Loretta: Unlike Teramo, in Rome, we are not the only tourists. Surprise!!! What ever happened to the quiet season in winter? It becomes blatantly obvious that thousands of people have the same idea as us in regards to the best time to travel in Europe as we reach the Colosseum and find queues a kilometre long. Was it this busy when we were here three years ago? We both agree it wasn't and continue to walk and dodge massive groups of people as we reacquaint ourselves with this beautiful ancient city.
The weather in Rome is mild -around 13degrees and is ideal for walking the many kilometres required to see Victor Emmanuelle, the city ruins, the Pantheon (which is always so incredibly amazing to see), Trevi fountain (where by the way we enjoyed the imperative delicious gelato and discarded our spiccioli ), Piazza de Spagna, Spanish steps, and the church at the top of the steps, Trinita del Monti. Afterwards, we make our way back to our accommodation, situated right near Termini station and pledge to end this day as the only day allocated to revisiting the major, familiar sights.
Unfortunately, we have a violinist staying in the room next door who, by the way, plays beautifully- but at 10.20pm at night? John knocked on his door, affirmed his brillance, and asked him to please stop playing as we were TRYING to sleep as we were heading off early for a day trip to Napoli. Things stayed quiet for five minutes then a father and son set up their laptop in the corridor outside our room to Skype a family member-talking at an audible level that could be heard from 500metres away. Ah! It was my turn to ask them to be quiet and after sticking my head outside the door and gesturing "Sh, Sh", the son told his mother he had to go and all was finally quiet. I know we sound like whingers, but when you've travelled and changed beds as often as we have, irritating self-focussed hotel guests are enough to make you want to commit a crime- not really!