Roman teens have it made!

Beginning my studies in Rome, something I have noticed considerably often is the lifestyles of teens native of the area. Everything from their clothes, actions, daily activities, places to gather, etc. all vary from what we are used to viewing in America. It struck me the most when I was walking by the Pantheon the other day and watched a group of what appeared to be young high school aged students hanging out, socializing, and eating mcdonalds on the ledge of an ancient wall infront of a huge monumental part of history.  Standing for 1600-1800 years now, the Pantheon was built as a temple to all gods, which now holds several of the dead. This is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and maybe even the best preserved of its age in the world. Roman teenagers use these places as a social gathering, rather than a place to view and appreciate. In the same area are tourists from all over the world, vendors, and men dressed in ancient Roman attire, yet these teenagers have their own use of the area. Being that we do not have such treasures in America, it strikes me when I see this and imagine what it would be like growing up in Rome in such a way.