Roma - Roma Antica

Rome is amazing. Every time you turn a corner there's something else that looks 2000 years old, mixed in with newer buildings (which could be 400 years old, but who knows?) The Colosseum is magnificent. An incredible tribute to the engineering ingenuity of the Ancient Romans. We did a special tour of the subterranean caverns and the third (and highest) level. Wow.

The Roman Forum was incredible as well. Some of it is amazingly well-preserved; the rest is in ruins at ground level. There are bits and pieces lying on the walking paths - stone blocks, sculpted tops of columns - all touchable and awe-inspiring. We only managed a quick look at the Palatinate, which overlooks the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The whole area is unbelievable.

We also had a look at the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele. This building is enormous - about 150 metres long and 60 metres high - and is covered with wonderful sculptures both inside and out. The statue of Vittorio at the front is 14 metres long - the largest equestrian statue in the world. Beneath that is the grave of Italy's Unknown Soldier, flanked by two military guards in uniform. This place is well worth a visit.

Traffic in Rome is insane. There don't seem to be any road rules, and nobody stops when they should - I don't know how they don't crash all the time (although Phil said it's not as crazy as Beijing). They pack all the buses fuller than tins of sardines, and parking is so bizarre you have to laugh. If someone leaves 2 metres between cars that are parallel parked, someone else will park in that space - perpendicular to the kerb and the rest of the parked cars. They also park on corners, which to me is the most bizarre thing of all.

We went out tonight. Jumped on a tram, changed to a bus and got off we don't know where. Had to ask someone. Ended up we were near the Trevi Fountain, so went and had a look. It was packed! Probably close to 500 people in and around the fountain and piazza. We walked to the Pantheon and then to Piazza Navona. Equally packed. Piazza Navona was filled with street vendors selling (mostly) artworks - mainly watercolours, but other things, too. And this was at 10pm!  Gelato flavours today: banana, licorice and creme caramel. The licorice tasted like Dutch licorice (it was mid-brown in colour) and it was very strong.  Phil really liked it. I preferred the creme caramel.