Ancient Rome

Today's destination was ancient Rome. We hadn't been inside the Colosseum since 1983 (!) and decided it was time for a revisit. It was a very easy trip from the Piazza Barberini (our nearest Metro stop) to Termini, transferring to another line and getting out at the Colosseo metro stop. Once there, we were approached by young women trying to sell us a tour--the entrance to the Colosseo is 12 Euro, and they wanted to sell us a tour for 20 Euro that would include both that and the Palatine Hill. I was willing to go for it; Greg was more reluctant. We finally 'bit' and waited with a bit of trepidation. . .finally, we did meet with our guide, who was a real pro (in the best possible way). We learned about the historical perspective (the Colosseum was actually built after Nero) and the culture of the gladiators. After a very enjoyable tour and 45 minutes or so of wandering around, we met with David, the 2nd guide, who took us to the Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome. The highlight of this was the overlook of the Foro Romano.


We had a quick bite (sandwich from a truck) after the Colosseum tour, so we felt brave enough to trudge on to St. John Lateran, one of the major churches of Rome--there was a bus stop outside the Colosseum and we were there in 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the weather turned threatening at that point and by the time we finished there and caught the subway back to Barberini, it was pouring down rain. A little bit of rest, a little bit of internet, and tonight, we go out for a good meal.

Tomorrow, if the weather is still this yucky, we may opt for the Vatican tour with our 2nd guide, David (who is Australian, but speaks good Italian!)