Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Again the day started at Yavapai Lodge for breakfast – but a lot earlier today as we need to get all our energy reserves for the upcoming day. 

We drove the Bright Angel Trailhead and then spent the early hours of the day hiking down into the Canyon. On the way down we were passed by 2 groups riding mules and I was having a hard time deciding who was having the more uncomfortable trip down. While we made 3 miles down, we were still 9 miles from the Colorado River, and never going to make it there and back in any period of time we had. We stopped at a water station, before making the much harder climb back up the canyon wall. The views, both down and up, were again like noting I never thought I would see. It is a shame today was so hot that we couldn’t hike further down and see more. This place is truly a natural wonder. 

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Amy & I, Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

3 miles into Bright Angel Trail looking back up at South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Once back on top of the rim, it was a mere ice cream lunch before resting back at the campsite for the afternoon. We spent the afternoon writing in diaries and playing Boggle and ending with a mac and cheese dinner. Again we headed to Mather Point to enjoy the colors of the sunset over the canyon. What a great way to end our stay at the Grand Canyon!

At Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

We went to Yavapai Lodge for breakfast this morning, and to stock up on water bottles for the day. We caught a shuttle bus to bright Angel Lodge, and then another to an area called the Abyss. From here we walked along the South Rim (heading west) for 3 miles to Pima Point. All along the way we had spectacular views of the canyon. We caught another shuttle to Hermit’s Rest (the westernmost point on the rim Road). After walking back a ways, we caught the shuttle again back to Mojave and then walked the mile to Hopi Lookout before getting the shuttle back to the campsite.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Amy & I, Grand Canyon, Arizona

That evening we drove outside the park to the town of Tusyan, to watch a movie about the Grand Canyon at the Imax theatre. We stopped at a local pizza place there for dinner before heading back into the National Park for an evening hanging around the camp.

Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

We went to Albertsons to pick up a breakfast on the run this morning, as still have a ways to get to the Grand Canyon. 

We did also stop at Four Corners, where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico & Arizona meet. This is the only place in the US where 4 states come together. Of course, I had the obligatory tourist picture taken. 

Me & Amy, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Finally we arrived at the Grand Canyon National Park, via the east entrance. We stopped at the Visitor Center and took our first view of this natural wonder from Devil’s Canyon. For years I’d seen pictures and marveled at this place, but they don’t do the slightest justice. The Grand Canyon is just breathtaking! We set up camp at the Mather Campground before heading over to Aspen loop to walk the edge of the Southern Rim and watch the sunset over the canyon. Beautiful is word often used but it does not go near how this sunset looked. On the way back to the campsite we stopped at an amphitheater to watch a slide show of a ranger who did a 3 week hike along the Colorado River at the Canyon’s bottom.

Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning and straight into Arches National Park. We started the day driving to Devil’s Garden Trailhead at the end of the park to do a 5 mile hike that included Landscape Arch, Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. All the rock formations here are formed by wind erosion and, as the park name suggests, are literally archways. Our second stop was at Sand Dune Arch (2 small natural bridges) and then a mile further along to Broken Arch, which is a predicted name as currently it is only cracked. From there it was on to the Windows, along with Turret Arch and Double Arches. 

Amy, Partition Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Me, Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Turret Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We left the park for a late lunch and to escape some of the heat. We ended up in Moab diner for a huge meal. After lunch it was back to the campsite for a swim.

We went back into Arches, stopped at Balance Rock, before heading the 1 mile to Delicate Arch, where we – and many others – watched the sunset. Due to a sandal blowout we couldn’t get as close as we’d like, but the setting sun behind this lone arch was pretty spectacular. 

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We went into Moab for the evening and saw Scary Movie (yawn) before packing it in for the night.

Bryce National Park, UT to Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning to pack up the campsite and drive to Inspiration Point. In the early hours we hiked a mile and a half along Navajo Loop at Sunset Point. Walking down into the hoodoos and canyon gives you a whole new perspective and appreciation for this natural wonder. I was reluctant to do this walk so early, especially with the long drive ahead today, but I am grateful that Amy made me do it (this is not the first, or last, time Amy will win over my reluctance for us to do something awesome).

Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Just after we left Bryce we stopped at a place called Fairyland. There was nothing special to see here, so time to move on. From here we started our long haul to Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah. The route we take is a minor highway which, while long and windy, was extremely scenic with the canyons, salt hills and various rock formations to be enjoyed with the top down on the car. Our only stops along the way were for gas and Wendy’s for lunch. 

We arrived at Arches at 5pm and went straight into the park for a quick look around. Instead of getting out and looking around, we left to find some accommodations near Moab and the campgrounds in Arches were full. We ended up at the Funpig’s Campground. This sweet campground offered us a spot with a tin roof covering. The site also had a pool, which was all the invitation we needed to stay on site for the late afternoon. Next door was a restaurant, Bucks Grill, where I took Amy on our first real date. A steakhouse was maybe not the best place for me to take a vegetarian, but we were very limited for choice. I also came across the unusual Utah rule where you can’t be served a drink until you have completed the one you have. 

Back to the campsite for a much needed night’s sleep.

Zion National Park, UT to Bryce National Park, UT

We started the day off at Oscars, a local café, for our breakfast sustenance. We then drove into Zion again and caught the shuttle to the Court of The Patriarchs. This reminds me of the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, (but warmer and redder).

Court of The Patriarchs, Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

After that hike we went back to the car and started our journey on to Bryce Canyon. We leave through the tunnel at Zion and exit on the east side of the park before driving Highway 2 (a 1-lane picturesque road) the 80 miles to Bryce.

We arrived in Bryce around lunch and went straight into the park, to the Visitors Center to watch a movie of the history of Bryce National Park. Afterwards we went to the Sunset Campground and scored ourselves a camp site. Once unloaded, we headed along 18 miles of road which runs above the National Park. In contrast to being in the canyon at Zion, Bryce’s road is up high and the canyon features run down the slopes either side. 

Amy & I, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

We made a stop at Yovimpa Point, where we saw the first of many hoodoos this park has on offer. 

We stopped again at Ponderosa Canyon to take in the breathtaking views, we also took a cheesy photo at the sign with the altitude, because I’d never been so high up before (that’ll change in a few days when we are in Denver). Whilst here, we hiked a mile along Bristlecone Loop and saw Rainbow Garden. 

Our next stop was at Agua Canyon, where the rock formation is caused by water erosion, including spectacular Natural Bridge. We next stopped at Piracy Point, Paria View and Bryce Point. While Bryce Canyon is beautiful, it is basically the same hoodoo rock formations at every stop, which makes things a bit samey and lessening the impact of the beauty. I think I much preferred Zion to Bryce.

After a long day, we left the park to hit a supermarket to purchase dinner. A quick meal before we head back to camp.

Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Yosemite National Park, CA

We started off at Merced Grove, only 4 miles from the campsite.  We hiked for approximately 4 miles.  It was a nice walk downhill, but to turn around and come back was a killer!  We were apparently only 100 meters from a bear, but didn’t see it.  We only knew once we were told by other hikers coming the other way. 

We drove up to Glacier Point.  Words cannot describe the view from here as we can see the valley floor, Half Dome, Nevada Falls and the valley running east.  I couldn’t believe how fantastic this place was.  We listened to a ranger give a talk about the park and the Native American traditions. 

On the way back down, we picked up a hitchhiker and took her back into the valley. 

We went for a swim at Swinging Bridge.  While the temperature was hot, it was about 35 degrees, the water was freezing, as all the rivers and lakes are snow melts. 

We go back to camp just as it begins getting dark again, and had another quiet night in the tent.

Amy & I, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

El Capitan, Yosemite, National Park, California

Campsite, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, CA

We drove into the valley but took a 15 mile detour to the south entrance to have a look around.  We rented bikes for 2 hours and rode around most of the valley floor.  We then went up to Mirror Lake, where we walked through ankle deep water sunbaked and generally hung out.  We returned the bikes and headed to another campsite for showers before heading back to our own camp for dinner and for the night.

Me, Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, CA

It was a bad night’s sleep – still getting used to sleeping in the tent.  Heaps tired!  From the campsite we drove to the center of Yosemite.  We stopped at Bridalveil Falls, where we stopped to do a small hike.  Amy pushed on a little further up the falls. 

We drove into the valley and had some lunch some ice cream before going to the Ansel Adams Gallery.  Ansel Adams is a famous US nature photographer.  We drove up to El Capitan and rested in the car before walking to the base to spot rock climbers.  In the early evening, we drove to the Ahwahnee Lodge (a ritzy hotel inside Yosemite National Park).  From here we did an hour long guided tour with one of the Park Rangers. 

After that we headed back to camp where it was too dark to cook

Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Sausalito, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA

We got up early this morning and re-packed the car and headed out to Yosemite National Park.  It was a relatively uneventful 3 hour drive, except finding out about Amy’s fear of bridges. 

We arrived about 12pm and went straight to the campsite first.  We are staying at Hogden Meadows, near the western entrance, a full 26 miles from the valley floor. 

After setting up the tent, we drove into the valley to get our first real view of Yosemite.  WOW!  This place is absolutely amazing.  One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  After wandering around the Ranger’s Station, checking out the Ansel Adams gallery and getting some supplies, we headed back to the camp. 

I drove back out, as Amy drove in.  This gives us both a chance to get a great look at everything.  On the way back we stopped at Yosemite Falls.  The waterfall had only a misty flow, being mid summer all the snow melt had finished for the season.  All the same this is another beautiful part of the park.  I think over the next few days, actually weeks, I’m sure the words “amazing”, “awesome” and “unbelievable” will be used extensively (maybe even over kill). 

Dinner was cooked on our little gas cooker at the camp site.  It is dark by 8.30pm and because we have limited equipment, it was bedtime for us.

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Avignon, France

We woke up this morning to the sound of a couple of drops of rain on the tent. I bought my towel in and noticed that the weather had taken a turn for the worse overnight. Within 20 minutes we were in the tent in the middle of this huge thunderstorm. Thinking it would pass any moment, we had some breakfast and thought we’d wait until all had stopped. Unfortunately, it only got harder, so I had to get out and attach all the ropes to the tent, as we’d only used the basics last night when setting up.

When I’d finished doing this I went to the showers, through knee deep water on one of the campground’s roads, to try and warm up. Of course, by the time I got back to the tent, the rain had stopped, but it still looked to be a miserable day anyway.

We walked over to town to take a look around. The only real sight was the church, which we only saw from the outside, otherwise we just wandered around (in the rain) having a look until two pm, when we walked up to the local cinema and saw Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, which was bizarre, but good, and a great way to dry out for two hours.

Back out into the rain and we walked down to the internet café on the other side of town. There was a problem and the computers were slow, so we didn’t stick around for long, but we met up with two Eurobussers, Nick from South Africa and Steve from Ireland, and we chatted for ages before heading to Maccas for dinner.

We got back to the camp site expecting the worst, but the Taj had handled the rain well, except for a small hole in the floor under my bedroll. We mopped that water up and made repairs with the huge sticky tape bought in Granada.

We were going to go back to town for drinks, but after a few games of cards and the rain persisting, we opted to stay dry in the tent.

Nice France to Avignon, France

We checked out of the hostel at ten am and went to dumped our backpacks at the drop off / pick up hotel.

Today is our last day in Nice so we decided to make the most of the weather and head back for one more day on the beach. It was just beautiful today, as it has been all the others we have been here. We swam at the beach and lazed around in the sun for four hours – a length of time neither of us could handle back at home.

At three pm we packed up and headed back towards the Eurobus pick up point, stopping on the way at a café for a late lunch (cheese and tomato panini) and a McFlurry.

We got our bags out of the hotel and waited out the front for the bus for the next hour. Surprisingly, the bus was on time and we started our trip to Avignon at 5.15 pm. We made one stop at a servo along the way, where I rang the New Mansions to check on our accommodation in London. All is sweet, and we can even stay at Benno’s if we need to. The bus pulled into Avignon at 8.45 pm. The camp site is on the river, outside the town’s walls and as we pulled in, a full moon was just above the town’s huge church, on a perfectly clear night. It made the place look pretty spectacular. We went to our lot and pitched our tent. I can’t believe it’s going to cost us AU$8 a night each, compared to the AU$25 the hostel people are paying. So glad we bought the Taj with us.

We went to the camp’s restaurant and had a small pizza for dinner between us, before retiring early for the night.

Pisa and Florence, Italy

Finally had a good night’s sleep last night. I’m glad we moved the tent.

This morning we caught the bus down to the station to begin our day trip to Pisa. The train took us just on an hour and when we arrived at 11.45 am we went to the tourist information to see what there was to do. Basically, there is the famous tower and a square around it – and that’s all.

Arno River, Pisa, Italy

So, we walked the 20 minutes through the city and university square until we arrived at Campo dei Moracoli (Field of Miracles). Here, although there are a few buildings, you can’t help to look at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This tower leans an average of one millimeter per year. To combat this the Italians have stacked one side with 600 tons of lead. The lean is so much that the tower is no longer open for the public.

Me, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Beside the tower is the huge 11th century cathedral. It is relatively simple inside, with artworks lining the wall, a large Mosaic of Christ above the alter, and a large 11-columned pulpit as its showpiece. It is also said that the façade covering the front entrance has to be seen to be believed. But, as has been our luck, it was being restored, thus covered in scaffolding. The other connection these two buildings have are Galileo. He used the tower to prove gravity theories and used the cathedral’s chandelier to test his theories on pendulums.

Cathedral & Tower, Pisa, Italy

Cathedral, Pisa, Italy

On the other side of the cathedral is its baptistry. We went in there but didn’t spend long as there was really only the pulpit to see (and it wasn’t much).

We found a restaurant just off the square to have lunch at. Roberta had a good pizza, but my lasagna was small and ordinary.

We walked back through town to the station where a train turned up within five minutes. I slept most of the way home and when we got back to Florence (5.30 pm) we decided just to go back to the campsite. Roberta whipped up another great cook tent meal before we headed to the camp’s bar for a couple of drinks and some cards before crashing around 12.30 am.

Florence, Italy

The continuation of cultural overload happened again today. The day started off with breakfast in Piazza della Signoria. This plaza has many statues and fountains including the one of Neptune.

Neptune, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy

Also here is Loggia della Signoria – another area of the plaza which is full of significant statues.

We walked over to the Uffizi, handed over our prepaid ticket (laughed at everyone queueing for the next hour or so), and walked straight in. The Uffizi is said to hold the most important art in Italy, with its collection dating between the 13th – 18th centuries. Inside we saw two famous Botticelli’s – The Birth of Venus and Allegory of Spring – as well as countless works by da Vinci, Raphael, Fra Angelico and (of course) Michelangelo. The gallery’s hallways are lined with portraits of famous rulers and statues of Roman leaders and mythological characters.

When we had finished here it was already time for lunch, so off we went until we found a quiet restaurant for our daily Italian fix (today it was pizza).

After lunch we headed towards the station to organize transport back to Nice. We ended up booking a bus for Friday at 11.30 am which cost around 40,000 lire.

From here we went in search of a supermarket only to find an outdoor market (which of course didn’t sell any food like we needed).

We wandered around the numerous t-shirt, leather, handbag and scarf stalls for a while without making any purchases before heading over to Palazzo Vecchio. This palace was home to the Medici family – rulers of Florentine government of a time (and I believe illegitimate members of Popes’ families at the time). It is now a museum containing artworks collected over a period of time and frescos painted in various rooms. All in all, I didn’t really go much for anything here. Maybe because I was tired, or maybe because I’m all museumed out. However, the second last room I liked. It was full of maps painted well before the discovery of Australia, and its centerpiece was a huge, old globe (on which you could only just distinguish some countries and regions.

Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy

This was our last visit for the day. We headed back to the bus-stop and caught the 13 back to the campsite. We moved the tent to a new spot as the last two nights we had been sleeping/sliding on a hill.

Florence, Italy

We caught buses 12 & 23 to the station this morning as Roberta had made a reservation for us tomorrow at the Uffizi Gallery and it had to be paid for at the tourist office.

With that out of the way we started our first day in Florence by going to the Duomo Cathedral. This 13th century cathedral is the fourth largest in Italy (and actually it’s the 11th largest in the world) and is absolutely amazing from the outside as it is covered entirely by a marble façade (built in the 16th century). The dome inside contains frescos of Judgement Day and some of the stained-glass windows were designed by Donatello, but otherwise the interior is quite non-descript. There is meant to be an incredible view of the city from the top of the dome. We didn’t climb it considering the view from our own campsite.

Duomo, Florence, Italy

Duomo, Florence, Italy

Duomo, Florence, Italy

Next, we walked to the Santa Croce. This church was built in 1288 and houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, as well as a monument to the Italian writer, Dante.

Santa Croce, Florence, Italy

Just outside the church is Museo Santa Croce, which is currently holding a Salvador Dali exhibition – so of course we went in. I’d say Dali is my favorite artist as his imagination is wild and his drawings superb, and this collection was no exception. Some pictures had explanations with them which made them all the more interesting and understandable. My favorite section was a series he did based around the Bible and the Lord’s Prayer. After all the straight-forward religious art we have seen, it was great to see it in a different perspective.

When we finished here it was lunch o’clock so we found a small trattoria to have lunch in.

Revitalized, we headed back to the Duomo to go to its Baptistry – supposedly the oldest building in Florence. The most famous part of the building is its northern door. This bronze door has the Gates of Paradise carved by Lorenzo Ghiberti – 12 scenes from the Bible.

Baptistry, Duomo, Florence, Italy

Our next stop was the Galleria del l’Accademia – home of the famous David by Michelangelo, as well as other sculptures and paintings by this artist and others (including Botticelli). The David is the masterpiece though, and it takes you by surprise, as there is no build up to it. You just turn the first corner and there it is. I also found out that this is the character from David & Goliath – ignorant me had no idea.

Michelangelo's David, Galleria del Academia, Florence, Italy

After the Accademia we found an internet place and sent messages for the next hour.

Our last stop for the day was Ponte Vecchio – a 14th century bridge which is full of silversmith’s and goldsmith’s shops – expensive ones at that. The bridge was the only one of the cities to survive Nazi bombing in World War II.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

We caught the bus back home and had another cook tent meal before heading up to the bar for a couple of drinks and a game of cards to end the day.

Rome, Italy to Florence, Italy

We got up this morning and packed up our tent to begin our journey to Florence. For the last time we caught the 337 and 36 to the station, where tickets to Florence cost us AU$26 each, and a train was due to depart in 20 minutes. We got our seats and went and bought some McDonald’s for brunch. The train was half an hour late departing but this gave is a bit of extra time for diary writing and reading.

The trip took us three hours and we arrived in Florence SMN at four pm and we went straight to the tourist information to find out our best option for accommodation.

We decide to camp again as hostel/hotels are really expensive here. We caught the bus number 13 from the station and half hour later we arrived at Campeggio Michelangelo, next to the Piazza of the same name. We’re on a hill south of the city with a great view over Florence.

We put the Taj up and got straight into a pasta with 4 cheeses on the gas cooker. By the time we’d cleaned up it was dark so we opted for an early night, so as to get started early on Florence tomorrow as we will only have two or three days here and, hopefully, we’ll do a day trip to Pisa as well.

Rome, Italy

The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of every month (and the only Sunday of each month to be open). We got up at six am to guarantee we’d spend as much time as possible there. We were fortunate that our two buses and train connected and we were within 15 meters of the front of the queue at 7.20 am. This is our first serious line up. We had to wait an hour and a half before the doors opened, but at least we weren’t behind the five buses that arrived just after us, or around the corner (where Nelly & Luke were – who arrived half an hour after us), or back to St Peter’s Square (800 meters) where the queue was when the doors opened.

When we got in, we went straight to the Sistine Chapel before going back through the Museums. There were only 15 other people in the Chapel when we arrived, which was a blessing considering the crowd later on. This chapel was built in 1473 for the use of the Popes for private prayer. It was here where Michelangelo’s famous ceiling painting “Creation” was done. His four-year work covers nine scenes in line with the creation of man, including the famous painting where he and Adam are reaching out to each other. Three of the surrounding walls show 14 other Biblical scenes as painted by the likes of Botticelli (amongst others). The wall above the alter is covered by Michelangelo’s “Last Judgement” which he did 24 years after the frescos of the ceiling.

After about half an hour in here we went back to the entrance and paid 6000 lire for an audio tour of the museums. This was well worth it, as we walked through so many rooms of art collected by Popes over the years. Four of the most important being the Raphael Rooms. All paintings in these rooms were either painted, drawn or overseen by Raphael. There were also countless statues, Egyptian relics, maps of Italy’s regions, and religious artworks which would have been left unexplained had we not had the audio guide.

The tour ended in the Sistine Chapel, which, by 12 pm, had become packed. We were here for another half an hour listening to the explanations behind the Chapel, its art and the restoration done to it.

When we eventually got out, we went to a restaurant, Garden Lino, for lunch.

We went back to Ottaviano Station and caught to train to San Giovanni to go and see Basilica di St Croce in Gerusalemme, which is said to house the nails that were used in the crucifixion of Christ. Unfortunately, this scaffolded building was closed.

Down the road, however, was the open Basilica di St. Giovanni in Laterano. This is the church of Rome, originally built in the fourth century, but destroyed over time, before being rebuilt in the 17th century. This was a beautiful church inside with large statues to be found of the 12 apostles. Outside was, once again, under restoration, and none of the front could be seen.

By catching the train back to Colesseo we completed the trifecta of “under restoration” churches by going to San Pietro in Vincoli, which was open for our visit today. Its two famous artifacts are Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and the chains used to hold St. Peter before his crucifixion. Besides that, the church was non-descript.

This bought an end to five solid days of Roman history and culture as we headed back to the campsite for our last Roman cook tent supper. Rome has been amazing for its sights, how cheap it has been for us (thank God for the Taj Mahal), not to mention the fun / unease of watching Roman drivers. I don’t know how they survive.

Rome, Italy

Today we tried to go to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, but we arrived only half an hour before closing time so decided to try again tomorrow.

What we did instead was catch a train to Piramide to go and have a look at Piramide of Caio Cestio. This small pyramid was a dud. I don’t know what, or who, it was for as there are no descriptions or entrances to have a look in. (I’ll have to look it up in my Rome book).

Piramide of Caio Cestio, Rome, Italy

Me, St. Peter's Dome, Rome, Italy

We caught the train back to Colesseo to go to Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli, but it was closed such has been our luck for the day.

We decided to go home and do the laundry and have an easy afternoon. We cooked pasta carbonara at the tent and spent most of the night hanging with our tent neighbors, Nelly & Luke from Spain via Britain. They gave us some tips for tomorrow and for Florence when we go on Monday. We went to bed at around 11 pm to help with our early start tomorrow.

Rome, Italy

Once again, we caught our two buses into the train station and then caught the Metro to Colesseo to go and see, as you could guess, the Colosseum. What I did not expect was to see it as I stepped out of the station right in front of us. Our first viewing though was of scaffolding and once again my heart sunk. Fortunately, it only covered a small section outside. Phew! We did a lap around the outside as the queue to get in was the longest we’d seen anywhere. By the time we got back around it had started to rain and the queue had disappeared and we walked straight in. The rain continued as we walked around the ground level of this 2000-year-old stadium, which had also been used as both a fortress and a quarry. We climbed the steep stairs to get to the next level and while doing so it started to pour. A thunderstorm had come over Rome and you could barely see across the street. We stayed in the refuge of the stairwell for 20 minutes until the rain stopped. The view over the Colosseum from the next level gave it a better perspective. It was possible to fit 80,000 people in this building, and with the original floor gone, you could see into the maze of animal cages and storage rooms below. I’d love to be able to picture / see it in its original condition. 

Me, Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Me, Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Across the road from the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, built in 312 AD, to commemorate Constantine’s victory over his rival, Maxentius.

Arch of Constantine, Rome, Italy

Across from this is the 26 square kilometer area of the Roman Ruins. This is an area of Rome dating back 2100 years which has been continually excavated since the 1800’s. After the Roman Empire’s importance declined in the 4th century, this area of temples, buildings, and monuments fell into ruin and until excavations began, was used as pasture land. Some of the more significant monuments here include Tempio di Antonio & Faustina – an eighth century church (still in good condition) built as a senate building 1000 years previous. Tempio di Saturno – of which eight granite columns remain of this most important temple. Also here is the Temple of the God Julius, which was built by Augustus in memory to Julius Caesar. Even today the shrine is covered in flowers and messages for the once great ruler of Rome. There are so many other monuments here that it would take a month of Sundays to record them all. Roberta and I took the easy way, she bought a book about the Forum, while I purchased one on Rome.

Temple of Antonius & Faustina, Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Basilica of Maxentius, Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Me, Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

After spending a few hours here (and nearly two rolls of film) we walked up the hill to Piazza del Campidoglio, where currently the local government has its offices. It is flanked by Musei Capitolini, which houses many Roman artworks and sculptures including the remains of the statue of Constantine, once a huge statue which had been excavated in the Roman Ruins area. The museum also has a statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius – of which a replica sits in the middle of the plaza. This bought an end to our huge day of sightseeing.

Me & Marforio, Palazzo dei Conservatori, Rome, Italy

Palazzo Centorio, & Marcus Aurelius, Rome, Italy

On the way home we stopped at a trattoria for our splurgy Italian dinner (prosciutto, spaghetti, veal and gelati). We got home around 10.30pm and crashed for the night.

Rome, Italy

We left for our day out at around ten this morning. We caught our usual 337 to Siemprione and then we caught bus 60 to Barberini, where we caught the Metro to Ottoviano.

After a lazy McDonalds lunch, we made the short walk to the Vatican City. This I knew would be a momentous occasion. We walked through the outer columns of St. Peter’s Square to see the Basilica when, just my luck, the entire Basilica was covered in scaffolding for restoration work. I couldn’t believe it! It was heart wrenching. Here was the most significant building I’d seen to date, hidden by a mountain of metal and mesh. Devastated! However, I went on (I don’t know how). We had been warned that the queues here would be extremely long, but like Notre Dame and London Tower / Crown Jewels, we walked straight in. Instantly you are in awe of this beautiful church. Immediately to your right, as you walk in, is a statue of Madonna and Christ (Pieta) done by Michelangelo at the age of 25, my current age. This artwork, protected by bullet-proof glass, is Michelangelo’s only work to carry his signature. The paintings and mosaics here are fabulous, as are the statue-lined tombs of previous Popes. The centerpiece is a canopy sculpted by Bernini, called Balacchino. Underneath it is believed to be the remains of St Peter – the first Pope. The church’s artefacts also extend to a cellar area.

Me, Vatican, Italy

St. Peter's Square, Vatican, Italy

Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter's Basilica, Me, Vatican, Italy

St. Peter's Basilica, Me, Vatican, Italy

When you exit here it brings you to the ticket office of the dome of St Peters. We paid our 6000 lira and caught the elevator half way up and then climbed to 373 steps. Along the way we stopped inside the church to look down on the main altar. Once again, my fear of heights came flooding back to me, but I wasn’t going to come this far and not look out the top. The outside of the dome is up high and although the view over Rome is amazing, I hated being near the open railing. We were outside for about 15 minutes before making the long haul down, with a stop at the souvenir shop on the way. The lift down bought us back into the Basilica, where we did another lap to take in all in. We then sat on the steps and wrote some postcards to be sent from the Vatican post office. As we walked out of St. Peters Square, I turned around once more in the vain hope that all the construction works had been magically pulled down, but to no avail.

St. Peter's Square, Vatican, and Rome, Italy

From here we walked to Castel St. Angelo – we didn’t go in as it was soon to close – but around it was like a temporary market where we stopped for a gelati.

We started our trek home by walking to Lepanto station, catching the train to Termini and then the two buses. In between buses we looked for restaurant, couldn’t find one, so settled for a cook tent meal instead. We’ll dine out tomorrow.