After the Colosseum, the catacombs are the second most important and fascinating remaining I have seen in Rome. They are scary and exciting simultaneously. As I was walking through them, I felt scared; not scared of this world but scared of the grave. “Imagine being in one of these small graves buried under tons of sand and soil” The people who were buried there knew that they will be killed or punished if they get caught worshiping Jesus “their faith,” but they still did it. However, today, we take freedom of religion for granted.

inside the catacombs

Also, I was really shocked to see people walk the steps on their knees “the wholly steps” of Santa Scala. In Afghanistan, which is a third world country, a lot of people including my mother do such actions. The older generations think it is rude if you not do it; however, the younger including myself, believe that these things are superstations. When looking at Danilo and other students walking all the way up the steps with their knees, I was amazed to see such “superstation” in a first world country where people are all educated.

In fornt of Santa scala

The wholly steps (Santa Scala)

Finally, Venice! The city that lives on water is one of the most beautiful cities of Rome. However, I did not really like it. The entire city is surrounded by water, and anywhere you go, you have to take a water taxi. Due to the fact that I do not know how to swim, I am extremely afraid of water. This was one of the reasons I did not like the water taxis. In addition, the rest of the city is all about shopping. So basically, if you like shopping and riding boats, Venice is for you; otherwise, do not even bother. However, I would like to state that the gondola ride was the unforgettable memory of this city.

Saint Marco

Gandola ride

eating pizza in Venice

Lets see if Florence is better than Venice…