Trip Index
***
It was Friday, our second full day in the
Eternal City. We booked two tours with
Dark Rome: one for the Colosseum and the other for Central Rome ("Best of Rome"). After breakfast, we walked to the tour meeting point adjacent to the Colosseum Metro stop. Lots of people signed up for the tour but there were plenty of guides to go around.
 |
| Metro stop |
|
 |
| waiting for tour guide assignment |
|
The morning started off very hot; vendors were pushing Asian-style paper umbrellas. During the tour, we were always searching for shade whenever possible. The slightest breeze was most welcomed. It was wise to bring water along, but there were many vendors selling bottled water (may not be cold though!) just in case.
We also received wireless headsets (with brand new earphone) but they didn't work as well as the ones for the Vatican so we had to keep up with our tour guide. There was a lot to see...I'll let the pictures do the talking:
|
|
 |
| interior walkways |
|
 |
| the stadium and the area underneath the floor |
|
 |
| staying in the shade |
|
 |
| where the Emperor would sit |
|
 |
| Roman Forum seen from atop the Colosseum |
|
 |
| more of the Forum |
|
 |
| the marble was stripped from the walls |
|
 |
| group pic courtesy of Frank |
After touring the Colosseum, we were led to the
Roman Forum next door. The day got hotter and we were scampering for shade. Once in a while, a recorded message blared from loudspeakers warning tourists to keep their belongings close to thwart pickpockets.
We were left at the top of Palatine Hill at the conclusion of our tour; it was kind of strange that the group wasn't led back to the street. We made our way back down to the Metro to head into Central Rome, stopping at Spagna station. We stopped at
ReCafe for lunch before our afternoon tour; fortunately they were able to accommodate our large group. It was fast, tasty and the lunch special was well-priced at 10 euro for entree and beverage. (beer was a selection) The "personal pizzas" were so big that you could share.
After our meal, we headed to the tour meeting point and got assigned a tour guide and fitted with headsets...we were used to the drill by now! Again, I'll let the pictures do the talking...
 |
| works of art at the church |
|
|
 |
| the repairs will continue until October 2015! |
|
 |
| could still throw a coin |
|
|
|
 |
| stunning interior |
|
 |
| trompe l'oeil ceiling (illusion of height!) |
|
 |
| can you believe this dome is just painted? (another trompe l'oeil) |
|
|
|
 |
| inside |
|
 |
| hole at the top of the building (oculus) |
|
 |
| cordoned off due to yesterday's rain entering the oculus |
|
After touring the Pantheon, the group stopped for an included gelato break.
 |
| not an official gelateria |
|
 |
| tiny gelato servings |
|
Then we were off to nearby
Piazza Navona. There were lots of people hanging out near the fountains and vendors selling arts and crafts. Most of us were just happy to sit on the curb to relieve our tired, aching feet. This was the end of the tour. The bad part about being in central Rome was that it was nowhere near a Metro station...we decided to walk back to our hotel versus taking a cab. There were some sights along the way and we accidentally stumbled upon an incredibly tasty restaurant that happened to have space for our large group since most locals eat very late at night.
 |
| Piazza Navona |
|
 |
| need a break! |
|
|
|
 |
| super fresh seafood |
|
 |
| sea bass carpaccio |
|
 |
| the most amazing octopus gnocchi |
|
 |
| sea bass |
|
|
 |
| tiramisu (with espresso on the bottom) |
|
 |
| an orgasmic chocolate mousse ;) |
|
What a fun-filled day, though exhausting! We're looking forward to chilling out when we board our cruise tomorrow...stay tuned!
***
If you came here from a Facebook or Twitter link, thanks for clicking the "Facebook Like" button below or retweeting!
Don't wait for Facebook or Twitter to let you know of new entries...sign up for blog updates direct to your inbox
here!
Come check out my other blog "
What in the world is Kat Kong doing now?", documenting things other than traveling...sign up for blog updates direct to your inbox
here!
Previous post:
Day 1 in Rome - Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica
No comments:
Post a Comment