So, we finished our stay in Rome with a busy 2 days. First, we decided to do a little Jewish Heritage trip and we went the Jewish Ghetto and the biggest temple in Rome. The temple only dates back about 100 years, but its very interesting because everything in the temple (the torahs, the artwork, etc) is from the time of the ghetto (roughly 1400-1900). In the old ghetto, the pope decreed that the Jews were only going to be allowed one building for a temple, so the Jews being resourceful, put five temples in the one building for the different strains of Judaism (sephardic, roman, etc). The temple itself was quite interesting because it looks like a church. It was designed by Romans and Christians as a sort of apology for the years of the ghetto, but no Jews were involved in the design. So it seems like a church building decorated in a Jewish style.
On our last day in Rome, we went to a couple of museums. The first was the national museum of Rome, which was interesting, but unexciting. We did not have much information on the museum and there was not much English inside to guide us around. Basically, it was a whole bunch of old Roman art and sculpture dating back about 2000 years. Next, we went to the Borghese Gallery. This may have been our favorite museum of the whole trip. There was a great audio guide to take us through the museum. The museum was the Villa of the Cardinal Borghese in the 17th century. He was the popes nephew and, as such, was able to attain whatever artwork he wanted. Needless to say, its an incredible collection. The Bernini sculpures (how did he carve delicate leaves from stone?) were definitely the highlight. The villa itself was beautiful and is set in the middle of a huge garden (like Central Park), which only makes it better. It was a great way to spend our last day in Rome.
Some of the other things we loved about Rome were the night markets and the piazzas (we would constantly pass and run into.) As you roam around Rome (hahaha), there are numerous piazzas, each filled with street performers, artists, touristy shops, cafes, gelato, etc. We would make our way at night from one to another just taking in the scene (def some of the best people watching of the trip!!).
Finally, we just want you all to know that Jen has a new favorite restaurant in the entire world. If youve been keeping up with our blog, then you know about Miscellanea ( of the famous free strawberry wine)...well, we ended up eating there 4 days in a row...the food and prices were great and the staff was very friendly. After the second day, they basically knew what we would order. Finding great restaurants that you love and get to know (esp while abroad) is so fun. You arrive at the restaurant and it feels so homey.
Yesterday we left for Sorrento ( a long day of travel).
We miss you all and will see you soon,
J and J
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