pb

Rome is simply amazing on, in and throughout so many levels. i haven't the words to express the gamut of wonders, curiosities and, indeed, frustrations i've experienced in the last several days. i fully expected to learn much about its history, art and architecture (which i have) but did not expect to learn so much of the language in such a short time. crypts, catacombs, pub crawls and the normal art, monument and museum tours have filled my days here. i'd also be leaving out important information if i didn't give the Roman women (and the greater Italian, as there are lots of those here during the holiday season when a lot of Romans are not) much deserved props for being scantily clad (if a bit aloof and borderline tease-happy) goddesses.

i also didn't expect, despite many assurances, to run into the very Roman price of everything imaginable. when in Rome, pay the amazingly exorbitant and inflated prices the Romans do. an American expat told me the average Roman makes 21,000 euro a year, which is like trying to live in NYC on about $32k. lament the gulf between the haves and the have-nots in America all you want, but realize this ancient city, among others, has had over two millennia to enrich one set at the expense of the other. the US has its flaws, yes, but our standard of living, even with $4 gas and $7 milk, is top notch. enjoy it.

all in all a fruitful and relaxing (despite the miles and kilometers of walking everywhere) experience.

i'll be reluctantly returning to work in Iraq in a few days. work hard, play hard.

let's go already.


-pb