Ciao people,

In Rome at last which I have been really looking forward to. We go on a night tour first and visit, amongst other things, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps (which I tripped up quite literally). The Pantheon is amazing, a remarkable piece of architecture and so old. Would like to see it in the daylight and have a proper wander round. The Spanish Steps are pretty cool. Italians meet here before a big night out and it is a great place to meet up if you get lost.

The Trevi Fountain has to be my favourite so far though - stunningly beautiful. You have the throw 3 coins in your right hand over your left shoulder in order to obtain good fortune, love and good health so you will come back to the fountain.

Also visited the Roman Forum and the Colosseum (which our guide tells us should really be referred to as the Amphitheatre) and I was suitably impressed. Hard to imagine a society from a thousand years ago could create such dramatic and awe inspiring architecture and a viable society with law and order. Walked into the senate building which is small in width, but huge in height. Also saw Julius Caesars memorial tomb. I am now slightly less impressed with Paris' Arc de Triomphe as it is almost a direct copy of the arches in the Roman Forum!!! Tut, tut.

The Colosseum, oh excuse me, the amphitheatre was also jaw dropping. You could see where the emperor sat and the crowds, and where the gladiators came into fight. Unfortunately I ketp thinking of the film Gladiator at the time!

The metro system was slightly crap and the graffiti and the dirt was appalling. The Italians I met were quite rude and inpatient. A shame really as every other country I have been to has been extremely welcoming. Maybe I caught them on a bad day?!

Despite all the down sides, if you go to Italy, you must visit Rome. All roads lead to Roma!

Ciao