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Well before starting a new job I thought I'll do a little trip, since I've still have the momentum. Of all the places in Europe, why Rome? I was 9 years old the last time I was in Rome. I sure it must have left a impression on me. I have vague memories and images of Rome. Also, it was my first time in Europe, a stopover on our way to India. Having only spend time in Africa and India, Rome was obviously different. It must have also been a important time as it was translation from life in Libya to India. Anyway, for me it was important stage and for some reason I felt Rome was calling me, so I packed my backpack and off I went to Rome!
My trip to Rome was a long one. I was taking a flight and connecting in Zurich to reach Rome as it was the cheapest option. London City Airport, always like airports and it's probably the best London airport. All flights were delayed that morning and my flight had to be changed so that now I fly to Munich for a connecting flight. There was another guy, a Canadian who
was also going to Rome. Again the flight was running late. Our connection in Munich was a fast one, actually we didn't even step a foot on the terminal. We got escorted when we landed in Munich and driven round the airport through a back door entrance to catch the connecting flight. Within 15-20 minutes of landing, we were taking off again! I don't know how big is Munich airport but I was really surprised that I actually got my backpack in Rome. I expected nothing less of the Germans, being so organized... On the way back, it was Frankfurt airport, huge.
Most of the travellers I met in Rome were Canadian or Americans, hardly any Europeans, actually I'd only met 2 people from England during the entire trip. I didn't have the patience to constantly reading and refering to the guide books on history and painting so I went with a guided walk around Rome and the Vatican city. Some of the places, circus maximus - where they had the chariot races. It looked so simple and like any other park. If it hadn't been for the guide I would have totally missed it. Now it's not the
grand, rich marble city it use to be during the Empire so we had to use our imagination. The guarded Jewish ghetto, where Julius Caesar was killed. Roman forums - apparently the most important place during the Empire. Pantheon - "temple of all gods", an amazing structure and dome, also containing tomb of Raphael.
Everyone knows about the Colosseum, I appreciated it architecturally and it's so old. But I wasn't inspired to go in to have a look. The history is so gruesome that it put me off.
Now the Vatican museum and the Sistine chapel is something else. Michelangelo's artwork is just unbelievable. You have to visit the Sistine chapel and look at the painted ceiling. The Vatican museum truly is overwhelming. Now St. Peter's Basilica is just grand. I came back the next day to enjoy it, relaxing in the sun and listening to the sound of the fountains. I remember this grand site when I was 9. Also Fontana di trevi.
There are some really nice parks and I'm surprised that city of this size has so much. Never mind the incredible history, which makes our life time seem insignificant, and all the art work...
It was actually much hotter in Rome than I'd expected. I met up with the Canadian guy that I met at the airport. There were so many tourists in Rome and I was just adding to the population. You can understand why they come to Rome. The food is also great! Good vibes. It seems that most of the backpackers were having a intense trip visiting Europe for a month. For me it was a relaxing and great trip for art and history. Obviously not as intense as the RTW but it's good to get out again 😊
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