Rome One and Two and Homeward

If there were any birds in Malta...we would have been up with them this morning. Taxi at 6am and easy progress through the Malta Airport. Arrive Rome 9.40 and eventually mosey on to the express train, another taxi and at modern, funky hotel by 1pm.  Need to wait to check in so decide to find lunch.   Found a local market tucked away in a side street. As we were approaching a square, an enterprising young guy from Bangladesh managed to persuade us to buy a ticket on a HOHO bus, escorted us to an ATM so that we could pay cash, warned us to protect our bags against pick-pockets and then escorted us to to a really good local restaurant where we had a yummy lunch.

Our plan was to visit the Colosseum today and then some other sights tomorrow. The monument was not crowded at all, so armed with an audio guide, we wandered. There is a lot of restoration.  Far more than when Lorri and I visited in 1973.   I also remember that we risked life and limb to cross the road to reach the edifice, whereas now there is a vast pedestrian precinct around it.  It was an interesting visit, although Tony and I have both seen impressive Roman structures elsewhere. We stayed until the announcement to leave. It was then a long ride on the HOHO, nearly back to our original bus stop.  As it was the last circuit, we were dropped off a little further on from our hotel. We knew the way and started to walk, deciding that it was time for a drink.  Nice bar with decent wine and they served meals.  Wow! What meals! I had the most delicious artichoke followed by equally delicious mozzarella stuffed zucchini flowers. I knew that they were in season because I had seen them at the market this morning.   A pleasant walk to the hotel where we finally checked in and received an upgrade to a larger room with a balcony. Ta!

Rome is looking a little shoddy. It can match Bucharest with uneven pavement and loose tiles in the footpaths, let alone the ankle threatening square cobblestones.   The place could do with a good spruce-up. Where are all those tourist dollars going??

Rome Two.   Hmm...time ran out so this is Day Two as well.   Another cool but sunny day in Roma. A lazy rise to a great breakfast in this VERY  impressive modern hotel. The managers seem to be trying to combine the ambiance of a friendly youth hostel with excellent hotel facilities.

Caught the HOHO to downtown.  Tony had two aims and I had one. With Tony's ankle not happy, we were going to be content with our three sites. As it happens, most of the popular must-dos are in comfortable walking distance. We just took our time.   It was perfect weather for dawdling, reading the explanation signs and diverting off our path occasionally. A visit to an operating subterranean aqueduct near the Trevi Fountain was a bonus. We ticked off the fountain. Same for Trojan's Column...we had seen the replica in Bucharest as it depicts the campaign that subjugated the peoples in what we now know as Romania.  Then The Pantheon. Lorraine and I had peeked through the huge closed doors years ago and wondered about the hole in the roof! Now I was able to go inside...and it was free!!

A pleasant evening meal and time to pack for our homeward journey.  Our House Sitter has indicated that our tank water has a smokey flavour.  Many people during our trip have said that they have     been/are/will pray for Australia.  The situation in Oz has never been far from our thoughts. A holiday of mixed emotions.        Cheers    Karyn x

A recognisable icon.

Delicious artichoke entree.

The thing to do at the Trevi Fountain was to eat ice-cream.

That hole. The rain flows into 18 small holes in the marble floor.

One of many people trying to earn some money by working on the streets. 

Just a scene that I liked. 

Trojan or Trajan's massive victory column. 

While excavating for  a new cinema they discovered an ancient aqueduct. Most inconvenient. 

Impressive as you emerge from a small side street.

Liked by lots.