Rome...if I try to describe it in one word or one sentence...its difficult. It's one of those places that evokes such mixed feelings...while I loved some things about Rome, its not one of the places I would like to visit again ...it’s different that I did toss several coins into the water over my shoulder with my back to the Fontana di Trevi...
The first impressions of Rome were not great...especially since we were traveling from Austria. The Airport was dirty, the luggage took forever to come and there were no clear signs or instructions on what to do ...we were not sure if we needed immigration and there seemed no way to find out...finally we asked an officer standing near the exit. His answer...we trust you, you don’t need immigration and ha ha ha!!! Both massi and I were like ...we walk out and somebody is going to come and catch us...but it was getting late so we decided to risk it...guess we didn’t have any other choice also...
A train from the airport to Termini Station and half an hour later we were in Central Rome. Our travel agent had told us that our hotel is only 10 mins walk from Termini, so imagine our surprise when the taxis outside the station asked for 25 Euros (sounds like India!!!)
We decided to walk...but no one was willing to help with the directions :-(
The good thing was there were only 2 ways to go, so walking in the direction which looked (???) like the correct one we trudged along with our strolleys in tow and holding on tightly to our purses. Honestly, both of us were scared...coz no street lights...and it was dark and I kept getting this feeling that someone was following us...
2 Spanish gals (from US) caught up with us. They didn’t know the way either and moreover it seemed that they didn’t even have bookings!!! (At least that way we were better off) Well...the more the merrier...all 4 could get lost together!!!
But we were lucky...that was the right direction and finally we reached our hotel and crashed...
Since our flight was delayed and luggage took forever to come, we had lost the 1st half day in Rome...we were left with only one day now...so we decided to start early the next morning and take one of those red bus tours...
What to say about Rome ...It's unbelievably amazing with a great many awe-inspiring sights and spectacular ancient structures. It’s been referred to as world's most famous open-air museum. Everything is soooooo grand...It seems to have history strewn everywhere ...every building, every street tells its own story of ages past.
The bus tour started from the beatiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Our next stop was the Colosseum - the incontestable symbol of the city. Even the remains of this huge structure look so grand ... it had eighty entrances and could hold upwards of 50,000 spectators. Public events such as gladiator fights, mock naval battles and wild animal hunts were held here...as the English guide explained the way the mechanism worked which fed the people to the lions...I was like...ukkkkkk...how mmmmeeeeeeeeeannnnn...but that is what ancient Rome was like...as I was to realize again and again as we visited other sights...
From there we walked up to the Palatine Hill...Our guide here was excellent...his facial expressions, anecdotes and the way he narrated the history was all so interesting...It is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome. According to Roman mythology, this is where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf that kept them alive. The air quality here was supposed to be much better and it also had the benefit of splendid views, so it became the place for the very powerful and wealthy, who chose to build their homes here. Among the ruins we see the remains of many palaces and baths...and community toilets... (For whatever did they need those - Imagine a circle of potties!!!)
From there to the Forum and the Pantheon...with a burger from MC Donalds eaten on the bus for Lunch...and that was all in Ancient Rome that we had time for...
We then got off the stop for Fontana di Trevi. As we walked in the small streets towards the fountain after a bit we did not need to ask for directions...keep your ears open and you can hear the water. As you enter the square from the streets, suddenly the space seems to open out and you find the most breathtaking sight. The Baroque architecture is impressive. The fountain is in front of a large palace. The central figures of the fountain are Neptune (God of the sea), flanked by two Tritons. One struggles to master a very unruly "sea horse", the other lead a far more docile animal. These symbolize the two contrasting moods of the sea.
Though we wanted to sit there for some more time, we knew we had to move on if we didn’t want to miss some other beautiful sites
Spanish Steps is another incredible square with a theatrical feel to it...there is a fountain called 'Barcaccia' (boat) with the Spanish steps leading up to the chiesa di Trinità dei Monti. Fashion shows are held here with the steps being used as a catwalk.
Last, but not the least was a visit to the Vatican City. Situated entirely within the city of Rome it is separated from the rest of the city by a wall. The Vatican City is famous for its magnificent St Peter’s Basilica the interior of which has been decorated by many famous artists including Michelangelo. Near St Peter’s stands the Vatican Palace, the Pope’s residence, guarded by the Pope's Swiss Guards. They have a traditional uniform, so unlike guards...more like some elf’s attire. The Vatican Museum contains major works of art and valuable pictures.
Unfortunately we didn’t have time or energy to visit the Sistine Chapel, so we just went back to have a yummy Italian dinner...
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