Roma (2)

Friday 17 Sept

Today we had an early start even though we were staying close to the Vatican City.  Simon wanted to get us ahead of the crowds but even when we did arrive at the entry gates there was a hiccup with our tickets but it only took Simon a short time to get this sorted out.  The crowd waiting to purchase tickets, even a 8 o'clock in the morning, were huge and by the time we left, at a guess, I would say the line would be nearly a kilometre long.  This was when we realised how easy it is to be on a tour - no waiting, no hassle.

We were met by a local Italian woman who was to be our tour guide for the day.  Our tour went through the Eternal Vatican  City, which is a country of it's own identity and surrounded by a massive stone wall which separates it from Roma. We admired the amazing art work, sculptures, and tapestries and the beautiful works by Michelangelo, specially in the Sistine Chapel.  In here people are expected to be quiet so others can appreciate the fine work, taking many years to complete, covering the walls and ceiling.  The detail, colours and meaning behind each painting sets a vivid picture in my memory.
 

We spent sometime in St Peter's Basilica where they were preparing for a wedding and there were private church services and worshiping happening. There was just so much to take in and see but the
    experience was something one would never forget.

After leaving St Peter's Basilica we walked out into the square where the Pope does his announcements and speeches, from a high up corner window, to the crowds of people gathered below.  Many of these people hoping to be blessed and cured of illness etc.  Young Swiss soldiers guide St Peter's Square but this is the only military exercise they partake in outside of Switzerland.

          

The next part of our day was a guided bus tour around ancient Roma, still being lead by our very excitable Italian tour guide.  It was getting extremely hot as it was the middle of the day and the dry temperatures were into the 30's.  We saw many ancient ruins, the Roman Forum, place where the chariot races used to be held, which was a very popular sport, and the Roman State buildings.  These are huge white buildings and surrounded by old stately homes which were the residence of important Roman leaders.

Our final part of our day tour of Rome was to visit the magnificent Colosseum.  What is possibly the most impressive monument in the Roman Empire took approximately 7 years to build. Its stone construction was built approximately 1930 years ago, between 72-80AD as a gift for to the Roman citizens.  The original name for the Colosseum was 'Flavian Amphitheatre'.

We were again so pleased that we were on a tour and walked straight passed the frustrated looking tourists waiting to buy their tickets.  After the day tour we returned to our hotel, ready for a much needed cold drink and rest. 

It was a special Gala  Dinner evening after our busy but very interesting day.  People got dressed up and off we went to a beautiful  Italian restaurant in the heart of Roma.  The restaurant was beautifully decorated and we had a delicious five course Italian dinner including as much wine and beer as one could drink, and all the trimmings.  During the evening there was live entertainment by charming Italian men, especially for our tour group, with people dancing and everyone having a great time. We even managed to get Hugh (the 88 year old gentleman) and his friend up to dance!

                              

 As we were leaving the restaurant every lady was given a long stemmed rose.  Mine was a beautiful yellow one with a lovely scent. We were then taken to the famous Trevi Fountain, the most beautiful fountain in Roma.  It was constructed in 19BC  at the Trevi Square. Neptune, God of the Sea features in the front of the fountain and he is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell pulled by two seahorses. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other is restless, symbolising the fluctuating moods of the sea.

The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it with your right hand over your left shoulder with your back to the fountain.  Their are three myths to throwing the coins.
1.  Throw one coin and you are sure to return to Rome. 
2.  Throw two coins and a new romance will develop.
3.  Throw three coins and your relationship will either end in marriage or divorce.

 A fantastic, educational and romantic day in the most interesting city of Roma!