ITALY, Rome (Colisseum and Roman Forum}

Sunday October 1, 2006

I left Florence this morning and arrived in Rome at 11am. I went to the Colisseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. The Pantheon had closed by the time I got there. The Colisseum is magnificent from the outside and a little disappointing on the inside. Not sure if I expected to see gladiators battling or lions eating Christians, but I did not expect it to be in such disrepair. Oh well, when in Rome. There was renovation going on when I was there so hopefully one day it will more closely resemble its former glory inside.

ITALY, Rome {Trevi Fountain}

 October 3, 2006

The Trevi Fountain surprised me the most. The Fountain always seemed larger in life in movies, television and in pictures. I was surprised by its size and the size of the piazza. Much smaller than I imagined.. The Fountain depicts Neptune standing on a chariot drawn by winged horses. It was completed in 1762 and was actually never a big tourist attraction until the movie, "Three Coins in a Fountain". Throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain is supposed to ensure your return to Rome. My first attempt hit someone in the head, so I moved closer and had better success.

ITALY, Rome, Vatican City {St. Peter's Basilica}

 October 2, 2006

I went to the Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state. It is accessed through St. Peter's Square, surrounded by an elliptical colonade with some 140 saints on top. Straight ahead is St. Peter's Basilica, the center of world Catholicism. The Swiss Guard protect the Vatican.

ITALY, Rome {Spanish Steps}

 The Spanish Steps is the place to be at sunset with a great view of Rome's 7 hills. It is located in the Piazza di Spagna.

ITALY, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

October 2, 2006

The ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. You are not allowed to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel. I did manage to get a couple of shots, including Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden, before they threatened to confiscate my camera.

ITALY, Rome (Pantheon}

 Tuesday October 3, 2006

I went to the Piazza Novona which was being repaired and went back to the Pantheon to see the inside. Raphael's tomb is inside. The Pantheon is the most complete ancient Roman building remaining today and is an architectural wonder. Its dome is exactly as wide as it is high, supported by pillars hidden in the walls. It is located in the Piazza dell Rotunda. Also pictured is a fountain in the middle of the piazza. Almost had my wallet stolen by a pickpocket on the city bus. Thankfully a woman brought it to my attention as she chastised the couple next to me trying to get my wallet. Now I use a moneybelt when traveling. Another great day and spaghetti again for dinner.

NOTE: In Italy the house wine is really inexpensive and tastes great. It's  called house wine because that is the wine they would serve to family and friends ....at their house.

VATICAN,Rome,Italy, Vatican Museum

 October 13, 2012

Originally had planned on not going back to Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel but only St. Peter's Basilica but plans change. It was a rainy day and thought the museums would be a great place to spend the afternoon. A subway there and 10 minute walk and shorter line than expected. Thank you rain. Really surprised when I got to the Sistine Chapel and saw several people taking pictures. It is taboo. Not due to damage to the paintings but because, Sony,  a Japanese company that paid millions for the restoration owns the property rights and they normally enforce a no photo policy. If they were trying to stop people from taking pictures I was just in the right spot. Took a few pictures in 2006 which were hurried and fuzzy and almost lost my camera to the photo police.