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Published: September 22nd 2009
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Day 511 (4/9/09) (Around 25km of walking!)
We checked out of Hotel Aquarium (missing breaky) and made our way to Yellow Hostel a funky hostel with private bathroom, aircon, and bar next door) we dropped off our bags and went out to explore Rome... in the rain (only our third day of rain in nearly 3 months travel.. so it was kinda nice). Straight to Rome's largest sight the Collosuem, given the rain and the early start we bet the crowds, past the Roman warriors at the entrance (enticing the unsuspecting for photographs then asking for redicuolous fees), picking up a audioguide on our way up (not worth the cash, as its very repetive and exactly what's on the signs). The Collosuem itself is very impressive! Its sheer size, intricate underground system and hierachial seating. We continued on to the Palatine and Roman Forum a huge complex of giant sized ruins, historically where Romulus killed his brother Remus and founded Rome in 753BC. We continued our sightseeing tour with no specific agenda, stumbling across the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vittoriano and Museum Risorgimento, which houses the stretcher of Garibaldi and some awesome views of the city. But be sure not
to sit on the steps or stand seat etc, as strict security will whistle at you in seconds (and for once it wasn't us!).
We passed the Trevi Fountain barely visable or audible hidden by hoards of tourists and grabbed lunch.
Next stop, the beautiful Pathethon, not lavishly decorated but it's 43m dome is outstanding and its been standing for nearly 2000 years! It also houses the tombs of Rapheal (the artist) and King Vittorio Emmanual II.We stopped at the Santa Maria church (home to Santa Canterina body minus her head which is in Siena) and passed Bernini's Elephantino statue. Next we set off for the Borghese Gallary, a spectacular purpose designed 17th century villa which displays an amazing collection of fresco's, sculptures, paintings and mosiac's of many famous artists including Raphael, Bernini, Botticeli, and Cavavaggio. We dragged ourselves back to our Hostel for a shower, ventured round the corner for dinner and crashed.
Day 512 Steps 19302
Up at 6am we took off to Trevi Fountain, just us, four other early birds and two security guards preparing for the collection of coins thrown into the fountain (the fountain make's a killing, reportedly collecting a millions euro's a year!!!)).
A couple hot crossoints later we made our way on foot to the Vatican. Along the Tiber river, past the St. Angelo Castle, to St. Peters. Where we made a trio of mistakes, firstly we lined up for St. Peters instead of going straight to the Vatican, secondly we had a pocket knife in our bag, and we decided to do the right thing present it to security and hope they would store it, “no, trash”. With a fond attachment we decided to go in singlary, not realising how big it was. Carly went in first and with the line growing suggested Jez line up in about fifteen minutes and we'll swap. This would have been fine except the line moved very quickly and Jez decided he could hide the knife in a plastic bag in the bin and get it on our way out. This too would have worked fine, except, he missed finding Carly before she left. All for a 10 pound pocket knife. Disappointed that we had both missed different halves of the church we decided to join the queue for the vatican and return later. After about 45minutes queue we made it into the Vatican, stored
our bag, and hired an audioguide. Once again overwhelmed with the sheer size of complex, roamed between the many museums/ room's, the Egyptian, The Gallary of Maps, the Tapestry room, Rapheal Staze and finally the Sistine Chapel (our favourites). The Sistine Chapel freco's are amazing (unfortunately no photo's allowed.. not that you would knoww by the number of people sneaking pics on their phones and small camera's, unfortunately our big boy is not so sutle.)
Exhausted we caught the metro back to our hostel for a few beers, saving a return visit to St Peters til another day.
That evening we dined at yummy and cheap Andrea's Restaurant; prawn risotto, canneloni and vino rosso!
Day 513 Steps 20463
After an entertaining breakfast listening to the Saints beat the Pies (GO SAINTS!!) we set off to the Spanish steps, designed by Michelangelo. Being a Sunday in summer they were packed, we continued on along Via Condotti lined with Gucci, Dolci & Garbana, Burburry. Needless to stay we didn't pick up any bargains but enjoyed window-shopping. We passed back through the Panethon (this time with full camera battery) for a few pics, and then to Piazza Navona complete with it's own
obelisk and two fountains (magnific fontana). Lunch on the run and it was time for take two at St. Peters (pocketknifeless). It's granduer no less impressive the second time around. We made it to the Vatican Grotto's home to St. Peter himself, Pope John Paul II and others. After navigating the huge church, passing Michelangelo's 'Pieta' sculpture of Madonna holding Jesus, the tomb's of St. Jerome and Pius. and climbed to the top of the Cupola (dome) for some spectacular views of the Vatican City. We left happy that we had really seen St. Peters this time and caught the metro back to our hostel picked up our bags and set for Siena. Stoked we could see through the windows we took in the beautiful Tuscan countryside arriving in Siena. We found our lovely homely room, disappointed it was just for the night and got arguably the best Capriciosa pizza (in Italy) for dinner.
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