That's what always stays with me about this amazing city -- the sheer size of the ruins, the monuments, the churches, etc. Contrast that with the tiny size of the shops, restaurants, etc. It's a city trying to function atop layers and layers of other world and other times. Our guide, Stefano, said there's no money to dig up more ruins; besides if they did, nobody could build anywhere. A strange dilemma, to be sure.
Our hotel is a few blocks from the coliseum, which makes modern stadiums look puny, the remains of the forum, which makes the Mall of America look average-sized and a strange 19th century monstrosity infamously known as the "wedding cake" or the "typewriter." The Trevi Foundain is also just a short distance away.
Italy is a lot of work, and this city is even more work. There's always a shortage of toilets, green space and practical items; but the sheer magnificence of everything around us more than makes up for it. So does the gelato.
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