At the end of November, 2008, I took a short trip to Rome during the 4-day Thanksgiving Weekend. The net time I had for taking pictures was actually less than 15 hours, including stopping for shelter from the heavy rain. Before I went, rain was in everyday's forecast. Unexpectedly, on the first day the weather was terrific. The second day, thunderstorms. And the third day, a few heavy showers. Yet, I should still consider myself blessed, for after I came back, certain areas in Rome were flooded.

Roma - or Amor, if you read it backwards, was the first city I ever visited in Europe with a tour 10 years ago. I found it stunning. The second time, travelling alone, I was still very impressed, especially by the ruins. The main purpose of this trip was to take pictures of Il Terme di Caracalla. It was quite a long and exhausting walk to reach there, especially while jetlagging after a 9-hour flight. But, the moment when I saw this place under the perfect blue sky, I was overwhelmed. I told myself, "Finally I'm taking photos here. The rest is a bonus."

To my surprise, as of Nov 29, I still didn't see Christmas decorations in Rome or Vatican City. In the centre of St. Peter's Square (photo # 36)and even inside the Basilica, there was some renovation going on, and I could not tell if they were building something for Christmas. At the famous Navona Fountain (#75) and Piazza Venezia (#79), there was also renovation. As a result, it gave me an excuse to return there later.

Roma, non vedo l'ora di ritornarci.

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