Italians like their drinks warmer than Americans like theirs. So, if you want ice you will have to ask for ice.

Several years ago I was eating dinner by myself in a small outdoor café on the Via Veneto in Rome. I entertained myself by watching the other diners. Since it was early to be eating dinner by Italian standards, most of the Italians were enjoying a drink and a snack.

I happened to be sitting next to a table of four elderly women and one elderly man. They were all dressed extremely well in their suits and hats. One of the women had a bright green drink that had been delivered to her full of ice. After much discussion with the waiter and much complaining to her friends she meticulously picked out each and every sliver of ice and put it on her plate.

The history of Rome comes alive in the Roman Coliseum. When you stand in the Roman Coliseum you will feel the excitement that comes with knowing you are standing in a structure that was built almost 2,000 years ago.

The Roman coliseum was begun by Vespasian around 70 AD on the site of Nero's residence (the previous emperor). The structure was inaugurated by Vespasian's son Titus ten years later, although it was likely finished later by Titus's son. The ceremonies and games held in celebration of the opening went on for a hundred days.

The Roman coliseum has been known by a number of different names; The Amphiteatrum Flavium, Amphitheatrum Caesareum, Colosseum, Coliseum or Il Colosseo. It is about the size of an American athletic stadium with seating for about 50,000 and is 160 feet high.

The floor of the arena was wooden and covered with sand. Beneath this floor was a series of rooms and passageways for wild animals and storage rooms for items needed to stage the events.