Rome

Piazza Republica

Alter of the People and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arrived in the Eternal City on the train from Florence around 2.30 pm on Friday, 20^th May.  We thought “another trek across cobbled streets like medieval pilgrims to our final destination”, the Hotel Patria.  However, with expert navigation from Kent and his trusty iPad (no compass and map for this lad), we were able to find our hotel in the blink of an eye and our forward scout had us there in 10 minutes from the Termini Station.  The hotel was small but comfortable.  While the men had a rest after this onerous journey without liquid refreshment to wash the dust from their parched throats, Janelle and I headed off to explore the around the hotel. We were very close to the Piazza della Republica and the San Carlo Quattro Fontane and Via Nazionale, which lead direct to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (which we visited some days later).

An early dinner on our first night at a fabulous little restaurant, the Cotto.  Beautiful fresh and cheap Italian food and happy hours every night and very friendly staff.  This place became our headquarters.  Our dinner was followed by a “Rome by Night” tour. We were picked up at our hotel around 7.30 pm and the tour started at 8pm.  Rome looks even more beautiful at night with all the historic buildings and Roman ruins illuminated.  We visited the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Novona, Colosseum, St Peters Basilica, Spanish Steps and lots more. My memory fails me.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

The next morning we had organised a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peters.  However, St Peters was in use by the Pope, so we missed out on this day, but were able to visit the next day.  The Vatican is breathtaking and we felt like honoured pilgrims to be walking in the steps of the Saints.  Phil was worried that the place might burst into flames as he hasn’t been to confession since his first one.  Our guide, Sylvia, who is an archaeologist, was fantastic and very passionate about her job as a guide and Rome. 

Inside the Vatican Museum

Inside the Vatican

The next day we visited the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with our guide Sylvia.  This was another highlight for us. We visited areas of the Colosseum which are generally off-limits.  To walk the same path as Julius Caesar and many other Roman emperors certainly brought home the history of this fascinating city.  After our guided tour, we wandered the streets of old Rome, soaking up the atmosphere and stopping for the occasional liquid refreshment.

In front of the Colosseum before our tour

Inside the Colosseum

Walking in Julius Caesar's footsteps

On the following day, Janelle and Kent headed off by train to Naples and one of the islands.  Phil and I had a relaxing day wandering near our hotel catching up with our washing in a great little Laundromat that had internet access and an ironing lady to give that extra sparkle to clothes, if needed.  We then visited Saint Peter’s Basilica.  Our visit here was late in the afternoon and no crowds.  What a magnificent place and mass was being said, which was open to the public.  We stood in St Peter’s square, again, taking in the history.

In St Peter's Basilica square

Our stay in Rome was much too short.  The weather was perfect, quite hot during the day.  This is a friendly happy city, with a love of life.  Great, but simple food, good wine and the Romans love to talk and chat.  Fantastic fashion shops and the Romans have a natural charm and fashion sense.  No flip flops and tank tops here.

Relaxing with a coffee after doing the laundry

Unfortunately we bid a sad arrivederci charming Rome and Italy.  We have thrown a coin in the Trevi fountain, so will be back.

Our next post will be from London.