May 13-18, 2009
So Rome was a challenge for us because neither one of us four had been to Rome, or Italy for that matter. But being in a new place is always exciting once you get past the strange unfamiliarity and psyche yourself up for a new experience, and language.
We had a booking for this place called RetRome. We soon found out that it wasn’t really a hostel as much as a room in an apartment. And there wasn’t a reception and there wasn’t anyone around, so we had to wait outside till the guy arrived. But he was real funny and helpful, giving us lots of tips about Rome. The hostel was pretty decent, the decor was kind of retro, though the bathroom was kind of a problem. Imagine eight people sharing just one bathroom, and apparently the shower drainage got clogged up!
Vatican City
Our first day saw us heading to the Vatican City. The crowds were out in full force and we were queuing up for a bit. In fact, the queue was mostly for a security check, after which the entry was pretty fast. I walked around the square snapping some pictures before we headed into the St Peter’s Cathedral. The basilica was huge and we didn’t really know which entrance led to what. I remember at this point, I called my dad to talk about being in the Holy See. Mostly because I knew I was here as a tourist, and not a devotee. I had to be able to differentiate between what I was seeing and admiring as opposed to what I was believing in, I guess. As a Protestant, I wanted to be very clear of what I took in visually and mentally. And I didn’t want to be taking photos of what I don’t believe in, i.e. images of saints, Mary or Joseph and even Jesus, the crucifix with Jesus still on it and the popes. So I had to remind myself that I was here just to take in the secular architecture and images that were in line with Protestant teachings.
Cute uniform
Swiss guards
St Peter's Square
We headed to the Vatican museums thereafter. But I think Gladys and I both agreed that the Vatican City turned out to be less spectacular than we had first imagined. I guess it’s over hyped in the sense that everyone talks about it as a major attraction when you visit Rome but at the end of the day, what were we there for? Yes, I can say I have visited it but it wasn’t memorable and certainly didn’t leave much of an impression on me. What stood out though was the nice octagonal courtyard and Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel.
View of Ancient Rome
Octagonal Court
Sistine Chapel murals
Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps
After we left the Vatican City, we headed towards the Spanish Steps. Along the way, we passed a few monuments. And also saw streets lined with Vespas (what is Italy without them, right?) The narrow cobbled stone streets and colorful shop houses lent an air of Italian charm to our walk.
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo
The ladies did a bit of window shopping, mulling over Italian-brand handbags. The fascination, I’ll never fathom. We hung around the area for a while, people-watching at the Spanish Steps. Also stopped for a drink at Macs and it turned out Kenny was the one who bought an Italian leather wallet. A seriously good buy though. Lesson learned: Always buy local products, never buy imports.
I guess this adds to the Spanish flavor of the steps
The Spanish Steps
Ancient Rome
We took the metro to the Colosseo stop and got out with the the magnificent Colosseum in front of us. We kept that for later in the afternoon though because we wanted to escape the crowds and do Ancient Rome first. We stopped for a bit at the entrance to the Roman Forum to snap some pics before going in. I was the only one who rented the audio guide so as I listened, I repeated bits that I thought the other three would like to know.
Gladys and I before entering the Roman Forum
It looks a little nondescript maybe but imagining the scene from centuries gone by makes it more creative.
Gladys, Kenny and I
From a vantage point
The ruins were really a sight to behold. Just thinking about the civilization that used to live here lets your imagination run wild with all these ancient bricks, concrete columns and disheveled bits of ruins lying around. Gladiators, men in armor, chariots, Julius Caesar… There was a short drizzle so we stopped to have lunch that we had packed from the supermarket near our hostel. Saw a creepy leaking cave and had a few laughs before we continued up the hill towards the gardens and residences. We got a little tired of the ruins after a while so we decided to head for the Colosseum.
So once we got in, it was not as big as it looks from outside. There’s not much to explore because once you get into the arena, you pretty much see everything. And it looks nicer from the outside too. All in all, ancient Rome was fascinating to look at, only if you really enjoy history and can let your imagination wander. I don’t really enjoy history but I sure did envision the scenes in front of me, maybe a little too influenced by movies.
Not so nice from the inside and looks small too
Group pic inside the Colosseum
I guess the external view is more iconic because of the arches and the partial outer wall.
