Rome- the Gladiators and More...

While we were in Rome we stayed in a great little apartment and had a kitchen, etc. We enjoyed it and so did the kids. While we were there, Madison found that she really enjoys nutella- preferably by the spoonful.


So, our tour guides (Danny and Kailey) found this place where you could go and be GLADIATORS! It sounded like fun...

Here are our gladiators. (Notice the tough fighters- and then there's Kailey. The only gladiator with fashion sense.)


The cheering section.


Our gladiator trainer really made them work! They had to stretch and get ready for some heavy fighting.


They had to do some cool maneuvers.


Jake is running the gauntlet.


After the initial stretching and warm-ups another family arrived. Raj (the dad) and Adam (who is Jake's same age) from Michigan made it really fun for the dad and son in our family.


Sword fighting practice.


The boys were having such a great time!


See what great form our fighters have?


Danny and Raj have armor on and are ready for combat.


Danny versus Adam, Raj versus Jake


Father against son...


Now Danny appears to be Poseidon.


The mock battle- Raj and Danny - they used padded swords so no one was injured.


Adam and Jake fight to the death (not really- but it was almost that intense!)
The gladiator experience was great! We would highly recommend it!


We are at Castel Sant`Angelo. It was originally a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian but was later used as a fortress for the Pope. It has a great view of Vatican City.


There's also a Merry Go-Round right next to the Castle and the kids had a great time- especially Madi. She didn't want to get off her horse.