Rome what a place it's like a step back in time with all the monuments, ruins, old style buildings and history.
We met up with mum and dad again and are staying in the same hotel. On our first night we went on a Rome illuminations tour; the lighting certainly softens the look and feel of the monuments. The next day we joined mum and dads tour group to tour the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, they are certainly popular as they were definitely the centre of attention.
The Vatican may be the centre of the Catholic Church but it is definitely much more than that, the amount of sculptures and gifts given to the Vatican from nations around the world not to mention the artwork and sculptures from Michael Angelo, Raffaele, Santi, Bernini, Caravaggio & Perugino just to name a few. This will definitely come to mind next time the plate is passed around in church!
From here Carmel and I walked the streets of Rome visiting many sites and monuments on the way to the Colosseum it was definitely an eventful walk. For instance one event was when we were walking 2 black Audi's sped up beside us and 5 men in suits and dark shades opened the doors and hopped out of the cars before the cars even stopped completely 3 of them placed themselves in strategic points assuming the position one opened the car door and let this middle aged lady out a dignitary of some sort I'd say?? and she was escorted into a restaurant. It all happened within a blink of an eye; it was just like in the movies.

The Colosseum is definitely larger in life than all the movies and pictures I've seen it was massive and I really admire the vision of Vespasian and son Titus it must have been a real sight in the day!
Today we walked the streets of Rome with mum and dad we visited the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, seen the "Time Elevator 5D" a film on how time began and on Rome's history (not as good as Malta 5D). We then visited the Pantheon which was also unbelievable' Roman architecture was definitely built to stand the test of time.

Thunderstorm; yep, we got caught in one refusing to buy an umbrella for 10 Euro we stopped in a restaurant for a drink and decided to walk in the rain when it eased. It may sound damp but thought it was romantic, we laughed, sang "Singing in the rain" and carried on! We decided to eat at an authentic Roman restaurant after walking for 20 minutes we found the restaurant only to be closed till 3 September. We stopped for lunch at the next one we saw and enjoyed the sun breaking through the clouds, it was a definitely a great day!
Well this would have to be a first for us fed and back to the hotel room by 6pm. I think we'll rest up and head out for a walk tonight, I'd like to get a few photos of the Colosseum at night.

(Tragic change of plans! I literally F***** my back, couldn't walk or stand! After icing it up for 20 minutes I managed to get up, I've been wanting a massage for a while now but Carmel couldn't believe the lengths I've gone to get one! After a massage I could get around fine. I thought our trip had ended in a bang! without a happy ending. What a relief that's all I could say; there will be some stories and good laughs about this one!
Next day dropped mum and dad at Cittavecchio Porto for their cruise and we are now continuing our adventure up Northern Italy to Siena. Stay tuned for more of our wonderful adventures!!