ROAMING ROME

Sunday, May 22, 2011
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Where do I start in describing this city? Maybe, by asking you to imagine a combination of New York City, Disneyland, and ROME. It is a melange of sight and sounds, moving at a hectic pace, with masses of people, and architecture and history in quantities which defy one's ability to take it all in. As a visitor, you are in a continual state of feeling overwhelmed. Yet, it is magical and hypnotic, and a city you can never forget. After only a few days, you start to take the thousand-year-old churches fountains, and streets as a given. Yet, here you are walking the same streets where generations have passed. Of course, evidence of the Roman times and the church’s importance dominate the landscape, but contemporary life drives the city. We arrived at their huge rail terminal and were immediately boggled by the task of finding our B&B. In very broken Italian (we took lessons on the ship), we assaulted several citizens until we found it. Then off we went, exploring many a piazza and winding passage on our way to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The moon was full, the streets less congested on this Sunday night; hand in hand, we visited sights we hadn’t seen in 40 years. And in this time, we’ve changed and so did they.



The crowds have grown radically since the early 70s, and the attractions have had to change to deal with it . Where we were once able to stroll into the Coliseum unimpeded, today you see throngs of people lined up for hours, all willing to pay steep admission prices. It had become Disney-fied. We, and friends Howie and Gloria, booked a tour of the newly-opened underground section, the areas where the wild beasts and the gladiators awaited their fate. Then we visited each of the 3 floors, with some serious stairways to add to the fun. This building accommodated 80K people, and the sheer size is eclipsed by the fact that it was built in the year 72 AD. And the fact most astounding to me was that it was built largely with Jewish money, plundered by the Romans from conquering Jerusalem, looting its people and heavily taxing the Israelite tribes.  



On our second day, we spent the bulk of the day visiting the Vatican Museum, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon. This felt like being in a marathon for the distances covered, the stairs climbed, the crowds encountered, and the sheer amount of energy needed. All three were impressive almost beyond comprehension, and I hit the wall about halfway through before getting a second wind. You can only look at so much beauty at a time. And you can only get bumped, corralled, and lost so much before you just want to stop and drink alot of the great Italian wine here. (we’ve been having our share).



Don’t get me wrong. We loved the city and all it has to offer, but the energy, noise, dirt, and physical demands are great. After only 2 days, we longed to escape. We didn’t have the comfort of a tour bus to ease the pain. We were running the Amazing Race, but without the cameras and the $Million at the end. It’s been a great time here, and there is so much more we could see, but we long for saner surroundings, so we soon leave for Cinque Terra, 5 scenic towns on the Italian coast connected by a trail which so many have said is not to be missed.

Comments

The Sunnies
2011-05-22

Your vivid descriptions continue to be a delight to read. It certainly sounds like you have been doing plenty of roaming in a most magnificent city. The pictures you have taken are truly breath-taking and make me want to move Warren off of the sofa immediately and onto a plane across the ocean! Hopefully, we will retire one day and perhaps even join you on one of your adventures! We will have to select a place where we will never want to go again, as with the trouble we create, we may not be welcome back!
Continue to enjoy every beautiful sight you are so fortunate enough to be experiencing. You definitely have an appreciation for each and every part of whatever you see and do. We wish you continued safe travels......

cissie.retired
2011-05-22

Hi Bonnie and David,
I relished your wonderful description of the days in Rome. Fascinating tidbits of information and beautiful photos to boot. So good to have friends along on this journey to share the experiences and ideas...keep these blogs coming. they are greatly anticipated.
Cecile

2025-02-10

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