He everyone, our second day in Rome has been great. We started the day off by planning our route so that we didn't waste time once we were out. With feet newly washed and lovingly lotioned (they have been crying abuse at us), we set off for a number 271 bus to Il Vittoriano, a huge white marble monument built in honour of King Vittorio Emanuele 11, the first king of Italy. Apparently it had lain in ruins for a number of years (surprise, surprise) when at the beginning of the 20th century the Italians restored it to its former glory. It is the burial ground of the unknown soldier and a sort of museum for war and military memoribilia including several artifacts belonging to General Garibaldi. While we were there we also went up in the panoramic lift so that we could enjoy the 360 degree view of the city which is utterly wonderful. From the top you have very clear views of the Colosseum and Palatine which we believe was the Mayfair of Ancient Rome where the Roman celebrities hung out. Just a bit to our right was the Roman Forum where once stood the marble law courts of ancient Rome. Legend has it that Romulus' tomb is in there and that the Vestel Virgins tended the sacred flame of Temple di Vesta. When we face the other way we have the most amazing view of the roof tops of Rome including the domes of all the city churches. The cameras were smoking by the time we had finished up there and we do hope that we can get some pictures posted here before long (trust me, they are worth waiting for). I know a few of you have been to Rome but for anyone still to come, this really is the best place to see it all. We had to stop at the cafe up there and have a quick beer just because we needed to have a seat for a few minutes and we were lured in by the prospect of sitting beside one of those fans that sprays you with a fine mist of water as well as blowing a nice breeze on your face. The beer was €5 a glass so we felt justified in savouring it for a good half an hour before setting of on our next stop.
On our way to St Peters, we planned to visit the Pantheon which was built by Hadrian aroun about AD 120, pretty much about the same age as Hadrian's wall but in much better condition. First of all even though they have the odd earthquake and a smattering of wars, the building looks like it could have been built just a few hundred years ago. This temple come church hosts mass and it is probably for this reason that it doesn't cost to visit. The original doors are still in place but then they are made of bronze and are quite spectacular. However, as you go through the door the site of the dome just takes your breath away. This 9m oculus allows enough light through to light up the whole place and it would seem that everyone, including me, wanted to get a photograph of that shaft of light hitting the detailed architecture. Hadrian was a very clever man because the floor of the Pantheon is concave so that when it rains the water runs to the edges and drain away. Apparently it is quite a vision when the rain falls through the dome especially if it is one of those sun showers.
Piaazza Navona was not on our hit list but we kind of fell into it on our way to St Peter's and we are pleased that we did. This is Rome's most iconic piazza with three fountains including the fountain of the four rivers (the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plata). Once upon a time they used to flood the piazza so that the Romans could enjoy somewhere to swim or at least paddle during the long hot summers. The tourist obviously still like that idea as the main fountain was cooling a few holidaymakers down. We both decided that our feet deserved a wee treat so we had our own little paddle there.
By this time we realised that we had our own little fan club, we have become the tastiest thing in Rome since they drove the cattle of the streets. We have acquired quite a few bites and believe me in Rome the mossies know how to sink their teeth in. Despite our daily dousing with Jungle formula insect repellent our little friends are just going for it. Every morning, before we set out, we get out the spray and believe me we are not mean with it, if we don't die of chemical poisoning before this trip is over it will be a surprise, and still they help themselves to their pound of flesh. Just as well mum gave use some more chemicals that take the itch out of the bites.
Anyway, we thought we might go to the supermarket and buy our tea so that we could save money. By the time we bought our tea it was too late to go to St Peters so instead we went back to the hostel had our tea and headed out again to the Spanish Steps and the Trivi Fountain. The Spanish Steps were as busy as ever and it was so funny watching the rogue traders trying to sell their fake Prada bags (only €15, very tempting) and keep one step ahead of the police. We couldn't find that lovely Ice Cream shop on our way to the Trivi so managed to save a few calories and euros there. We got some fabulous shots of the fountain (you really are going to be so bored with our holiday snaps) even though it was crowded. We feel very privilaged to be able to see all these wonderful sites and everywhere we go we manage to have a natter to someone. Last night it was an Australian who had just flown in from Venice, a really lovely girl and we had a bit of a laugh watching these crazy guys picking up their bags in sheets and running down the other side of the steps to the police coming up them.
Our feet are now demanding to be put on the next flight home. We have covered 35 miles on our site seeing trips and that's not including walking to buses and hostels etc. Yesterday we covered 10 miles around Rome, most of which were steps, and guess what, we are just on our way out the door to climb to the top of St Peters dome which, I believe, is another 300 and odd steps all in one go, no turning back and no stopping for a rest. Will probably spend a good bit of time sunbathing on the Pope's roof before we head back down. Feet will probably go on stike after today.
Speak to you all soon, love you all
Jean and Sheila
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