T11:02:00.000-06:002007-12-17T11:08:07.086-06:00Home for the HolidaysJ and I came home a little early because of the huge storms that were hitting. We didn't want to get stuck in Chicago b/c of the snow.<br /><br /><br />I haven't really been doing anything that interesting. I've been trying some new recipes out, some were a hit and I think most were a miss.<br /><br />I've also gearing up for the Golden Globes and trying to see all the movies that got nods..which is a hard task but a fun one too. As long as I get to see the movies that have been nominated for Best Picture I'll be okay.<br /><br />I'm also working on updating my Ipod. I'm borrowing some CDs and trying to get a lot of music on it.<br /><br /><br />Other than that nothing new is happening. I'm trying to figure out where we should go on New Year's (we'll be in Chicago!)...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-80859520900869914642007-12-02T14:29:00.000-06:002007-12-02T14:32:26.124-06:00New Movie BlogI decided that in the world there wasn't enough people giving their opinions on movies..so I have a new blog dedicated to my opinions on movies.<br /><br />So, if check it out <a href="http://pamwatches.blogspot.com">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-88154988393796282052007-12-01T22:59:00.000-06:002007-12-01T23:18:26.941-06:00First Winter StormI survived my first winter storm but I realized that I need to stock up on a few things to stay a little warmer.<br /><br />We decided to go out to lunch and see a movie but didn't realize how COLD it was outside.<br /><br /><br />There was wind, cold, slush, rain, ice and maybe a few other things that were unidentifiable. There was some bus delays which meant that we had to stand outside but we made it home to our nice warm apartment.<br /><br /><br />I have made a vow that I'm not leaving the house again until spring. (hehehe)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-24700858006220458392007-11-28T21:41:00.000-06:002007-11-28T21:58:06.552-06:00Haircut and LiteracyI needed a haircut because I haven't got my haircut since I've been back from Europe and I've always heard good things about the Aveda Institute in Cincinnati so I decided to try the Chicago location out. Its pretty cool because students cut your hair (of course their instructors check up on them).<br />I didn't get anything too crazy done, I just basically just got my ends and layers cleaned up but the best part was the my stylist, Alyson, was very Cincinnati (Anderson- to be exact) and she was real cool. She graduated from DAAP and decided that she wanted to do more hair and makeup kinda stuff at fashion shoots so started the program at Aveda. She gave me a lot of advice on hair and products-so it was real fun.<br /><br />Today, J and I went to the volunteer dinner at <a href="http://open-books.org">Open Books</a>. Its a real cool place that promotes literacy throughout Chicago. I signed up for a couple of events and J signed up for one, but it was still a lot of fun to get out of the house and do something different.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now I'm watching MTV, Pageant Place, and Miss USA is wearing the same earrings that I have. pretty coolUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-48880500925604551402007-11-19T00:32:00.000-06:002007-11-19T00:55:47.893-06:00SundayToday we finally completed our living room with a fine futon frame. <br /><br />In our move we somehow lost 2 pieces of wood that connects our old futon together so for the last 3 weeks we have just been sitting on the futon mattress. Thanks to my favorite website craigslist we were able to buy a nice futon frame. Its not as nice as our old one but at least we have something more than a mattress on the floor to sit on.<br /><br />For dinner I made a nice potato and onion frittata with a bell pepper saute courtesy of a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/potato-and-onion-frittata">Martha Stewart Everyday Food Recipe</a>. Yum Yum. IT was my first time making a frittata-it was super easy, healthy and as I mentioned yummy!<br /><br />Finally, we went and saw Beowulf. I absolutely hated it. It was a horrible adaptation that changed the story so much it was almost unrecognizable. They tried to make it more modern by adding a sexy Angelia Jolie to the mix..<br />granted the way the movie was made did have its interesting points. It was digital which was cool sometimes but a little cheesey at other times. Like when Grendal was killing people and blood was everywhere I couldn't even cringe (and normally I would) because it would be like cringing watching a video game. <br /><br />It is interesting that the story of Beowulf has been around since the 10th century and you would think that Hollywood would understand that something that has survived that long doesn't need a screenwriter messing with it...Neil Gaiman should be ashamed of himself. Anyway, wikipedia has some basic info on Beowulf. Read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf">Here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-26556151402526537262007-11-18T00:46:00.000-06:002007-11-18T01:01:33.904-06:00On a Budget: Saturday night and Homemade curryAfter hanging out with Kari and having a ton of fun last week we put away our wallets and decided to stay in for the night.<br /><br />I made homemade curry which turned out to be very yummy- Sweet potatoes, spinach and chickpeas served over rice with warm pita bread.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguxp-YqW622X5F5mVMUn34cXTYW-VWBM8EYsOuYAb20gqa0EagCcVOp2bdYfy2H8dQZQ5JKjiF34rpqLO-A9txWndp_I_HMxN_cM2H7K6-5leqViPh7EfYs1HIjj5n_fRYn-_G_p8vLzR/s1600-h/Chicago1+084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguxp-YqW622X5F5mVMUn34cXTYW-VWBM8EYsOuYAb20gqa0EagCcVOp2bdYfy2H8dQZQ5JKjiF34rpqLO-A9txWndp_I_HMxN_cM2H7K6-5leqViPh7EfYs1HIjj5n_fRYn-_G_p8vLzR/s320/Chicago1+084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134071109377834482" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />we also watch the last couple episodes of 30 Rock and drank some wine that Kari brought us as a housewarming gift. <br /><br />I've been very budget conscience the last couple of days so tomorrow I'm going to celebrate by going to a coffeehouse called, <a href="http://coffeeandtea.com">"Coffee Tree and Tea leaves"</a> and treat myself to a cup of tea!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-63066632694087214192007-11-15T12:03:00.001-06:002007-11-15T12:21:58.293-06:004 days, 3 nights with KariIts been a very eventful 4 days. Here is some highlights:<br /><br />Monday night: dinner at <a href="http://www.timeout.com/chicago/article/20778/crust">Crust</a> with 1/2 priced bottles of wine..nice.<br /><br />Tuesday: shopping downtown at <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/#startpagedefault">H&M</a>, eating at a really weird food court at Water Tower Place Mall. Then went and had drinks at <a href="http://http://www.signatureroom.com/lounge/VirtualTour.cfm">The Signature Lounge</a>, which is in the John Hancock Building. It was a really cool view but a little loud and packed.<br /><br />Later that night, Kari and I headed to the Gold Coast area to <a href="http://www.japonaischicago.com/index2.html">Japonais</a>, which was ultra trendy but the drinks and desserts were very good. I got a martini with an edible orchid in it and for dessert Kari and I split "Coffee and Doughnuts"<br /><br />Here is the review for Chicago Magazine: <br />COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS<br />Japonais<br />The pedestrian-sounding dessert seems out of place at a sophisticated sushi restaurant; but this playful take on traditional breakfast fare is a smart way to end the day. Channeling the best of both the East and the West, these doughy, chestnut-filled beignets are rolled in cinnamon and sugar and served warm alongside airy, mousse-like green tea semifreddo for dipping. 600 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-822-9600 [$9]<br /><br />On Wednesday we went to Wicker Park to boutique hop, got a snack at <a href="http://www.superyummy.com/">Letizia</a>, where I got a super sweet lemon cookie and a hot tea. Later on we headed downtown to eat some Chicago-style pizza at Due, went shopping at Forever 21, and finished the night with the premiere of Project Runway.<br /><br />Today is Kari's last day so we are headed to Orange for brunch and then she gets back on the megabus and heads home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-21203300197214425442007-11-14T13:03:00.001-06:002007-11-14T13:04:18.848-06:00Kari comes to ChicagoKari is in Chicago and we are exploring the town!<br /><br />Check out Kari's blog <a href="http://kariwethington.blogspot.com">here</a> to see how she has been mobile blogging her trip.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-33057543052871569022007-11-11T14:53:00.001-06:002007-11-12T16:14:38.825-06:00Winter Coat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSE4ngRujC2ff0MqbR5K3NITu9Ym2kEbzu4GLl1pOKAkoAdGb0kOQaRCu6FuCbsJk5Hk894aFo7kxUW6bIMMMCGkSQ1riiEi8JX5-TwhJuQu_ok71Nll7TwTkkB9aiu2NIfDnskmRv0Yt/s1600-h/coat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSE4ngRujC2ff0MqbR5K3NITu9Ym2kEbzu4GLl1pOKAkoAdGb0kOQaRCu6FuCbsJk5Hk894aFo7kxUW6bIMMMCGkSQ1riiEi8JX5-TwhJuQu_ok71Nll7TwTkkB9aiu2NIfDnskmRv0Yt/s320/coat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131688842077760834" /></a><br /><br />After searching forever and the looming cold approaching I headed downtown to Macy's. First, Macy's downtown is pretty cool b/c its about 7 floors of shopping, I made it 4 of them. While I was there Martha Stewart was going to be appearing to "light" their 70 something foot Christmas tree. I didn't hang around b/c I had a date with <a href="http://potbelly.com">Potbelly</a>.<br /><br />The coat is a DKNY coat, style Bette, "wool-cashmere blend fashions a duffle coat with incredibly soft faux fur trim along collar with detachable hood and ear flaps"<br />its 70% wool blended with a lot of other stuff.<br /><br />The best part of the coat is that it was originally $325 but because I shopped the Veteran's Day sale I got it for like 40% off paying about $195. Much cheaper than I thought I would pay for a good winter coat. <br /><br />I'm ready for the cold...(well almost I need a hat and gloves!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-83971863449829291052007-11-09T23:23:00.000-06:002007-11-09T23:28:07.594-06:00Roscoe: The Chicago Cat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SQPmtVXchLw2ymdrIuN6-7fkjgKWBFOzYbhsKowLvwpY3Abbt9-SVQgJfrS-xKRj2LuwBkQoCdpLi4nVR8X5ZxnQTuRzzn247J-vjTA97Qj2RoovVosuXRkVH8Ghwn9nzousoRKHygSN/s1600-h/tea+092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SQPmtVXchLw2ymdrIuN6-7fkjgKWBFOzYbhsKowLvwpY3Abbt9-SVQgJfrS-xKRj2LuwBkQoCdpLi4nVR8X5ZxnQTuRzzn247J-vjTA97Qj2RoovVosuXRkVH8Ghwn9nzousoRKHygSN/s320/tea+092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131078574469639474" /></a><br /><br />I have a cat or I guess I should say a cat has me.<br /><br />His name is Roscoe and he was a stray cat that showed up on Amy and Rich's doorstep a week before we moved. The pound told me that he probably wouldn't get adopted and would be put down - so that was that and so on moving day, Roscoe came with me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-36725584790199761472007-11-09T23:13:00.000-06:002007-11-09T23:22:10.744-06:00Hello to Chicago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuIsEnLQafk6gSevy6W_C9RKwo3UjPB9k29pdiV1IOBFNWV70HLVVTM6pR5rcpy8epKC6BQNoa7rR4gY1Cj4DPh5PYXzrIAltZrvvjH-w6dTikPgqi-ag3ayhnkFESz6GcU7axtnGZUa3/s1600-h/Chicago+%26+B-day+136.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuIsEnLQafk6gSevy6W_C9RKwo3UjPB9k29pdiV1IOBFNWV70HLVVTM6pR5rcpy8epKC6BQNoa7rR4gY1Cj4DPh5PYXzrIAltZrvvjH-w6dTikPgqi-ag3ayhnkFESz6GcU7axtnGZUa3/s320/Chicago+%26+B-day+136.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131076761993440546" /></a><br /><br />I've been in Chicago one week tomorrow. I finally unpacked and minus a few problems (a broken dresser drawer and missing parts to the futon) everything is going well.<br /><br />This week I've been working on my resume and unpacking trying to get back to some sort of "normal." Yesterday, we were finally able to get out of the house and we headed to Michigan Avenue.<br /><br />Downtown is fun. I love walking around but I really like my neighborhood b/c it is quiet with tree lined streets and then I can hop on the L and be in downtown in no time.<br /><br />Tomorrow I head to the library to get the card that is the most important one of all.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-25994377168629620322007-10-03T14:16:00.000-05:002007-10-03T14:24:33.972-05:00Venice and Naples<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJDFYfzRcdiYyIpbN-uxy4pVuegceq8Ii6yi0e0WbxWEHuL5FUo1O_R4YRfPCZeeea0Qdn4IbziJRxIeYJkLGtXlHBK37w5vgZWX1uEemB-OxvaVfwtxPZUDiSo6hy2GieqHP7oKC4YEr/s1600-h/j+finds+milk.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJDFYfzRcdiYyIpbN-uxy4pVuegceq8Ii6yi0e0WbxWEHuL5FUo1O_R4YRfPCZeeea0Qdn4IbziJRxIeYJkLGtXlHBK37w5vgZWX1uEemB-OxvaVfwtxPZUDiSo6hy2GieqHP7oKC4YEr/s320/j+finds+milk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192258132766450" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_8QuQVj0vEMiChi7IBraNIv63q00S-Z1IncQDQTsSRszwwEXqbt9FX3Ca7wMuC2_7FVOWVa1SYUB5QqI9jyOTPTgRcGqCepOL38-JuXI7scnk2RqmCzY9z1dkhvTSh-7ztu5H9t9CVHO/s1600-h/Napoli+pizza.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_8QuQVj0vEMiChi7IBraNIv63q00S-Z1IncQDQTsSRszwwEXqbt9FX3Ca7wMuC2_7FVOWVa1SYUB5QqI9jyOTPTgRcGqCepOL38-JuXI7scnk2RqmCzY9z1dkhvTSh-7ztu5H9t9CVHO/s320/Napoli+pizza.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192262427733762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQYvei3ZW9354mV1kkh458G6h1AlBL8n_8AvKpbgMvRcDgzewUA5cdHSKpBXhq0VZJPoCfhkiGjEyCRHZ_6eWP3YW8jDIr8HLsd6xjUE4uTNo9Ve33oZlSNl34dFp4zRwwASdThYWZheO/s1600-h/night+train.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQYvei3ZW9354mV1kkh458G6h1AlBL8n_8AvKpbgMvRcDgzewUA5cdHSKpBXhq0VZJPoCfhkiGjEyCRHZ_6eWP3YW8jDIr8HLsd6xjUE4uTNo9Ve33oZlSNl34dFp4zRwwASdThYWZheO/s320/night+train.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192266722701074" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHxTVTf8b2fyL9irtUXta8cqAiaBC0lDLcw6CkYUihBobxQKEft5TEQIOO-IxiDSEuZv5J3IqFJ2YhibQdj61GGsg6aIA5OWW2NhkZpd-4QwZplW05_iHlcAZ3jv0dXHVw65AHYzog7WS/s1600-h/st+mark%27s+sqaure+venice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHxTVTf8b2fyL9irtUXta8cqAiaBC0lDLcw6CkYUihBobxQKEft5TEQIOO-IxiDSEuZv5J3IqFJ2YhibQdj61GGsg6aIA5OWW2NhkZpd-4QwZplW05_iHlcAZ3jv0dXHVw65AHYzog7WS/s320/st+mark%27s+sqaure+venice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192275312635682" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDBqbf5vlqzXzPoSyVFoZ2jIYpPnIevogRvTwLozVndsJP2ikv_IplS3_lkdHNokBcD5JSzHLskBqkkTe9Ycjvp_MmWmZ-TjEtmPDxOqIe0MV9dj_K5hBd_hKWNaLnmJGL7YHi45H0qtD/s1600-h/venice+canal.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDBqbf5vlqzXzPoSyVFoZ2jIYpPnIevogRvTwLozVndsJP2ikv_IplS3_lkdHNokBcD5JSzHLskBqkkTe9Ycjvp_MmWmZ-TjEtmPDxOqIe0MV9dj_K5hBd_hKWNaLnmJGL7YHi45H0qtD/s320/venice+canal.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117192279607602994" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-15563064589609069582007-10-01T10:45:00.001-05:002007-10-01T10:48:16.079-05:00London CallingIt is our last day of our trip! We are sad but excited to get back...<br /><br />We are in London for the final part of our trip, this morning we flew from Amsterdam to London and we have been hanging out in London ever since. Of course the rain has followed us but we know that warm weather awaits our return!<br /><br />I'm going to post a ton of pictures when I get home and hopefully I'll have them up by Friday or Saturday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-23220432478086640032007-09-29T10:07:00.000-05:002007-09-29T10:10:29.935-05:00Water Logged in AmsterdamHello-<br /><br />I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday.<br /><br /><br />J and I are in Amsterdam where it is very cold and very rainy.<br /><br />We walked around this morning and went to the Amsterdam History Museum and got very wet doing it so we took a little break to dry off and watch the old movie 6 days 7 nights (you watch what you have to).<br /><br />Now we are headed back out to enjoy rainy Amsterdam.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-40500436963686017712007-09-27T11:00:00.000-05:002007-09-27T11:05:38.608-05:00Hello from GermanyHello<br /><br />I hope everyone is enjoying Amy as the host of mz blog. Thanks Amy!<br /><br />Its very fun for me to see all the pictures that we took!<br /><br />Today is our last night in Germany, we are in the Rhine Valley in Bacharach.<br />It is very rainy and very cold here but we still took a boat ride down the Rhine and walked around... (thank goodness for raincoats)<br /><br />Tomorrow we head for Amsterdam and then fly home on Tuesday..<br /><br />As soon as I get home I am going to put more pictures up of places like Florence, Cinque Terre, Germany, Amsterdam...etc..<br /><br />I also might put all the pics up on Shutterfly so you can look at the whole album!<br />I will update with that information later....<br /><br />Tonight we are rounding our trip in Germany with some fine Germany beer, actually you might find it funny that we drink wine instead of beer but Bacharach is proud of their wine...<br /><br />i am off to do that...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-48503071637581109772007-09-27T02:43:00.000-05:002007-09-27T02:47:22.434-05:00Next stop, Naples & PompeiiWe caught a train down to Naples and then we headed straight to Pompeii. It was a sight to behold, especially with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. We saw some interesting art that had been preserved on the houses (indicating the perfect balance, verility and wealth). Then we headed back to Naples. Since it's the birth place of pizza, we had to partake, and it was good! Next stop, Venice!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJkIg_yaj7agj0jTAkRv4ZsstA3wYpigUlIDBjqM2HG0LzMsHvcPRo1H73uRQTcxDMWgv_a_Vgj00bFSYhbr8Z117JD1xseA-eQ-m0YG4etZdif2N1peHP7gvmR5F_7XRwhgAGeBgraW4/s1600-h/pompeii+forum.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJkIg_yaj7agj0jTAkRv4ZsstA3wYpigUlIDBjqM2HG0LzMsHvcPRo1H73uRQTcxDMWgv_a_Vgj00bFSYhbr8Z117JD1xseA-eQ-m0YG4etZdif2N1peHP7gvmR5F_7XRwhgAGeBgraW4/s320/pompeii+forum.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114787274650887746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWcu8HpXrCHfVovhwYn0_tvp6C4PdYYhQOEWbeDWp6wp7acSgjtrPw2JnJeVEhyznafWo5GAU5vCS7f0PrCkcY7Uc0e5U8WAAFyAVUTRxjmV_P8GgredZ5vh1rIosZm_x66nhXM8aGAYI/s1600-h/entrance+picture.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWcu8HpXrCHfVovhwYn0_tvp6C4PdYYhQOEWbeDWp6wp7acSgjtrPw2JnJeVEhyznafWo5GAU5vCS7f0PrCkcY7Uc0e5U8WAAFyAVUTRxjmV_P8GgredZ5vh1rIosZm_x66nhXM8aGAYI/s320/entrance+picture.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114787278945855058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh005oLv5yOKNAEXJRWQSf5FCNc_t2tqYouEAqvwJWRKHcBovKWsTrW1jAzkDqorRqmKOhVkuiOn8vjcF1ShryLirdK9Pcj2Hwio0xeIowQekknGAYXIhDTmmWug6P4XCsuk-p5-uP0mBRe/s1600-h/Napoli+pizza.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh005oLv5yOKNAEXJRWQSf5FCNc_t2tqYouEAqvwJWRKHcBovKWsTrW1jAzkDqorRqmKOhVkuiOn8vjcF1ShryLirdK9Pcj2Hwio0xeIowQekknGAYXIhDTmmWug6P4XCsuk-p5-uP0mBRe/s320/Napoli+pizza.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114787283240822370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vi0c08uXkOvZ4ex3SSgmFwXhtao6C90whn83J7GRMjK25dPXuufdjK46ZGo3dd2bW9Xq3WccN9kvOZdAXJSt-gQVi7lzBmOsDh-H9JJAimvxLaxBA_Xq2FG3Mmd40gf1bT9RRCy3kEtj/s1600-h/night+train.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vi0c08uXkOvZ4ex3SSgmFwXhtao6C90whn83J7GRMjK25dPXuufdjK46ZGo3dd2bW9Xq3WccN9kvOZdAXJSt-gQVi7lzBmOsDh-H9JJAimvxLaxBA_Xq2FG3Mmd40gf1bT9RRCy3kEtj/s320/night+train.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114787287535789682" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054406389289479911.post-6777173955915505502007-09-26T18:08:00.000-05:002007-09-26T19:37:39.545-05:00Roma Day 3Our third day in Rome was another busy day. Though, we got a later start. J went in the morning to do much needed laundry. Lucky for him, the laundromat did the laundry for him so he was able to check the scores of the game and do some needed internet activity. Pam and I got to sleep in! It was wonderful. When J returned we went to our favorite lunch spot. I think we ate it every day. We called it "fold over pizza". You ordered pizza and they cut how much you wanted then heated it in an oven and then folded the pizza onto itself and you ate it like a sandwhich. It was so good! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4t4U0keOqOD6DoYl91fSMIgpIiC_tex_5SuDEO3A6Chu_J2O73op-c_ZKwGMtK9854i3R342VdXJchhrhbFe5H2T5VhJIhqyil9Nv2zUBNnH01xlqRScMOWw4gwCGiPbXow_TaDBW4NH/s1600-h/IMG_0157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4t4U0keOqOD6DoYl91fSMIgpIiC_tex_5SuDEO3A6Chu_J2O73op-c_ZKwGMtK9854i3R342VdXJchhrhbFe5H2T5VhJIhqyil9Nv2zUBNnH01xlqRScMOWw4gwCGiPbXow_TaDBW4NH/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114656604565873922" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc8iNkce18ZwSyzDJoCFmZ0sACatosdj-d2ZcfPVuVOfXaygKAd78DOUtxBR7A-6dC3zUjvxUK0wTma3ojRb2MKleRA2nFPhmQwoqWu_O3m3LAyHU-ZalFd9BQlL_dcxWPPYawv6aPmDM/s1600-h/IMG_0159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc8iNkce18ZwSyzDJoCFmZ0sACatosdj-d2ZcfPVuVOfXaygKAd78DOUtxBR7A-6dC3zUjvxUK0wTma3ojRb2MKleRA2nFPhmQwoqWu_O3m3LAyHU-ZalFd9BQlL_dcxWPPYawv6aPmDM/s320/IMG_0159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114656608860841234" /></a><br /><br />Our first stop was the Colloseum. It was even more impressive in the daylight. We were able to see where they think the emperor's box was. It's marked by a cross. You could see into the "pit" where they kept the gladiators and the animals. They built a floor over part of the pit so you can get a better image of what it looked like. In the picture, it's towards the back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYYkn6PBx-Dc8CR-bJW41dC08UOwtp8Eh3_m9clztKe1Fjorju_z6ylSyUmDjS25IAqkbTzA1GrWMwanNSdNrG6-wL-e1ZazUspxQDxit6Vw-N1fMTE4AMjQjJWjcUDXQdiJRy6ckCKwC/s1600-h/Colloseum+day.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYYkn6PBx-Dc8CR-bJW41dC08UOwtp8Eh3_m9clztKe1Fjorju_z6ylSyUmDjS25IAqkbTzA1GrWMwanNSdNrG6-wL-e1ZazUspxQDxit6Vw-N1fMTE4AMjQjJWjcUDXQdiJRy6ckCKwC/s320/Colloseum+day.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114657927415801122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxMK4Py8X-aLfVEVfcsAKpr7UDmVXOAU3F0hhSd3JCznNkcLBVzexUlMwnXtMp4zSepBDjfbzxoFhZAyDbIcnGMNXybmATo9YOssJWcBVJnQrPhHXU1y1KuclDLB63QhGeuJBljg0sHYe/s1600-h/Colloseum+floor.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxMK4Py8X-aLfVEVfcsAKpr7UDmVXOAU3F0hhSd3JCznNkcLBVzexUlMwnXtMp4zSepBDjfbzxoFhZAyDbIcnGMNXybmATo9YOssJWcBVJnQrPhHXU1y1KuclDLB63QhGeuJBljg0sHYe/s320/Colloseum+floor.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114657940300703026" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4zTEEiT4v2wKzszpgRk3d_6GJVgA3IWXoryOaEurjtHgjGFc6TqIcWesOGmMoNu6Q8JZU-jfVqaFPe1UXsCVjpRwiYb7_cWAHE89JNxMfJgj2FaQdQhTRpiGy5yl_OwBOZ13731WVEi3/s1600-h/IMG_0160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4zTEEiT4v2wKzszpgRk3d_6GJVgA3IWXoryOaEurjtHgjGFc6TqIcWesOGmMoNu6Q8JZU-jfVqaFPe1UXsCVjpRwiYb7_cWAHE89JNxMfJgj2FaQdQhTRpiGy5yl_OwBOZ13731WVEi3/s320/IMG_0160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114657948890637634" /></a><br /><br />The Colloseum was built in 80 AD. It's real name is Anfiteatro Flavio or The Flavian Amphitheater. It was used as an arena for gladiator contests and spectator sports. It could accomodate 50,000 fans. Only a third of the Colloseum remains. Earthquakes destroyed some of it but most was used for other buildings during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. From the Colloseum we had an excellent view of the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGGK75HWkzZCZZTyM_8UPxVHZKz5FH0A9nDdGRH1le6ekm0x7XryxveDxNLcSDlW_hDm1Dz3m2_i8K9miNAx2N97c2lY1hEnS_KNfwkAb878LhHxDlmUZdPSIRT31QwRZvegSxcZ9UzRT/s1600-h/IMG_0165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGGK75HWkzZCZZTyM_8UPxVHZKz5FH0A9nDdGRH1le6ekm0x7XryxveDxNLcSDlW_hDm1Dz3m2_i8K9miNAx2N97c2lY1hEnS_KNfwkAb878LhHxDlmUZdPSIRT31QwRZvegSxcZ9UzRT/s320/IMG_0165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114659155776447826" /></a><br /><br />From there we passed the Arch of Constantine and then on to the Roman Forum. The Arch represents when Emperor Constantine defeated his rival Maxentius in the battle of the milvian bridge. This one battle turned him Christian and thus the entire empire. The Arch represents that change.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYxAAx-pT84KxBQ8BD2Rt3ad-bM8-hYZY47BDTlu-oQ4d5pMsEu9HlQPv-BS6E6GuHS5OXoltxSSSYh9QZhHKyUDpvgrEJzpzzINbloZ49sbogcjKBUXQLZC1c02gPGEF0pFOWxM8Mnqw/s1600-h/IMG_0056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYxAAx-pT84KxBQ8BD2Rt3ad-bM8-hYZY47BDTlu-oQ4d5pMsEu9HlQPv-BS6E6GuHS5OXoltxSSSYh9QZhHKyUDpvgrEJzpzzINbloZ49sbogcjKBUXQLZC1c02gPGEF0pFOWxM8Mnqw/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114660427086767458" /></a><br /><br />The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and commercial center of the city. Rome's most important temples and halls of justice were here. We walked down the via Sacra which runs through the trees, past the Senate building, and up Capital Hill. It was amazing how much history took place here and how old things were. So old! <br /><br />We saw the Temple of Julius - where his body was burned after his death. He was then later made a god and the temple was dedicated to him. The picture is of the inside - his "burial" site.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqjQRl5E7xCLxTckyebv1VRhNL8vHC6Tr53mVedLDpQFTqVk7-e5VfvUCVKsuKYFXLOLEk5JzNbilwhOVe_exqpIt_1j18bydyl6Me3ks4n00MSPQ4T0VO6cKGwQJAQ4sS17pSUT86wtY/s1600-h/Temple+of+Julius+Caesar.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqjQRl5E7xCLxTckyebv1VRhNL8vHC6Tr53mVedLDpQFTqVk7-e5VfvUCVKsuKYFXLOLEk5JzNbilwhOVe_exqpIt_1j18bydyl6Me3ks4n00MSPQ4T0VO6cKGwQJAQ4sS17pSUT86wtY/s320/Temple+of+Julius+Caesar.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114663261765182834" /></a><br /><br />Then the Senate building which was built in 283 AD. It fit 300 hundred senators. It is so well preserved because it was used as a church since the early Christian times. In the 1930s it was restored and opened to the public as a historic site. We thought it was open but twas not. The Senate building is the one on the right in the picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyT0DCVDkpEUmWjQbhTMx2F4z0LGt-TWrDLZUXjiRrcdZetWkCP8C7AxpzmDVmXh-kJPO1zqCLU2BaeUhAXplFfovK8uk6Ydu8MQUv7ByaVnYPIZLqQ9EnCQHHT9SPus2kSMUMc-oRort/s1600-h/IMG_0195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyT0DCVDkpEUmWjQbhTMx2F4z0LGt-TWrDLZUXjiRrcdZetWkCP8C7AxpzmDVmXh-kJPO1zqCLU2BaeUhAXplFfovK8uk6Ydu8MQUv7ByaVnYPIZLqQ9EnCQHHT9SPus2kSMUMc-oRort/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114664172298249602" /></a><br /><br />The Column of Phocas is from 608 AD. It was a figt from the Byzantine Empire to a fallen Rome. It was a gift to commemorate the Pantheon's becoming a Christian Church. And then.. Rome Fell...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivqOb139ccbbB_6GFZGY5TTW4uiflc0sVD3uEIyWSQK22NSR876QkyKS-fuNUx6tjzvkT_MsNv_aLw0XPxabYGMFwEFCSAXGkDxHKBR0y_JOfzDF5Gj79-7PGn6s98X4RRiKWNMfIYfIN/s1600-h/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivqOb139ccbbB_6GFZGY5TTW4uiflc0sVD3uEIyWSQK22NSR876QkyKS-fuNUx6tjzvkT_MsNv_aLw0XPxabYGMFwEFCSAXGkDxHKBR0y_JOfzDF5Gj79-7PGn6s98X4RRiKWNMfIYfIN/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114665061356479890" /></a><br /><br />On to the Palatine Hill! The Palatine Hill houses a courtyard, stadium, palace, a view of circus maximus and a great view of Rome. The 15,000 sq. ft palace was built by Emperor Domitian in 81 AD. It was described as so grand it made "Jupiter jealous". <br /><br />This is a fountain in the lower courtyard and could be viewed from the upper level (where we were standing) or from the rooms around it on the lower level. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGzKc2bMMw-MXpcaNxhycp56zQMnSRWzk30ve9F0GgFhOUQH8CdlDWlFGMXcr2xDNzFg-iRwCnGUDt14060b5bpXOKy5pBMVsUFsAuft4Dq4kB5DfMm4-JRhOMXCLcZMOPproaplXxo3P/s1600-h/Fountain+of+palatine+hill.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGzKc2bMMw-MXpcaNxhycp56zQMnSRWzk30ve9F0GgFhOUQH8CdlDWlFGMXcr2xDNzFg-iRwCnGUDt14060b5bpXOKy5pBMVsUFsAuft4Dq4kB5DfMm4-JRhOMXCLcZMOPproaplXxo3P/s320/Fountain+of+palatine+hill.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114666714918888866" /></a><br /><br />It was refreshing being on the Palatine Hill because we were able to get away from the crowds. <br /><br />More of the palace.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XOfQPyHNgpPpxK-GnX2MX3fsL8gcEC09zt-dCjbu3BPdRrgQvkwAPTzJS_4KlhAalggR1veztI6CAcVxWrbvmCRoa8rp-OMiUgMidop8UGIn9N2qRCD7eJ0ELUzkjBk8Hm9IG65Q8zGy/s1600-h/Palatine+Hill.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XOfQPyHNgpPpxK-GnX2MX3fsL8gcEC09zt-dCjbu3BPdRrgQvkwAPTzJS_4KlhAalggR1veztI6CAcVxWrbvmCRoa8rp-OMiUgMidop8UGIn9N2qRCD7eJ0ELUzkjBk8Hm9IG65Q8zGy/s320/Palatine+Hill.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114667621156988338" /></a><br /><br />After the Palatine Hill, we had lots more ground to cover so we stared the trek to the Pantheon. The Pantheon was a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods. The original temple was built in 27 BC. The current structure is a result of a couple of fires and had been completely rebuilt around 120 AD. Its dome was the model for the Florence cathedral dome which influenced the dome of St. Peter's and finally the dome of the US Capital building. The dome is made of concrete and is 23 ft thick at the base. It is as high as it is wide, 142 ft. It is a site to behold. It's also going to celebrate it's 1400th anniversary as a church. The oculus at the top is the only source of light for the building and 30 feet across. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzue69dL133_WbopwlI57L-fHZMVCUaWzSofZ5xiSE1KFO05zqi76A9EG2mnv5hqrFrWBbjvlptwvp85HZVMOTChyekn6C4rlwvj7xkHL5CVzldojG20qg3QBTk5eInFvZEZBjadMnJIk/s1600-h/exterior+pantheon.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzue69dL133_WbopwlI57L-fHZMVCUaWzSofZ5xiSE1KFO05zqi76A9EG2mnv5hqrFrWBbjvlptwvp85HZVMOTChyekn6C4rlwvj7xkHL5CVzldojG20qg3QBTk5eInFvZEZBjadMnJIk/s320/exterior+pantheon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114671289059059138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtZJqNUCBKW_hNuixlSBcv1h0pRzc8dAk_c92tPdVfFKDwoNdYtONaKEPPvL1U2UUEoiuiI3qRQjkCNKUK7dveR5r1dmToh03aPtG50wcA-3hJP90_CowRh5UHrawzaX5szwNi8wcwl1Y/s1600-h/Pantheon.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtZJqNUCBKW_hNuixlSBcv1h0pRzc8dAk_c92tPdVfFKDwoNdYtONaKEPPvL1U2UUEoiuiI3qRQjkCNKUK7dveR5r1dmToh03aPtG50wcA-3hJP90_CowRh5UHrawzaX5szwNi8wcwl1Y/s320/Pantheon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114671293354026450" /></a><br /><br />The Pantheon also houses the final resting place of famous painter Rafael Santi (known as Rafael). The painting above his tomb was commissioned by him for his tomb. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpN0VEJ1QyMJvLEg_pyH2SSVwoLJ_H_97hA5Oh8utkHO5H00TYct7NKcTJV1nLjdbzsjqYPmcgesssxpdPIITG5HKVSA4_l0XIUT8NEX-EzBuvOzmj5XrE_qKIjZfSZqXcNx1bov_fgV4/s1600-h/Tomb+of+Rafael+Sanit.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpN0VEJ1QyMJvLEg_pyH2SSVwoLJ_H_97hA5Oh8utkHO5H00TYct7NKcTJV1nLjdbzsjqYPmcgesssxpdPIITG5HKVSA4_l0XIUT8NEX-EzBuvOzmj5XrE_qKIjZfSZqXcNx1bov_fgV4/s320/Tomb+of+Rafael+Sanit.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114671778685330914" /></a><br /><br />After the Pantheon we went on a church expedition. We toured about 4 churches in the area. While looking for the churches, I found my first canoli of Italy! Yummy! Some of the churches and buildings have a flood line from when Rome flooded in 1870. So much water! Some of the churches were affected and the artwork was affected from the flood line down. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8urLQH-6uSm6GQVqqVaap9mRauFNiy7IvPw7gwjTNCkKJWbtr67KNEu9jnPYsTofbrBidDKU6ye5ZzmIHYhPZiw8PWFGHFL8YJA0Qas0MrvGDLSw6fWTLyjtREobQB-SB-Mo25Ccj1ISf/s1600-h/Pam+1870+flood+line.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8urLQH-6uSm6GQVqqVaap9mRauFNiy7IvPw7gwjTNCkKJWbtr67KNEu9jnPYsTofbrBidDKU6ye5ZzmIHYhPZiw8PWFGHFL8YJA0Qas0MrvGDLSw6fWTLyjtREobQB-SB-Mo25Ccj1ISf/s320/Pam+1870+flood+line.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114673123010094578" /></a><br /><br />While touring the churches we saw the body of St. Catherine of Sienna (her head is in Sienna), the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, Michaelangelo's Christ Bearing the Cross. And lots in between. On the walk back, we encountered the "cat zoo" it's an area of Rome actually in ruins where there are tons of cats. Sadly, I can't remember the name of the ruins.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_GA8EvMrLAiZA5q4-ZK3h_ehHIIFxMeBMzv7PYJr88WVjkOkHDbdN934R2fJodkb4uUfZurVrClTrHNV60eLQ2qbaDU8VFpGrV5tPaVHpTnu7u-MID-RYg_uPWZzDjLPdcLAZgqJc_yR/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_GA8EvMrLAiZA5q4-ZK3h_ehHIIFxMeBMzv7PYJr88WVjkOkHDbdN934R2fJodkb4uUfZurVrClTrHNV60eLQ2qbaDU8VFpGrV5tPaVHpTnu7u-MID-RYg_uPWZzDjLPdcLAZgqJc_yR/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114674999910802946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKgTAzTMvIIOtsDEWh8g-gjpI2YMzWWhT0VAOhwuFucRRcmrUm1dTvM662ffArvhqK97yVshwHCSVa5Cwy5hhlt9vHIXVGRhcmNcC33vYob_x-28tNbL-roMee7-pPIEtii_2KfRivG5b/s1600-h/IMG_0267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKgTAzTMvIIOtsDEWh8g-gjpI2YMzWWhT0VAOhwuFucRRcmrUm1dTvM662ffArvhqK97yVshwHCSVa5Cwy5hhlt9vHIXVGRhcmNcC33vYob_x-28tNbL-roMee7-pPIEtii_2KfRivG5b/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114675004205770258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnsbGhgOsHXWsx2-k-L6c7QmlzgesrnQZKDyMm1crSjH-KewfYGO1-6ajWUfB_dHUm4VrENo4YqtCMchJHF4QW8TG1Od9J74sndIS6ZuNoq2QjbqUxsAdSn42C1yluD3E9IWXACh7o83X/s1600-h/IMG_0268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnsbGhgOsHXWsx2-k-L6c7QmlzgesrnQZKDyMm1crSjH-KewfYGO1-6ajWUfB_dHUm4VrENo4YqtCMchJHF4QW8TG1Od9J74sndIS6ZuNoq2QjbqUxsAdSn42C1yluD3E9IWXACh7o83X/s320/IMG_0268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114675012795704866" /></a><br /><br />We headed back and freshened up. We headed to dinner at a more upscale restaurant. J had a red wine infused steak, Pam had pumpkin ravioli, I had mussel risotto, that was for 1st course. for appetizers (first) we had the house specialty which had sausage and like 7 dishes total. Then as if we hadn't eaten enough already, we shared a tuna, onion, and gorgonzola chz. It was different. Tasty. J didn't like it, at all! No dessert tonite, we were all way too full! There was also lots of red wine to be had that night.<br /><br />So, our last night in Rome was a fun walk back...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JWLHOdp1iJQLPuGAhcGEdmn75YbWdrEcYvVPcsRT1aS_zjkmaJftnUjJCAQpY4qW4EPNSH1t4ZWJNE7AKIQJxiG7YXTCuMEG-gG7fej6KUAnMjPn7_QfD-QtJa9ROMn5CcBac5fhc6KO/s1600-h/IMG_0296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JWLHOdp1iJQLPuGAhcGEdmn75YbWdrEcYvVPcsRT1aS_zjkmaJftnUjJCAQpY4qW4EPNSH1t4ZWJNE7AKIQJxiG7YXTCuMEG-gG7fej6KUAnMjPn7_QfD-QtJa9ROMn5CcBac5fhc6KO/s320/IMG_0296.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114676382890272306" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0