The past few days in Rome i've spent re-visiting sites i've seen but love. yesterday Jamie and I went to the spanish steps, via del corso, trevi fountain (which i've actually never seen before), ancient city/forum and the colosseum. It doesnt sound like a lot but it took up the better part of the day. When we were out we noticed it was unusually crowded everywhere and we couldnt figure out why until we got on the metro. There was a manifesto (protest) occuring to protest job wages (they occur very frequently in Rome) and thousands of people were marching in the streets and blocking traffic and the train stations. When we got to the colosseum from the metro there were a couple hundred people blocking our exit to the street, but luckily we found a tight escape route and pushed our way through. it was a little frightening seeing that many people not moving or talking and purpously blocking our path.

Im not usually one to pay to go into the colosseum since i feel its a little bit of a rip off but we decided to go in anyways this time. Its pretty amazing how the air feels different both in and around the structure, as if all the people and animals who violently died are still permeating the atmosphere. It truely is my favorite site in the world because so many political and violent acts occured in such a small place in such a short period of time. I suspect I will experience a similar feeling when I visit the concentration camps.

Later, Jamie and I went out with her boyfriend and some friends to a cute bar in Trastevere where we hung out until 2am. it was nice to go somewhere not as intense as a discoteche but where we could still drink and dance and enjoy the flavor of Rome.

I have a couple pictures which I will try and get up later today. We're taking the train to somewhere in the mountains to have some wine and lunch this afternoon and then I will return to my hostel to map out the rest of my ill planned trip.