Seen it in movies many times and here we are at the site itself. The Colosseum, where man and beast battle for survival. Very well preserved and a breath-taking sights when you are inside. A spectator view of the battle ground and you sort of get transported to the film, Gladiator. Outside though you are back to reality where over weight modern gladiators peddle their service to satisfy your photo taking urge with the ancient ones and the smell of pizza and hotdog are on sales.
Our experience at the Hard Rock Cafe start rocky indeed when not once but thrice I was told that my orders were run out. The service personnel made a great recovery though later by providing great service and was attentive to all our needs. Should be the best service thus far. The angles playing the drum in the wall mural tickled us as well. :)
Dear loved the mini cars on the Rome roads. These are electric cars which are environmentally friendly and the size is great for congested road. Maybe Singapore should have more of such mini cars and maybe, just maybe the COE will be cut by half as it occupy half the space on the road. Perfect for DINK couple like us.
Rome was also sort of a art appreciation experience for us as well. Loved the sculptures especially. You can see every inch of muscle at work and the facial expressions were so life-like that they are sort of telling a story of the scene you are witnessing. Amazing skills of the ancient craftsmen.
The Trevi Fountain was less than romantic for me mainly due to the peddler selling Polaroid services. Noticed most of these peddlers and food cart operators are Indian, maybe some form of syndicate at work here. Did not toss the coin as with everyone at the fountain. Maybe my mind is still at Barcelona and its sunny beach. haha.
Of course we visited the Vatican even though we are not connected religiously. Glad that we got the local guide whose service is not cheap. However her vivid illustration of the history of the place, the arts and the artists left a deeper impression for the visit. If not we will just be buzzing around aimlessly.
The door you see above is the Holy Door to the Saint Peters Basilica.
‘This is the door of the Lord where the just may enter’. The door is currently closed and will only be re-open by the pope in 2025. According to the guide, all believer who pass through it during the jubilee year will have their sins pardon.
Cannot take photo at the famous Sistine Chapel Wall Mural of the last Judgment and the ceiling mural by Michelangelo. Both took him 3 decades to complete, no mean feat without dedication and the urge to leave a legacy.
Saw this Last Supper depiction on a giant carpet at the Chapel. Gold threads running through it.
The altar with Bernini's baldacchino, remeber to go round the alter and take note of the faces at the pillars. They changes and you may want to ask your guide the story of the alter in relation to Bernini.
The tomb of all previous popes were also amazing in size and sculpturing. Really elaborate and grand in scale.
Rome was a really different experience for dear and me. Spiritually we are not that influence but definitely enjoyed the art, culture and history of the place. Not as dull as I feared. The Chinese food round the corner to our motel kept dear full and happy and Looking forward to exploring the other Italian cities in the future.
Read about a couple driving from north to south of Italy without deliberate planning, very inspiring and maybe me and dear can plan such a unplanned trip one day, across Australia or maybe not as ambitious Malaysia. :P
Click here to enjoy our photos at Rome
