The Three Faces of Rome

Denise on the Spanish Steps
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On Wednesday we caught the bus to Sorrento (early - so packed to capacity with school kids) and then the train to Naples.  We both fell asleep on the train and almost missed our stop!  After buying tickets to Rome (€19.50 each) we ate a quick sandwich (made and packed the night before).  We arrived about 2 hours later at the Termini train station in Rome, which is one of the nicest we have yet seen with lots of shops, eateries and services available.  A 3 minute walk took us to our hostel, The Beehive (see review) which was fabulous!  What a find and despite proximity to station actually very quiet area.  We also met up with some really cool dorm-mates [Hey Kate, Jen, Erine and Ariffin - welcome to the Blog!] - one of whom even invited us to join her tribe on their private island in Fiji!! [check it out on http://www.tribewanted.com/]

Beautiful Trevi Fountain!
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We decided to do Rome in three phases - the more 'pop culture' sights on our first half day, followed by Ancient Rome on day 2, and then the Vatican City and surrounds on day 3.  After a quick unpacking we walked to the Spanish Steps (via our first Roman church - the Church of Angels and Martyrs).  Very cool to see the Spanish Steps in person - although also very crowded with school kids (we later found out that the Pope had apparently declared a Family Day to celebrate a year in office and to encourage families to have more kids...based on our experiences they have enough already!).  We also made a discovery...you never need to buy water in Rome...every corner has a fountain or tap that runs permanently and is really clean and cold - seems that the ancient Romans took the right of citizens to fresh water very seriously and the modern ones continue the practice...bonus!

We Decided to do Rome in 3 Phases - This was Phase 1 and 2

Rob in front of the Pantheon
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A few hundred metres away we reached the famous Trevi Fountain (actually a recent Roman addition built only in the last half of the 19th century).  Tons of kids here too, but we managed a few pics and tossed some coins in the fountain as is the custom to gain fulfillment of a wish or to ensure that you return (depending on who you believe).  Piazza Navona was next on our walking tour - but sadly the famous fountain of the four great rivers was under repair (seems like half of Italy is under scaffolding) - lots of colourful characters though!  Then on to the 'Typewriter' (massive monument dedicated to the first King of the Unified Italy).  It really hits home that you are walking streets that have seen more than 2000 years of history...it is a rush!  Dinner was at a Spagheterria called L'Archetto recommended by the Beehive (they give you a free guide book which you can download from their website that NEVER once let us down) - over 100 types of sauces to choose from!  Also met a very nice couple from Sweden (Hi AnnChristin and Krister - welcome to the Blog) who 'donated' some red wine to complete our meal :)

Denise reading up on the Pantheon
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Thursday was our Ancient Rome day!  Quick French Toast at the Beehive and then off to Termini Train Station to buy the Roma Pass.  NB Very good value for money €20 per person = 3 days unlimited use of metro and busses plus free entrance to your first two sites or museums! We caught a bus to the area near the 'Typewriter' and then walked around Trajan's Market and Trajan's Column. After a short uphill walk we reached the Fora Romana (Roman Forum) - the vast public area that was the 'beating heart of Ancient Rome'. At first it was impressive but not very enlightening since one ruin looks much like another.  We reached the Colosseum and decided to join a tour to get more info.  Also great deal - €10 per person but for three sperate tours (the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill). What a difference a good guide makes! The history of this place is incredible and impossible to fit into a single blog entry - highlights were the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, the Zero Mile Marker of the Appian Way, the Senate, and the site of Julius Caesar's cremation.  Palatine Hill was spectacular with the residences and massive palaces of the emperors as well as the best views of the Forum and Ancient Rome from above.