Initial Observations & Learning Italian

So, day one in Rome and I decided to just walk around without much purpose or direction. I had no plans or expectations. Just figure out where I was and how far I could walk.
I was on my way and trying to figure out how to get to the center of town. I thought things were going well but was also having trouble finding a street that would take me the direction I wanted to go. I came across a Metro station and just said the "hell with it" and decided to go for a ride instead. I took the metro to the Colosseo stop. I figured it's central and it will feel good to see a landmark I recognize. I came up the stairs and there it was. It was fun to see the Colosseum again. It reminded me of my trip with my mom a few years ago.

I kept wandering around and eventually came to Trevi Fountain. It's not nearly as croweded in the morning as it is in the evening. It's really very soothing.
After that I came to the Spanish Steps and sat for awhile.

At this point I was STARVING since I really hadn't eaten much in the last 24 hours.
I had lunch back by Trevi fountain at a place recommended by my Time Out Rome guide.
So, after a day of wandering here's what I know:
1. Cool sunglasses are a must
2. People bundle up as if it's 30° out even though it's 59° and sunny.
3. Women stare you down (I forgot about this little trait. It's not my favorite.)
4. Riding boots & Cowboy boots (not cool boots like Frye's but boots circa mid-1980's as worn by Lea Thompson in Some Kind of Wonderful) are huge, especially tucked into jeans
5. Construction is everywhere, including right next door to my hotel. I'm really over this metaphor.

I'm also kicking myself for not studying my Italian before coming here. I really meant to and I don't know what happened. I did a few lessons but really didn't give it enough attention. So, I'm trying to cram a little using the lesson on my ipod. Also my good friend Andrew McCombie suggested watching lots of tv to learn. Apparently this is how he got so fluent in French. However, I think the tv programs he had to pick from may have been better than what I had to choose from last night around midnight. I witnessed some of this late night programming on my last trip to Italy. It's pretty much a lot of soft porn or women dressed in nothing holdng a phone asking you to call now so that they can talk to you.
I tried the tv again this morning and had the choice of news, which is rattled off at lightening speed, or very old (Casper the Friendly Ghost) cartoons. I went with the cartoons. I'm not sure if I learned anything. I did understand a few words that Casper said but I can't say the same for the breathy ladies on the night before.