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Published: July 23rd 2006
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Another arch in Rome
This is another arch to show triumph in Europe, there are many, each detailed in it's own was. This one is just up from Collosium. Wow so much has happened since I last wrote. I have been keeping a track of what I've been doing on the back opf postcards and have brought them to the computer with me so that I can remember a bit more. It is at the point now where days are blending together. That is why I try and write regularly so I can pass on as much as possible, as I know that people are traveeling vicariously through me.
The last time I wrote was in Venice, beautiful city. We had a long drive again the next day and stopped in Pisa. Wouldn't you know it, the tower is still leaning what a surprise. Apart from that there is not a lot there. But very funny to see everyone posing for photos holding it up or pushing it down, amongst other poses, use your imagination.
Stayed in Florence which I was not overly impressed with. the history was very interesting with the Ninja Turle artists Michaelangelo etc. But there was not a lot there and there were too many people spoeaking english, hard to get full italian impression with not italian being spoken but it is the summer holiday over here so you have to expect that.
Getting much hotter the further south we are getting. Yesterday we were in the mid forties in Rome. Not too bad, not much humidity so the hair has no frzz - amazing I know- also don't get burnt - yay for the ozone layer.
Anyway back to Florence. Went out for dinner and then to a night club. Much the same as anywhere at home because american music was playing and it is a contiki activity so basically it was like being in oz. Got home about 1:30 as we had to be up early to get to Rome. Early being 5:30.
But we did make it to Rome. First stop was the Vatican City as it closes at 1:30 and is not open on Sunday. So as some of you would have already guessed we were lining up in 40 degree temperatures on a Saturday morning in the middle of the European holiday break. Hours of lining up we were told but as it turned out it was only about 45 minutes and worth waiting every minute of it. The Sistine Chapel is just amazing as were the many corridors leading to it. There was one that I was more impressed with than the Chapel itself. This room had paintings all over the ceiling and carvings in gold. The room went on and on probably 30-40 metres.
After the Sistine Chapel, drapes sarong over shoulders and went into St Peter's Bacilica. Wow! it was huge and again amazing- Amazing is the word for the whole tour really. They are really picky about what you are allowed to wear into churched over here, fair enough but can get hot if worn all day. Shoulders are the main concern.
Went on a walking tour in the afternoon, yes in 40 degrees, but there are cold water fountains all around Rome that are fine to drink out of. Went to some of the main sights like the Pantheon and -the Trevi fountain. All the fountains from the book Angels and Demons have been pointed out to us. Also went to Piazza Navona where they used to have chariot races. There were buskers playing intalian music on the sides of the fountains so created a wonderful atmosphere.
There is a great pool where we are staying at the moment. Seems to be the main gathering point for obvious rasons.
Today went on a walking tour around the Colosseum and ancient ruins. The guided tours are fantastic because of all the history you learn by going. Details that often are not in every book, just information the locals know. Eating much ice cream. Gelato is the local type and it is very nice, the chocolate version tastes like instant pudding only with less bubbles.
The ancient ruins are incredible. It is so hard to believe that they are 2000 years old. It was also interesting to hear about the technology they used, on the Coloseum they had a retractable roof made of canvas that they could open and close with ropes, why can't we do that now. they could also empty the whole arena in 10 minutes, they wouldn't put up with the wait at the stadium would they!
About to go on the Greek part of the tour. We slow down a bit then, probably a good thing considering I slept through the alarm this morning for about 15 minutes so no dramas. We are staying in Corfu for 2 days and then onto Mykonos for 6 days via Athens. That will be the half way point of the tour. It is going so fast, but I'm having an absolute ball of a time. Getting to know people a little better and getting used to the heat and being on the go the whole time.
Anyway better go. When in Rome .... today it is hit the pool and cool down. Tough life but someone has to do it i guess.
Hope everyone is well back home.
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