Day 21 - Rome

Today started very fine – and stayed that way all day – we fortunately threw in hats at the last minute. Guessing but temp was in very high 20’s. Some glow on the arms tonight. Impressions of Rome – noisy, vibrant, people, vehicles, chaotic, busy, amazing.

You could easily spend days here and still not see a fraction of the city. We took a hop on hop off bus which seemed a good option (still does). Went around once (about 2 hours) then only hoped off at 2 places in the end – so plenty of options when we return!!!! Got off at Colosseo and got tickets to see the Palatino, Forum and Colosseo.

The first 2 is the area of very old roman buildings etc – and is a huge area. It was very hot and it was near mid day so enthusiasm wasn’t as high as it could have been, but a great place – I could see for someone who a roman historian buff you could be there days!

Although we had seen the Colloseum before briefly it was neat to see it again with a bit more time – it is just so big and awe inspiring – especially after seeing the film Gladiator!!!!

Following this (after the bus got stuck in a traffic jam for a while) we got off to visit the Trevi Fountain. Last time we saw this at night and our small group were the only ones there. Not today. Hundreds of people –extremely noisy and busy place so different but the fountain as neat as ever.

 We then strolled through some small narrow streets. Being in Rome we bought a Turkish kebab for tea and headed home. To hopefully get this written up.

Tomorrow off to Florence by train (a new experience on Italian trains!) and then to join our/my cycle tour. We are in a Florence hotel tomorrow night so may have access to internet, but the place we are going to after that hasn’t even got phones for us to use so strongly suggest internet may be out for at least 8 to 9 days. We shall see. Obviously if I write tomorrow we have access for the first night anyway!