Even amidst the misery of the 104 degree weather, Rome impressed with its renowned historic sites. I found that the city was lackluster outside of the old walls, but I was struck by the grandeur of what lay within — the ornate gold ceilings of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the turquoise water of the Trevi Fountain, the expansive arena of the Coliseum, and the well-preserved ruins of the Roman Forum. To first-handedly experience parts of one of history’s greatest civilizations, and to walk through places that are so often mentioned in my history textbooks, was truly incredible.