Eric Goes To Rome

Eric didn’t have a very easy time in Rome. He wasn’t accepted as readily as he has been in other places. He wasn’t allowed to visit the Vatican, they said he would be seen as offensive! However, he did see some of Rome and some pictures were obtained.

One of the gang, joining in our walk around Rome on the first day.

Trying the local food, he was a very hungry tontuu!

He hid under our shawls when we went into The Vatican and again in the Sistine Chapel.

 

The colosseum was Eric’s favourite, what a monument to explore.

 

Finally, on our last day, Eric made a friend. They are going to be penpals now, her name is Erica and she is from Sweden.

Rome – Day 4

Our last day in Rome consisted of fitting in everything that we had left. Our flight wasn’t till the evening, so we had a good long while to explore the last of the city.

We started by walking to the Trevi Fountain. We had already visited at night but without cameras. It was breathtaking as I really hadn’t thought it to be as beautiful as it was. We had made a wish on the night we visited so this was purely for photography’s sake.

Once we were finished, we walked to the Altare Della Patria. This is the monument to Victor Emmanuel II. Inside it houses a military museum. You are not allowed to sit on the steps!  Hehe. There are guards on duty all day and plinths with flames that are constantly kept lit. It is a very impressive and powerful building.

From here we walked to the Piazza Navona. There was plenty to look at here. Street artists selling their wares, strange street performers and plenty of places to eat. It was a beautiful piazza with 2 fountains and an obelisk.

After this we sat in a cafe for quite a while as there was a massive thunder storm! Went on for about 2 hours. After this we wandered to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, which was right next to our hotel. The nuns inside were wearing cross with 2 strikes which I found really interesting. To gain access we needed to be covered.

However, despite looking idiotic, it was a stunning church.

We were walking past a building when looking for somewhere to have our last dinner, when I spotted this courtyard. We weren’t supposed to be there, but hey ho.

I am very pleased with my trip and the photos that I have got. I have always wanted to go to Rome and it certainly didn’t disappoint. 🙂

Rome – Day 3

The third day was dedicated to the Colosseum. We had seen the structure lit up at night on our way into Rome and had walked towards and past it a few times since. It has been turned into a round a bout which was a little disappointing, however, it is a round structure…. The Roman’s themselves had a road around it and one leading into it.

It is an enormous structure, one that must have taken a great feat to build. Not all of it is left, and what is there is impressive enough. We didn’t have to queue as we were there earlier and went straight in.

I was impressed to learn that the outer ring at the top has been dedicated to artifacts found within the structure itself. I also learnt that the famous “christian baiting” was a myth. However, lunchtime was when all of the criminals sentenced to death would be “thrown into the lions den” a bit like feeding time at the zoo.

If we had pre-booked we would have been allowed to view the vault section in the middle. We didn’t know this until the day. However, it looked impressive from above.

The views from the inside out were quite interesting at points.

 

After we had seen all of the colosseum, we walked up into the ruins of The Forum, this was the political hub of Rome. As well as Palatine Hill where Romulus decided to found Rome. There were ruins of living quarters, shelters, roads etc. As well as the gladiator training ground, it looked to be spectacular for its day.

 

 

Rome – Day 2

Day 2 was set aside for The Vatican, I was looking forward to this the most. After fighting our way through a mob of people trying to sell us tours we joined a 40 minute queue around the perimeter of St Peters Square to enter The Basilica.

Even our queuing route was grand!

For me, the inside certainly didn’t disappoint. The ceilings were spectacular, so ornate. Everything was decorated with finery you just couldn’t imagine. I couldn’t comprehend worshipping within the walls as everything was too distracting.

There is gold everywhere you look and statues everywhere. It still doesn’t feel over crowded as it covers a vast space.

This next one isn’t quite in focus, I wasn’t allowed a tripod and the light wasn’t great. However, I wanted to show you all how creepy this guy is!

After viewing all of the inside and the vaults (which you are not allowed to photograph), we decided to walk the 549 steps to the top of the cupola. It is one of those things you must do in life.

Half way

After climbing the second half, in a maxi dress, with a shawl around me, a camera bag and the camera, at a slant! I caught my breath, and tried to stop sweating, to be greeted with rather a spectacular view.

The View

Rome – Day 1

I haven’t posted in a very long time. However, I recently went on a trip to Rome and seized my chance at getting into my photography again. I was there for 4 days and will post 4 times to split it up, as there are a lot.

I went with my friend Becka and there was not an inch of Rome that we didn’t explore. On arrival we were given a map, similar to the one below and we decided to split our days accordingly.

Tuesday:

• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Del Popola
• Roma Parco
• Bioparco Di Roma

Wednesday:

• The Vatican
• St Peters Square and Basilica
• The Vatican Museums
• The Sistine Chapel

Thursday:

• Colosseum
• The Roman Forum
• The Gladiator Training Ground

Friday:

• Trevvi Fountain
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• Maria Margorie

We were based just outside of Maria Maggorie, so was only a short walk from most things. However it was 34 degrees and we did get very hot and bothered. First we visited The Spanish Steps, they are called this as the Spanish Embassy is located here. It consists of a church, bell tower, steps and a fountain.

When we were sitting at the fountain, a butterfly landed on Becka’s phone and my camera. It wasn’t bothered by us at all.

Round the corner from the steps was another monument, not on the map but still very interesting. There are a lot of obelisks in Rome, Cleopatra must have had a lot of influence.

From here we walked along towards the Piazza Del Popola. Along the way we were passing shops that we could only dream of going into. Tucked away in a recess I found this man and thought him fascinating.

We made it to the Piazza, this houses the famous statue of Romulus and Remus. Romulus being the founder of Rome.

In the middle of the Piazza there is another obelisk and it is surrounded by 4 Lions, all of which are fountains.

Behind the Piazza are some steps into the park, this is the highest point in Rome apart from The Cupola of The Vatican. Even the steps are mounted with sphinxes.

The view from the top was quite spectacular, my first look at The Vatican.

We then went and explored the largest park in Rome, there was Segways for hire as well as go carts, places to eat, a boating lake, a fountain to dip your feet in, a Roman theater as well as the Roman version of The Globe we chose to visit the Zoo. I am not usually one for Zoo’s but Becka loves them. This zoo was open air and the fences and enclosures were quite low and were not intrusive in anyway which put me at ease.

We were greeted by these little fellows, much to Becka’s delight.

We made a discovery whilst in this zoo, the squawk of Kevin from Up is that of a peacock. This particular peacock loved his photo being taken and couldn’t get closer to me if he tried.

I saw many animals, here are a few of my favourite photos.

There was also a reptile house, I really enjoyed this part, minus the cockroaches.

An absolutely packed and amazing first day.