Day One:
After a much deserved sleep unaware that we had pitched our tent on a mini quarry we moved it to a better spot. That sorted we went on the scavange, finding table and chairs, a roll matt, and washing liquid and sponge!
With the homestead sorted (all we needed was a white picket fence)we headed into Rome. Taking the free shuttle bus to the metro station, then jumping on for a 20 min ride.
With map in hand we bee lined for the Colloseum, passing on the way the most impressive memorial for the unknown soldier, even managing to catch the changing of the guard.
Arriving at the Colloseum we were let in on a great tip from one of the guides. Telling us to buy our ticket at Palletino hill ticket office, so that we could jump the massive que later.
Taking his advice we wandered around Palletino hill after passing the Arch of Constantine.
Palletino Hill and the Roman Ruins were wicked, almost putting Athens to shame.
Rationing our 1.5ltr of water between (because water in rome is so bloody expensive!) proved a disaster! Until we were told that the water from the tap was drinkable. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!
We headed back to the Colloseum, taking turns playing tour guide to our party of one, holding our hats above our head, and providing running commentaries along the way.
The advice given earlier paid off as we strolled aimlessly passed hundreds of people queing for tickets much to their disgust!
The Colloseum is super dooper pooper scooper cool! We spent ages wandering around, taking in the architecture and the atmosphere that you could imagine. Of course we couldnt pass up the opportunity to play out some scenes from Gladiator (matt having to be maximus of course!!!! Fi having to play a slayed lion!) to the entertainment of asian tour groups!
Our last stop on our way back to camp was the all famous Trevi Fountain. Sitting on the edge of the fountain eating our Gelatto ice cream, we watched the tourists flock.
Before leaving we threw our mandatory coin over our shoulder into the fountain.
Back at camp we ate dinner in the resteraunt for our first Italian pizza, where we met Martin an English guy travelling by himself.
Over a few beers and sangrias we shared travel stories and proceeded to get drunk (not our intention but the cant afford to eat budget took its toll!)
Day Two:
Waking to blinding headaches and unbearable seediness in a sauna like tent we figured it best to try and gain some composure poolside. We attempted twice to catch the shuttle bus missing it both times, so we sat around until our third attempt at 2pm finally paid off!!!
Under instructions from our Canadian mate who worked in the camp supermarket, we headed to the holy steps. An unmarked religous secret the steps were moved from Palestine back to Rome by St Helen, and were where Jesus walked up and down during his trial.
There are 12 stairs in total and are covered by worn down oak with glass holes over the top of what is believed to be the stains of christs blood.
General practice is to proceed stair by stair to the top praying and touching your cross above christs blood.
It was pretty awesome to watch.
Keeping in theme with the stair buzz, we headed to the Spanish Steps, which to tell you the truth neither of us got what the big deal was all about?
Still plagued by some lingering seediness we headed to Termini to purchase our tickets to Naples, and headed across for McDees (usual hangover cure). Recieving stone cold chips for the 2nd time, no cheese in our burgers and verbal abuse, Rome is definetly getting a BIG thumbs down in the McDees world challenge! Such a shame that a wonderful city could be tainted the way : )
Back at the campsite, we hung out with Martin again, and 2 guys from Colarado.
Matts camping world was made complete with purchase of pot and spoons and a gas canister. He could finally get the satisfaction of preparing gourmet delights once more!
Day Three:
Making a fairly early start we caught the usual transport into town, heading for the Vatican City. Having a 10 min wait in a deciving line that stretch half the block we paid our 12 euro each and got swept along with the crowd flowing through rooms holding religous artifacts, and rooms with famous walls and ceiling we were in awe with the beauty.
The Sistine Chapel was unbelievable, we were actually viewing these historical master peices for ourselves.
Next stop was St Peters, choosing to save 3 euro each we walked from the ground to the top of the dome by passing the elevator.
The view from the stop was spectacular and the climb up wasnt as bad as we first thought.
Once again saving our pingers we tagged along with other guided tours (we are getting pretty good at listening in while pretending to look at something else or taking photos), to gather as much info as possible. This proved hard when trying to evesdrop on Italian guides and having to deal with the looks when asking questions in English : )
St Peters has to be one of the most impressive churches we have seen.
Strolling through the streets we stumbled upon many secrets of Rome, one of which was a scabby half naked prozzie getting cleaned up in the street, looking very battered.
We made our way to the Pantheon which we were already fully aware of how it was constructed from watching a doco in London. It was cool to see it first hand proving once again how onto it the Romans were.
We made our journay back to the campsite for the last time, happy that we had seen Rome in all its glory.
Camping is wicked because we have seen parts travelling to and from the campsites that would not usually be seen by tourists. Like the hundreds of shantys along side the river Tiber.
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