Thursday, 15 August 2013

Arrivederci Rome

Girls outside the  - they found a local !
Hi, the history in Paris was stunning but Rome is easily it's equal.  Literally every turn you make there is a church or a piazza with fountaims and statues that are all magnificant. We set out yesterday to see the Pantheon ( not to be confused with the Parthenon :)  and we turned into a piazza - and there it was; no fanfare or crowds or anything - we just wandered in and checked it out.  It's beautiful ( paintings, sculptures, ceilings .... ) and is the final resting place of Raphael.  From there it was off to the Trevi Fountain (15 minute walk) - beautiful, and again, completely understated - no lining up or getting pushed this way and that. On the way home we stumbled upon a church ( one of many ) and walked in to find amazing artworks, sculptures and mosaics.  My girls found the shops, which isn't really that easy to do and contributed to the local economy then a gelato stop and home - the heat is very draining.  We tended to eat out at lunch time and have a little something homemade at night - worked well.  It was pricey to eat out and take in the sights - but well worth it.

To be fair I enjoyed the French food and peoplemore - enough said !

Kate and I went to the Colesseum today - so much history and it was wonderful to be right there !  The tour guide was a bit of a character and was actually more interested in the two single Russian girls than answering our questions (typical Italian ???)  - having said that he did a very good job at passing on his knowledge and making the 50 minutes fly by.  He did mention on quite a number of occasions .... and repeatidly, that the reason that the Colosseum is in such a state of disrepair is Bernini dismantled large sections to construct the Vatican !.  Kate and I did have the option of going on to see the Forum but it was just way too hot - gelato time !!!

 My final point on the Vatican. I very quickly realized that my mum would have absolutely loved it - in fact she would have been ecstatic with all the churches and pomp and ceremony of Rome.  St Peters, Sistine Chapel, the grounds and artwork !!!!

 The seven week road trip kicks off tomorrow - lets hope the GPS doesn't fail me !
Kate and I at the Colesseum 
The girls at the Trevi Fountain
Wendy and I in a back street church - which was stunning.

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6 comments:

  1. KAT ADL'S15 August 2013 at 18:28

    awesome..your experience of france and Italy so far is similar to mine. I found France very relaxing.I do remember in Italy that in a restaurant they tell you what to eat.Very funny unless you have particular food requirements. You could say bossy or a good sense of self. I remember Gary ordering something and being told no you don't want that sir and he was served something else..hmmm.Make sure the girls collect as much pretty free paper etc and angel pictures to cut and stick in their journals. Can make borders, flowers...etc collage a Louie dog xx

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  2. KAT ADL'S15 August 2013 at 18:29

    the small churches became my favs as minimal crowds and cool from the sun

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  3. Unknown15 August 2013 at 22:45

    Hi Kay, the girls are doing some great art journaling and I have a full folder of my nic nacs to turn into something when i get home. Wendy was not overly impressed with the service she got in the shops - crazy really when so much of the city is geared around tourists ! My first customer experience was at a small grocery store where he lady serving me told me that I must pay in coins - no notes or credit card ! Oh well - when in Rome :)

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  4. KAT ADL'S16 August 2013 at 15:02

    drive safe..petrol stations have decent food and drinks in Italy if you are stuck for food xx

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  5. Unknown17 August 2013 at 11:59

    Thanks Kat - very sound advice. We called into one today and it was chocka ! Good food and nice and quick - will do that again !

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