Rome

It's nearly over!! Boo hoo!! Second last day. We made a reasonably early start (for us) and set off to catch the tram to the Colosseum. Seems there is no one checking tickets on Sunday and since we couldn't find a tobacco shop (where you buy tickets - isn't that logical?) we didn't get one. Got to the Colosseum and OMG. There were people everywhere and a massive line up. We decided we didn't want to wait to go Inside. I didn't care too much as I saw it in 1974 but Helen was OK to look at the outside. We have already seen quite a lot of Roman ruins!! Nevertheless it is an imposing and spectacular building. Just next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum which was excavated between 1995 and 2000. Lots more old Roman ruins! The Forum was built around the 7th century BC. It was the centre of Roman life for centuries. We read about the Emperor Titus Aurelius (and his wife Titus Vaginus) We saw many churches mostly named the basilica of St Maria, also the Tomb of the unknown soldier. It was slightly imposing as are all the buildings!  Then we walked to the Trevi Fountain which was under restoration and also surrounded by clear fencing. It was disappointing and quite different to when I saw it before. We went on to the  Pantheon which was great (and free to get in!!). Yet another amazing building. The Spanish Steps were next and they were also enclosed by a see through fence. I understand that these things have to be protected but it was disappointing. Helen has hurt her foot walking on the cobblestones in her Birkenstocks and her foot was quite sore. We found a Farmica and got an elastic bandage and anti inflammatory cream which we put on. Didn't help too much.  We walked through Rome for quite a while but decided to go to the train Terrminus then cab it home. It was about 5 by then. Planning another vege meal at home tonight as 'hoppy' needs to rest her foot. Have a tour booked tomorrow. 

Colosseum

Roman Forum

Tomb of the unknown soldier

Trevi Fountain

Pantheon

Spanish Steps

Some monument

Some fountain

You can tell we are at the end of the trip. There is a definite decline in the standard of blog and photos and I don't give a fuck!!  Helen reminds me that I was the one who said the blog had to be done every night!!