Rome

2 July
Roma

Launched ourselves out of bed for yet another day of exploring. As we were only half alive on the day before Hop On Hop Off bus experience – we hopped on again. A few stops to the St Johns Basilica. This is the Popes church outside the Vatican. Our ticket allowed for another free audio guide and we took a stroll through. On the sides of the Basilica there are small Chapels. These are named after special people or families they were made for. Amazingly enough, we heard that each Chapel is privately owned in present times. Again, Bernini features with a glowing golden shrine. It is said to be the oldest church in the world. It was also the first place where Christianity was deemed higher than monarchy.

This was done by Emperor Augustus Caesar in about 300 AD. The site of this church was given by the Emperor. It used to be the house of the Pope until The Vatican and St. Peters was established. In later years they built a Baptistry. This was also one of the first of its kind. Usually baptisms were held outside. It is definitely a lovely site to visit.

Speaking English around here is not too much of a problem. There is a huge American community. They work at most of these tourist sites and tend to be very knowledgeable and helpful. There is even a specific church they attend within Rome.

After the Basilica we went to the Spanish Steps – and obviously walked down them.

Known for the teenagers flirting grounds of past -Nick failed to flirt with me – however was confronted by an Indian man that insisted on giving me a rose. A fatal NO! scared him off!

At the bottom, we visited the Trevi Fountains.

This is the fountain that was immortalised by Anita Eckberg, in La Dolce Vita. Here we threw coins over our backs to ensure a return trip to Rome. This area gives you the real feeling of Roma. Filled with romanticism and passion.

A long trek to the Villa Borghese began. Through this massive park with many a welcomed juice stand (not so welcomed when the soda's are 4 Euro a pop) you find the Villa. It is an art museum said to have a better range of art than the Vatican. Well, we were impressed. Sculptures and painting by Bernini (David, Rape of Persephone), Raphael (Christ Being Taken Down from the Cross), Botticelli, Perugino, Caravaggio and much more. A wide range of mosaic floors and frescoed walls surrounded these.

After this, we visited the Colloseum.



It was unfortunately closed at this time though this morning we had decided that we were not too concerned about going in. Never the less, spectacular and amazing.

We went home and met new neighbours. Some Swiss chaps had pulled in long side our site. They were getting on their way for a night on the town. Great guys! Ended up having them for tea or coffee when they arrived back from their jolling (trans. Partying) in the morning.