Rome
We had been to Italy before, but there is so much of it to explore! Had to come to Rome, loads to see and do. The history is everywhere, and it wasn’t built in a day etc.
Flights were cheap, probably. AirBnB, certainly. I chose somewhere that was cheapish, not too far away from centre, and near a metro. Think it was Metro there, underground, subway whatever. I just checked – it was.
Took a train from the airport, but then took ages to find theAirBnB. We did what we’ve had to do a few times – go back to the listing and have a look at what the picture of the place looks like, and try and play I Spy for it on the street! Gave the guy a call in the end and found it.
Headed straight out to have a look around. Went to the Metro which I knew was a couple of minute’s walk to find there was a strike on that day, and the Metro was not Metroing anyone anywhere. Had to get a bus instead. We didn’t pay for it. It’s one of the most confusing things to work out – paying for buses or trams. Trains aren’t too bad. There’s normally a ticket machine, or a booth. Bus stops don’t. The driver sometimes won’t take money as most have little Oyster type card things. Might work them all out one day. Ultimately, play the ‘Risk of a Fine’ game.
Pyramid
Adjacent to the metro was a Pyramid, obviously. Called Pyramid of Cestius. It’s a tomb for some bloke called Cestius and was built over 2,000 years ago! You can go in every 2nd and 4th Saturday, if you’ve pre-booked. If that’s your thing.
Colosseum
Ended up at the Colosseum. For me, this is the Big Ben, Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building of Rome. Albeit a lot older. We hadn’t planned on going inside, but ended up just popping in. Glad we did mind. Even though I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like back in the day (apart from watching Gladiator), the architecture was amazing, along with the sense of awesomeness. Yes, spellcheck didn’t tell me that wasn’t a word!
Found a cat rescue place. Loads of strays in the walled gardens ruins things, and then an underground bunker full of Italian cats. Had a walk to Piazza Venezzia and saw a cool building called Altare della Patria, or Vittoriano. Apparently, a lot of Romans aren’t too keen on it, but I liked it.
Trevi Fountain
Went to the Trevi Fountain. Standard Rome tourist site. It’s ok. 4/10 I suppose. It’s just weird how something can get so crowded at all times of the day! This was the first time I felt like a ‘tourist’ in Rome. Had a McDonalds after that, and went home.
The Vatican
Next day, we went to another country. The Vatican City. Double-tick. Place is nice, I like what they’ve done to it. Decided to go into St Peter’s Basilica. Queue was massive like. There’s loads of touts trying to get you to buy their tickets. I didn’t. After a while of queuing, in the sunshine, we got in. It’s pretty cool inside. Loads of money spent on it I reckon! Ceiling and dome is impressive. Load of incense burning here and there, candles, oldstatues, gold leaf. Had a good wander round, then I decided to climb up to the top of the dome.
It was allowed like. Had to pay a bit of cash, and then take the 550 stairs to the top of the dome! That’s a lot of stairs. My house has 13 stairs. I just did some mathematics and that equals 42 flights of house stairs. The other bit to note is, some of these stairs are proper slanted as the dome is curved over your head, and some are the size of a big wedge of cheese. Views are worth it at the end though. You can get a lift up the first bit, but still have to do a fair few stairs to get to the very top. Char and the kids went out for a drink. I asked the kids if they wanted to come, but they didn’t.
The Big Rip Off
One massive learning point, which we already knew about, but didn’t put into action for some reason, was checking reviews for restaurants and that. We were starving by this point, and stupidly chose the closest pizza place to eat. We are normally more savvy, and will go off the main road etc, but, prices seemed ok, so went in.
First warning was the price of coke. It wasn’t written down on the menu we had, so luckily asked first. €6 for a can. No ta. Pizza wasn’t toooo bad, but when we asked for the bill and there was a 17.5% tip that was non negotiable on it, I couldn’t believe it!! The guy brought us pizza, that’s all he did. I will happily tip for good service etc, but we were forced to pay for a poor restaurant.
He even tried keeping the €2.20 change!! What a swizz. He was so annoyed when I asked for it! Tutted, gave me €2 and waved me away. Nope, you will give me the 20 cents, you douche. Went out, tripadvisored it, and nearly fell over with how bad it was!! Have a look. Nova Caffe. I’ll add a link.
Pantheon and Pizza
Had a big old walk through Rome. Found the Pantheon. Didn’t go inside. Later that night I got a proper pizza from one of the recommended pizza places in my pizza bible. Was good. Queue was massive outside! It was a restaurant and a takeaway, and was manic. I was well chuffed that my Italian I had been learning, maybe passed for someone who was half Italian, or had an Italian cousin. The woman didn’t look at me too weird and that. My least favourite bit I when you’ve been practicing what to say, being quite concise, and telling them everything they need to know, but then they come back with a question! Sometimes it’s guesswork and just say ‘si per fovore’ and hope you haven’t agreed to but everyone in there a bottle of Prosecco or summat. All worked out fine.
St Paul’s Basilica
Next day we went slightly out of town to St Paul’s Basilica. Beento Peter’s, so thought we’d do Paul’s as well. This was a lovely building. Smaller, quieter, but just as impressive. Gold everywhere. Worth the trip out on a bus (in a bus?) and a nice leisurely morning. Back into the centre and ended up at Trevi again!? Did the Spanish Steps, had a sit for a while. The street leading up to it was well busy. Not a fan of that. All posh shops and that. The building at the top is pretty cool too, the Obelisco Sallustiano.
Went home later that day after a bit more wandering round. Itreally is a remarkable city, with old stuff everywhere It’s up there with thevery best cities in terms of things to see and look at, which I think mean thesame thing really. History round every corner, amazing architecture and iconicbuildings a-plenty. Will happily go back and see all the stuff we missed, orthe not so touristy things. Also want more pizza. All the pizza. Grazie.
