Rome (Part Three)

The final installment about the wonders of Rome. This beautiful city has so much to offer, but the next two attractions are a must see for visitors with only a day or two in Rome.

The Forum, the Palatine and the Colosseum- 12 Euro.  

The above attractions are sold together, but there is a  short walk between the Forum and the Palatine to the Colosseum. So I am going to discuss them separately, as I found the Forum and the Palatine to be so interesting it took a whole day to see it all.

The Forum and the Palatine. 


Ancient ruins galore! A small museum showcasing different cultures and another full of busts and delicate artifacts. Not to mention the grounds are full of temples, houses, the huts of Romulus, baths, gardens and a gigantic stadium to look down upon. There is a lot of walking, up hills on old paths surrounded by trees, some through old buildings and museums, so take comfortable shoes. It is rich in Ancient history and very well preserved. One of the most beautiful places to explore and walk where the Ancients did before you. A remarkable experience and one not to be missed whist visiting the city.

The Colosseum.

Only a few floors are available to explore but you won't be disappointed! The structure is amazing.Corridors, tall steps leading to other floors, and the gladiator area is so intricate it won't take long  to appreciate the engineering and labour that built it.Wheelchair friendly, they have built a lift to take you to the first floor that is a fantastic bonus. All the stairs have hand rails for safety and it is hard to see how they coped without them! 50,000 spectators climbed the many steps that are throughout the Colosseum and it makes you feel part of the history to walk some of the same steps. An astonishing, breathtaking experience, the Colosseum is the pinnacle of attractions.           

Helpful Tips.


Roma Pass- 25 Euro.
This pass allows free entry to two museums and/or archaeological sites.
Reduced tickets to them then after.
City's public transport.
Discounted tickets to exhibitions and events.
Reduced charges for the use of the on-call multi-lingual medical service.

The pass is only valid for three days and remember to check the booklet for which attractions are valid.

On Via Nazionale, a long street with restaurants, shops and hotels there is a tourist information box, have a look to see what is on offer.

Some hotels charge tax for each night you stay. Be sure to check on your first day and incorporate it into your budget.

                                                       The Forum.

                                            The Colosseum.
  

Rome (Part Two)

We continue on our quest for the best places to see in Rome. In this section I shall discuss two must see attractions of Rome and the very cheap transportation options.

The Vatican Museum- 15 Euro. 


A truly fascinating building, showcasing Ancient Rome artifacts and religious paintings that will leave you mesmerized. There are so many corridors and rooms it is advisable to take comfortable shoes with you. Make sure to explore the terrace near the gallery to see St. Peter's Cathedral, hidden behind a beautiful landscape of green trees. If you only have time to see one museum in Rome this is the one to see, kept in wonderful condition it is worth the entry fee. Tours are available to enhance your knowledge at an extra charge.

The Baths of Caracalla- 6 Euro.


Stunning and well preserved, the Baths offer a relaxing stroll through ancient walls and beautiful gardens. Walk on ancient mosaics, stand near the remainders of other mosaics and gaze up at the towering walls for a true sense of Ancient Rome. This tourist attraction was quieter than most, but worth a look, especially for a day away from the crowds. One of my favourite spots to sit and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Rome.

Transportation.

Cheap and efficient, the transportation in Rome makes it easy for you to see all the sites. The Rome underground is a mere 4 Euro all day with stops near most of the big attractions. The Pantheon, The Vatican and The Baths of Caracalla  require a short walk after the stop, so make sure to take a map with you.

If your plane lands in Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport don't waste time getting a taxi to the center of Rome, but hop on the Leonardo Express for 14 Euro. It is a train service that takes you straight to Termini station in the heart of Rome. However, you must get the ticket validated from a machine on the platform after purchase. The ticket then lasts for 90 minutes after validation, if a ticket guard catches you without a valid ticket you will get fined!

Buses are also cheap and frequent, however the best transportation in Rome is simple. Walk from as many attractions as you can because in Rome there is a piece of ancient and new beauty on every street.  

                                       St. Peter's Cathedral as seen from the Vatican Museum.

                                           The Baths of Caracalla.

Rome.

If anyone has ever told you Rome is an expensive city to visit, they are lying. With only a £500 spending budget between two people for a week, you may be surprised to learn that we left with Euros jingling in our pockets.
     The next three entries will be a guide on how to have fun in Rome without the need to re-mortgage your home. However, please note that all prices are subject to change.

Trevi Fountain- FREE.

Be sure to try some of the Italian ice cream from the many parlours that surround the fountain. The smooth texture of the gelato (ice cream) is a perfect accompaniment to the rich view of the shimmering water cascading between the statues.Glistening and awe inspiring it is the most beautiful fountain in Rome and attracts a huge crowd the entire day.The Trevi fountian is best seen in the evening when the lights gleam off the clear blue water, and is the perfect spot for a romantic cuddle and picture.
     It is said that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder it will ensure a return to Rome, and after the sights and the tastes of the Trevi fountain you will gladly participate.

Pantheon- FREE.

A prodigious building, the Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings of the Roman Empire. Standing next to the gigantic columns that each weigh 60 tons you are but a mouse.The size and structure is amazing and shows Roman architecture at it's best, make sure to look at all sides of the building for a full appreciation. Opposite is a charming and busy Piazza della Rotonda with another beautiful fountain.
     I found this building hard to find even amid the signposts, which perhaps is due to poor map skills. However, it did lead me to Area Sacra Argentina, which had many free ruins to gaze down upon from a beautiful street, a detour worth making.


The Spanish Steps- FREE.


A busy area just a short walk from the designer shops. I felt like a tinned sardine walking through the area only to reach the Spanish steps and not really see them. The steps were covered in people sitting on them and made it hard to see the beauty you see in films or pictures. They would be worth seeing on a quiet day and to take a walk up the steps for the view at the top.
     Be careful in this area, we encountered people selling flowers that place the flowers in your hand, expect money and will not take them back. It is best to avoid eye contact with them or keep your hands in your pockets.

Restaurants near by-

That's Amore Restaurant near the Trevi Fountain serves gorgeous Italian food to the sound of the crooners of 1940's America. Small and quaint the service was unparalleled.
Address- Via del Lavatore, 88
               00187 Rome, Italy
Other areas with lots of good restaurants to try are: Area Sacra Argentina and Via Nazionale.

I am sad to admit I know little Italian and whist out there needed medication for an allergy, but I'm pleased to say that after five attempts of asking do you speak English? That we were finally understood and communicated like this:

Me-               Pary inglesee?
                      Parrrrleh inglesee?
                      Par-lah inglseseh?
                      Par-lah een-gleh zeh?
Pharmacist-  Yes. (motions little with his fingers)
Me-              Allergy? (Sticks out cheeks) blotchy, (pokes skins on arms) itchy, (Scratches skin on arms) Medication, need more. Stronger!
Pharmacist-  (Looks at medication) No good?
My Partner - More! Higher! (Waving hands up in there air)

Finally we did get the medication but it is important to remember that although most know English do not assume they all do. There is nothing worse than an English person shouting in English slowly to somebody who does not speak the language, because guess what? No matter how many ears you damage that day, they still do not understand you. So before you travel anywhere do the sensible thing and buy a phrase book!

Phrases to help the struggling English tourist:


Hello                                          Buon giorno.
Good bye                                   Arrivederci.
Excuse me                                  Mi scusi
Yes/No                                       Si/No
Please                                         Per favore
Thank you                                   Grazie
Do you speak English?                Parla inglese?
Help!                                          Aiuto!
Stop!                                          Fermate!
Do you speak English?                Parla inglese?
I don't understand                       Non capisco.

                                         The Trevi Fountain.