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| Taxi driver was going 160 km/hr !!!! |
So again, with many of the European destinations being so close and therefore easy to get to, Joanne & I decided to spend the last few days of our holiday visiting Rome. We knew we had arrived when I realized our taxi driver was going 160 km/hr! I quickly snapped this photo and he had already slowed down some ... to 140 km ....
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| Joanne in front of our Hotel |
We had arranged for a private tour guide for a couple of days. A cute Italian named "Mario". This worked out to be an amazing way to see some of the popular attractions as we were able to bypass many of the line-ups and avoid the navigation confusion if we were to venture out on our own.
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| Roman Colosseum |
Mario, was very knowledgable and passionate about the artwork, history and the ancient ruins. Here we are inside the Roman Colosseum. He's describing the "secret" rooms on the ground. But back in it's day, the Romans would raise and lower various stage props during the "show" from some of these rooms... very similar to what was done in a Michael Jackson concert! Also, we were surprised to learn that the gladiators did not actually "fight to the death" as commonly thought for most of the colosseum's history. It was just at the end of the era when the "event organizers" were looking to add more interest to the "show".
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| St. Peter's Basilica |
We managed to pack in two very full days, saw many of the "must see" sites. For both Joanne & I, our favourite was Saint Peter's Basilica pictured here. This church is simply packed with art work and beautiful architectural details. There is not an empty spot in the building. And it is huge! It would be very easy to spend an entire day just in this one place.
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| St. Peter's Square |
Outside the basilica is the famous St. Peter's Square. Also very impressive in it's size. Kind of amazing to see it for real after only seen photos or as the backdrop in various events viewed on TV over the years.
But we would both agree that the favourite thing "to do" was eat! Luckily with all the walking, we could indulge, without too much guilt, in the amazing Italian cuisine. Ummm, pizza & pasta every day!!!!
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Joanne in front of our hotel, the Boscolo Exedra
in the Plazza della Repubblica
Joanne had to leave to carry on to Germany for some more work related commitments. Hard to say good-by, but again because it an easy "commute" from Tunisia, Roy was able to fly up and join me for the weekend. So I was able to lengthen out the visit to Rome by a few more days! |
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| Roy in front of the Roman Colosseum |
So off again for some more walking and touring. This time, without a guide so just wandered wherever our curiosities lead us. I was surprised at how many Roman ruins remain in this part of the city.
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| Roy in front the the Pantheon |
One of the details I enjoyed the most inside the Pantheon was the stonework on the walls and floor. Here is a burgundy coloured stone that I had never seen before, I believe it's called "Porphyry". Mario had explained that this stone was highly prized by the Egyptians and then later the Romans. The only known supply was from Egypt and during the time of Rome, they ended using up the entire quarry in Egypt ... there is no more to be found.
After many centuries of use, the marble floor tiles show some wear & tear along the edges, but this red stone .... still has nice clean edges. Earlier in the week, we had seen a few rather large statues and carvings in the Vatican. The largest piece being a bathtub for one of the popes ... it was about 15' x 8' in size. I sure hope he appreciated bathing in such a precious stone!
So, some more walking and exploring .... needed to work up an appetite for the best thing to do in Rome
"PASTA & CHIANTI"!!!
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| Another amazing meal |
On our last day in Rome, which was Easter Sunday. We had to make one last visit ... to St. Peter's Square. Although the pope was giving his easter service, Roy was most impressed by this Italian Police (Carabinieri) Car. I don't know cars, but it sort of looks like a Ferrari. I guess being a "Carabinieri", has it's job perks!
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| An Italian Police Car |
Easter Mass was just about to start. Perhaps because the square is so large, or perhaps not as many people attend as we thought would but either way it was not so crowded. They had large screens set up and an excellent sound system, so
were able to get watch the service quite easily.
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| St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday |
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| The Pope giving his Easter Service |
So, some more walking and exploring .... needed to work up an appetite for the best thing to do in Rome "PASTA & CHIANTI"!!!
