So the lift to my hostel is quite possibly the cutest thing in the world. It's probably big enough for one person and you have to open and close the doors yourself (inside and out) before it will move. I love it. I've named it Maria. I'd love to ride up and down in Maria all day, but I wouldn't get to see much of Rome though, would I?
Spent all night awake. It seems I've found the three loudest snoorers in Rome and decided to share a room with them. No matter. Bought some ear plugs for tonight.
Eventually got up and out by about 11am and started to walk towards 'Ancient Rome' but after 3 minutes found a taxi and got it to take me there instead. Rome is bigger than you think
Now, I'm going to discuss the Italians and driving...
Firstly. Every street, no matter how big or small, within the city limits is cobbled. Every one. So no ride, ever is comfortable. I can imagine in your own car, it's unpleasant, but in a taxi, it's quite frankly one of the most uncomfortable and petrifying things I've ever been put through.
The Italians have a saying about traffic lights, if it's green, you go, if it's amber, you go, and if it's red, you go if you're late. Seriously.
The taxi driver was called Anthony. He was a nice chap, if a little short. (In way of manners, not height)
So anyway. He dropped me off at Capitoline Hill which is the place where the Italians have what they call their national alter. It's in front of Piazza Venezia. Honestly one of the most incredible marble buildings I've ever seen. Brilliant white, so white, that you have to wear sunglasses whether you want to or not.
From there I skirted around the back (no jokes please) of the Forum of Augustus and past Mussolini's bedroom window.... (they don't let you go in apparently) and then wondered down a side street to find somewhere for lunch.
There were loads of little outside cafes offering the same menu at the same price, so the choice was a little overwhelming but I eventually picked Botegga del Caffè. It has olive trees growing around the seating area so there's enough of a breeze, but enough privacy from the passing tourists. Beautiful
Obviously I had chips
Joke, I had ricotta and spinach ravioli with some devine focaccia bread, topped off with a (very) large glass of the coldest, crispiest pinot grigio I've ever tasted. The waiter offered me an English menu, and when I refused and asked for the Italian one, he smiled a little. Gave him a bigger tip for that smile, a sort of 'thanks for making the effort to speak Italian' smile. Lovely.
Onwards from lunch to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Colosseum.
The Forum was great. Very historic. As in, not just old, but you could see how the younger generations had just built on top of the older. The Rostra, where Marc-Anthony would address his friends, stands at the north end of the forum. It's modest, and understated but some how commands perfect authority. Right next to it is the funeral pyre remains of Julius Caesar. They've put a 'roof' on top of it to stop the rain washing it away, but you have to ask, if it lasted this long, why won't it last the same again... Also, it never rains in Rome.
The climb up Palatine hill, at 1pm, in 38 degree heat was bloody difficult. I am in fact writing this at the top of the hill because the climb has about killed me. Snowdon has nothing on Palatine. Right at the top of the hill there's what said to be the oldest orchid garden in Europe. I'm not one for orchids, but this was gorgeous.
Back down the hill to the Colosseum.
Quite frankly. I could sit here (in the Colosseum) and try and explain to you the immense and incredible size and atmosphere. But, even though I'd try, I wouldn't be able to.
To think that so many men died here at the literal expense of pure entertainment is sickening, yet also kind of awe inspiring. For someone to command another to death so men can pay and 'have a laugh' is wrong, yes, but look how it worked for the Romans. They controlled the masses through entertainment, shock and awe and an inevitable 'you could end up down there'
There have been loads of films shot here, but there are too many to list. Amongst my favourite is Jumper. With Hayden Christiansen. The queues in that shot are probably real. If I hadn't bought a ticket earlier in the day, the queue time was 4 hours. Shocking. But really, well worth it when you get in here.
Just been asked to take a picture for a lovey French couple. I used my GCSE French, finally, in Italy. Ironic, no?
So the temperature is now approaching 40 degrees in the sun, about 32 degrees in the shade which is where I seem to migrate to subconsciously at any given moment.
Found myself a nice little Trattoria for dinner. Lasagne to start. Veal for main. Gelato, of course, for dessert.
I really must stop eating like this.
The wine this waitress brought me was quite frankly vile. However, once I'd found out it was table wine, and that a half bottle costs the same as £3.45 I ordered a second...
The first full day alone was really nice. Of course I'd love to have someone here with me (TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN) but ya know, needs must.
Wondered home the long way through the Vatican. It's so beautiful at night. Can't wait to see it in the day light. A nice Nun gave me a blessing as I left the square. I was probably as shocked as you were that we both didn't burst into flames. But there you go
So for day two... Ciao and buona notte.
Not sure how long I can hold up with one blog a day, or if you'll even keep reading.
Love, lovies.
