the gathering places…

It was difficult for some of my kids to understand what the big deal was about the Spanish Steps. I mean, they are just steps. Yeah they have to do with the Spanish Embassy nearby, but are they different from other steps? Why are they a must see when in Rome? I explained how they are mostly just a gathering place where you could go and meet people or just people watch (which Lauren thought was kind of creepy). So, we met our obligation and visited the Spanish Steps. Although we had tell about 20 vendors in those 30 minutes that we did not want to buy their: 1. squishy tomatoes that when you throw on the ground turn into a squashed tomato but miraculously form back into a whole tomato again; 2. Friendship bracelets or 3. Roses…we had a nice relaxing time people watching and hanging out.

The second gathering place we went to was the Trevi Fountain. I knew we had to throw coins in for a ensured return visit, but I didn’t realize how huge and gorgeous it was. Again, I have become a big fan of sculpture. The fountain is beautiful! This was a big gathering spot and a fun place to hang out for a little while. (By the way, here the guys walk around with poloroid cameras trying to sell you a picture.) (Speaking of those guys, it is funny to me how they sell parasols when it is hot and umbrellas when it is raining…even on the same day….they remind me of that guy from Sesame Street who was always trying to sell a letter “s”.)