Rome will not quite ever be the same. It has a new ring to it. The old Forum, historically perhaps one of the most important places in the world. Caeser was there, Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula… Nero. The apostle Paul spent many months there, wrote much of the bible and even appeared before the great Nero himself shortly before he began his violin-accompanied tirade upon Christianity. 2000 years later the ruins of a once great civilization still stand. Architecture unequalled. Master builders not even worthy of being compared to the union-driven laborers they call “professionals” today. As I strolled through the now defunct Forum I was awe-struck. Feeling both the Satanic presence which empowered the aforementioned Caesars, and the Spirit-filled Christians who burned here, I cannot help but gaze upon each structure and what is left of it, alongside my wife who was equally dumbstruck.

After walking its entire length I marveled as we left up the hill on the side, looking out one last time over history I felt compelled again to point, as it were, with all 5 fingers of my right hand when ...zzziinggg… a flash of silver into the brush.

“What was that?” Stacey asked.

"...uh… well… that was my thumb ring I bought last month in Brussells.”

She just looked at me. I’d already donated my last ring to American Airlines en route to Chicago. And now, I stand feeling a bit “naked”, hand twitching a little. I found an Italian employee, and with the help of a little mime and grunting I communicated what had happened. She watched as I hurdled the rail down the hill into the midst of the ruins and brush, frantically looking for my €8 Belgian ring. Alas, it was not to be found. I shamefully returned to the other side and pouted as we sallied forth towards the 47 hotel. Now, I am a part of history.

Rome will not quite ever be the same. It has a new ring to it.