it was july 20 2008

we arrived in rome midday and quickly we were off exploring. since the pantheon was the closest place we headed there first. it was tucked away behind side streets and then amidst all the normal shops, the roman church appears. having known very little about the pantheon i had some how never imagined it was a church. upon entering your eye immediately looks up to the giant circular opening where the light streams in. this actually acts a sun dial, illuminating the hour of the day along the top part of the building. aside from this, what was really neat about the inside was the varying shades and styles of marble used on its walls creating an interesting visual  effect. the pantheon is obviously a major tourist attraction so there were hordes of people there, something we were actually comforted by after our unusual stay in bologna... 

rome in some ways is similar to paris upon first impression. there is a large river running through the city with numerous bridges crossing over and the streets are narrow and lined with small shops and restaurants. however something uniquely italian are the piazzas, there are piazzas everywhere for everyone with every monument.