Roma, Italia

We arrived!!! Yesterday we landed at Fiumicino slightly ahead of schedule shortly before noon, local time. Both our flights were good and KLM treated us very well. Unfortunately, neither of us were able to sleep but the free movies helped pass time. I think next time I fly over I might still get in to Amsterdam at 8 am but stay one night there just to get caught up on sleep.

Thanks to some very useful information on getting to Rome's Termini station, we had no trouble finding the correct train. My first impression, from the train, was that it looked a lot like Cuba with rundown buildings and overgrown vegetation along the train line. And then the old Rome city walls came into view and my appetite for ancient architecture was whetted.

After a brief nap, we ventured out to see the Colloseum.

A lot of it's under restoration now (and likely ongoing) but what a structure! It's amazing to imagine the work put into building this so many, many years ago. Across the street is the Palatino, which we walked the perimeter of rather than paying to go on the grounds. This entire area also includes Circo Massimo, but instead of the tracks of ancient times, the area has been filled in with grass. A bit disappointing!

We didn't actually think we would see much yesterday but Rome is very much like Amsterdam - there is a lot in a small area and distances are much shorter on the map than we expected.

Musei Capitolini

Fontaine de Trevi

Bryan and I are both in love with the "back alley" ristorante and trattoria locations. As you walk down the main roads, you come across an opening wide enough for one small European car, yet all the way down are outdoor seating areas at which to enjoy gelato or a nice meal. It's beautiful and quaint - a nice break from the noise of traffic too.

Bryan also seems to be astonished by the lack of care any of the drivers have, considering more than half ride scooters or motorcycles! How we haven't witnessed 20 accidents yet is beyond us! I'm glad I've been privy to the downtown Calgary commuter scene because if you're not aggressive as a pedestrian, you aren't getting across the street! My small enjoyment is the perfectly flat three to six story buildings built near to the street, all with shutters over the windows and huge nondescript front entrances. It's that lack of personality out front that makes me wonder of the glorious architectural and landscape wonder beyond.

Bryan and I are staying in a central hostel, Domus Elisa, that's turned out alright so far. This 5th floor apartment has 4 bedrooms with one shared bath (our only one during our trip, thankfully) and the other people seem about our age and quiet. Our host lives across the hall and has been very helpful in pointing us towards activities and sights.

On the steps of Musei Capitolini




























I haven't been able to pinpoint the significance of November 4th in Italy yet, as there have been many major events on this date through history but it's intriguing me, if anyone knows!