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Rome, Italy

Our host last night gave us so many tips on what we must see that we were bewildered this morning wondering what we might fit in, when and how. David assured us we could walk everywhere and that it was criminal to not, as we would miss so much.

Maps in hand we walked to the bridge of Angels, skirting the Vatican which is only round the block. We saw a few camera people and choppers in the air and wondered if it was due to the Pope who apparently was appearing at around 1200 and then we heard a brass band coming and then saw a large protest follow. There were so many people we could not go over the bridge or take a photo of the lovely statues lining it. It was a international ‘Pro-Life (anti- abortion and embryo testing) protest to the Vatican of about 40,000 people of all shapes, sizes and colours, monks, nuns, and other nationalities with flags and posters. It held us up for some time and was a very powerful event to watch.

We eventually managed to get past and found our way through typical Italian cobbled streets lined with high buildings and churches on every corner – there are 46,000 in Rome city alone – to the Pantheon. From the outside it is totally unimpressive but when you step inside its such a wow experience with its dome extending to the heavens and heavenly light beaming down through the opening. I was unaware before hand but it is designed so cleverly that when it rains, if the doors are open the updraft stops any water coming in. This is a great example of how clever the engineers and architects were 1500- 2000 years ago, and whilst the art that abounds here is inspiring – we are more impressed by the skill of the designers and craftsmen.

Next stop was the Trevi Fountain and I was pleased that there was no renovation screens hiding any parts as I expected when planning our holiday – its said that in May this would be taking place. Down side was the zillion tourists spoiling the view. We will go back at night sometime and hopefully it will be more peaceful.

The Spanish steps were even worse so far as crowds go, not to mention the streets all around, so it was a quick photo shot and onward which is a shame as you can’t absorb the ambience when there are thousands of others jostling for their holiday “been there done that” shot. Tourists often are quite rude too, there are exceptions but they are few and far between.

We then made our way up the tallest hill in Rome to Quirinal Palace where the President resides, feeling pretty tired by this time we rested in the shade of a park and had our packed fruit snack. There was a cool monument there that had a 3D effect. Photo taken is with the self timer! When we passed the palace on the way back the Military Band was playing and doing a brief marching display – navy, air and land forces. It was really lovely music including the Athem which members of the crowd joined in singing to the music.

Down the other side is the Trajan Market, Column and Victor Emmanuel Monument, Capitoline Hill including the church of Santa Maria Aracoeli, Caesars Forum, and a little down the way the Colosseum. We had a quick look at all and will return in depth to the Colosseum in the next couple of days. We got a ticket to go up the ‘Rome in the Sky’ lift but they failed to have written anywhere that they closed the lift off 45 minutes before closing time so we missed out going up for sunset. The man was nice though and told us to come back tomorrow and he would honour our tickets – which we will.

We navigated the Metro home and successfully avoided pick pockets for another day. Enjoyed a home style meal of Carbonara, grilled veges, Veal Saltimbocca and Potatoes with Rosemary across the road.

I am a bit lost as to what to write about these sites as words fail me at this time. It is also hard to believe we are actually here, seeing these things. Rome is busy – too many toursits for our liking and apparently it is not even ‘busy’ season yet. She is also very grand and the locals are quick to return a smile if given one. Maybe I can write more when I have not had such a long day and can reflect on it better (and not had two glasses of soft fruity red….).

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