We spent three wonderful days in Rome... at least that's what I remember about the city. If you were to ask Eric, however, you might get a different response. "Don't get me wrong," he often recounts to our friends, "it was beautiful but there were people everywhere." He's right. Rome is absolutely beautiful! But there are people everywhere. No matter what direction you turn or what time of day or night you venture out, there are people everywhere and you can't really get away from them all as Eric wished we could. I took it in stride. But I think I was a little more used to the crowds after living in The Netherlands for 3 months and traveling about Europe on my weekends. Eric was fresh from home, the land of open spaces and big yards in the suburbs. Rome is nothing like home. Nevertheless, we both had a great time.
On our first night, we took an evening walk along Via dei Fori Imeriali. This street passes by the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trojan Market, all of which are lit and glow beautifully in the night.
Trajan Market
This area used to house over 150 spaces for shopping of all kinds and, on the top floor, the welfare offices.
Colosseum
This amphitheater opened in 80 AD with 10 days of games. This Colosseum is known by the Romans as the Flavian Amphitheater because it was constructed under the Flavian emperors. The name Colosseum comes from a colossal statue that used to stand outside the amphitheater. The Colosseum has withstood the test of time (for the most part). Most of the original walls still tower above the Roman Forum, but one "new" wall is visible along the side housing the visitor's entrance.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was once the heart of the Republic. though it isn't so obvious anymore. Today it's filled with broken marble statues and ruins of buildings. But as we walked through, ears pressed to the audio-guide speaker, we could imagine the forum in its height. We listened to tales of life in Rome during the early centuries BC and we particularly got a kick out of walking over the same stone pathway on which Caesar once walked. Even though Caesar was a ruthless ruler, it's not everyday that one has the opportunity to step on the same stones as such a well known character in history.
Temple of Vesta - This temple was tended by the Vestal Virgins, noble priestesses chosen at about age 10 for thirty years of service tending the sacred flame. For their service they were allowed certain privileges such as front row seats at the Colosseum and the freedom to travel without a male escort.
Eric and the Audio-guide
Palentine Hill
The word palace originates from the Palentine Hill. This was the place where emperors and the wealthy took up residence. Today, the Palentine hill is filled with palace, house and apartment ruins, and beautiful relaxing gardens.
Trevi Fountain
This beautiful fountain, made even more famous by the movie The Dolce Vita, is an amazing sight. The legend goes, if you throw a coin backwards over your shoulder you will return to Rome again someday.
St. Peter's Basilica
Pictured below is the Piazza San Pietro. This piazza can be filled with the faithful during a service by the Pope or filled with tourists, during museum hours. Reaching Piazza San Pietro but failing to make it into the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel was one of the biggest disappointments for me in Italy. I had heard that it was best to go to the Vatican in the early afternoon because that was when the lines are the shortest. Unfortunately, when we arrived in the early afternoon, the lines were so long that by the time we would have reached the museum entrance, it would have been closing time. We sat for a while on the piazza, taking it in, before making our way back toward our hotel.
There was so much that we were able to see, but so much more that we didn't have the opportunity to explore. I guess that means we will have to go back someday.
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