Lines

Beggars

Tricksters

Companies recruiting consumers

Loud Yanks

Black lads selling, selling (anything)

Crowds

Traffic

...long queues (very long)

My fist impression of my first stop: the Coliseum! Found out the line was 90 minutes wait. I was approached by one of the 100's of companies offering private instant tours. Turned out to be a fantastic coup. It was twice as much as the line entry but I got 10 x more value! A very informative guide offering historical facts and small group, private entry with no crowds and chance to actually stand where the Gladiators did on the stage! It was fabulous looking at the 'general' public looking longingly at our group (much like the hungry lions would have 2000 years ago before devouring a convict!). The Coliseum was named after a gigantic gold statue that was as high as the Statue of Liberty which stood out front. It was an awesome experience and completely changed my initial thoughts formed while walking around the outside!

Just aside, I observed a truly hot guy and his beau kanoodeling as part of the tour group: admittedly a touch of the green eyed monster but this guy was constantly touching, stroking, kissing, nipping, nibbling and fondling this girl! It was even suffocating me! It actually amazes me how anybody can be ok with this sort of human public intensely. Each to their own, but just a simple observation through the eyes of a solo stranger. Check blog photos if you want to check said couple out!

Truly a whirlwind Cook's tour of Roma! I was an absolute tourist: on the hop on hop off bus, taking in as much as mortality possible. They are a great way to get to the key attractions in a day. Let's face it, it's not my favourite way to go about visiting a city, but with only a day it seemed like a decent option. Navigation and appreciation are made easier. The guided tours and voiced history is so much better and stimulating. To me they are simply all ancient buildings and structures with little to no significance (sorry religious mates), but some historical facts helps me put things into perspective! It would be a great city to explore with someone who adores it! I certainly tried, but...I suppose like any relationship it would take more than a day to fall in love! (It just didn't make my heart skip a beat, like London). We are all different and I can see with more time and exploring and experience it could grow on me.

So, to my Roman lunch experience!

Don't get me started!

To all those folk that insist the Italian waiters are the best, most friendly, most efficient and beautiful of them all: perhaps not always! I was ushered to a table and the waiter came to clear the table. He spilled an espresso that had been left. Next thing I knew all hell broke lose: the "Manager" (I knew this as he told me so!) told me I was seated on someone's table, they had gone to the toilet and I had taken their spot! I informed the 'Manager' (a-hole) that I had been directed to this table! (For those solo travellers among us you'll understand how rude and nasty this is and how you don't need attention drawn to you at best of times as a single diner). To my credit, I kept my composure, looked him in the beady eye and informed him "...the city seems to have plenty of options, yours is obviously not for me...!" Luckily for me I discovered a sublime and authentic Spaghetti Carbonara around the next corner, with a better outlook (yet, another rude "fat controlling" waiter). Please guys! Don't tell me "...they must get tired of tourists..." etc. it's their job to serve, smile, accept and engage!

...I absolutely enjoyed every mouthful of my Carbonara though, the view (of all 3 waiters gossipy) and the river!

Yes! This is my experience. But, remember, sometimes one chance is all you get to impress, so put out!

PS: I did think about a slice of pizza 'on the run' on this busy day, then I remembered that is not how I roll! My Roman Lunch of Pasta and Aperol Spritz was magical and memorable!

And, with a shot of espresso...I headed to the religious Mecca that is Vatican City!

Wow!

I never ever imagined I'd be blown away by Vatican City! I'd heard about the long lines so sought out a good looking gentleman with a blue vest: bingo! Student price for full inclusive tour of Vatican, the museums, gardens and Sistine Chapel! So much extravagant and extraordinarily precious pieces and the guide was faultless, passionate and so pleasant! We saw pieces from 2000 years ago: priceless! Even the floors, just beautiful! Artwork and statues adorning all spaces and walls! The entire City shimmers with nobility!

In entering Sistine Chapel I was awestruck! Michaelangelo didn't want to do this work (commissioned in the 15th Century) but the Pope insisted. It is beautiful. And to think, the style, Fresco, had him actually painting 'blind' as what he was actually painting did not even show up for 24 hours! Check out the blog photos for more info. It was so nice that no one was allowed to take photos in the Chapel! Refreshing to just stand in silence and not have to dodge photo shoots and selfie sticks! (Everywhere else, not so, sadly!).

I am now sitting in St Peter's Square, the place where the Pope addresses the people. It's an awesome and holy feeling (you actually don't have to be a bit religious to appreciate the grandeur and enormity of this place! A City within the City!

I have so enjoyed both guided tours - you must do the tour to truly appreciate the historical significance. Well, someone like me does anyway. Gee! I might turn religious now! (Well, at least get on my knees, and pray!)

Absolutely loving the convenience of the Gray Line hip on and off Bus!

Trevi Fountain, here I come! (After my 8th litre of water today! It's very hot! I can only imagine Summer! The guide said September and October are best months to come, even though September is busiest...the light and weather is much more manageable.

Now standing in front of the largest baroque fountain in the world and one of the 1532 fountains in Rome! It's nice! (Tick)

Off to throw a coin in! X

PS Lori and Dario, yes! I did get a gelato from the little shop next to Trevi: sublime!

...sitting on the Spanish Steps, imagining life 2000 years ago! It's difficult as there are swarms of photos being taken by swarms of tourists!

What a Magnificent holiday this has been! It couldn't be any better and I couldn't be happier! Sure, I could have done more but running ragged is not my type of a holiday.

One more full day...choosing a jaunt down south to the seaside city of Naples, to meet the beautiful Rosalia...another chance meeting 20 years ago - an Italian hug to receive and an Aussie one to give!

Well, Roma, I'm not in love...

But, I'm really starting to like you a lot!