Rome - The eternal city

We were touring central Italy's Renaissance city of Florence in: 

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/09/florence-where-leonardo-da-vinci-was.html. 

The next and final stop in Italy saw us traveled down south to Rome - The eternal city. 

Football fans will know the club AS Roma, and legendary captain Francesco Totti. 

Rome is the capital of Italy, and according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome, was the 11th most visited country in the world, and 3rd most visited in the European Union. No trip to Italy could be completed without Rome on the itinerary. 

As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. It was founded in 753BC by King Romulus (Roman Kingdom). Then, Rome became a Republic, and then an empire. In Malaysia, we studied about Rome in Form 4 history text book - Emperors like Julius and Augustus Caesar. It was one of the 4 great world civilizations, along with Greek, Chinese and Indian civilizations.  

"Marcus Agrippa, the son of Lucius, three times consul, built this." (2000 years ago)

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We took the Italo train from Florence to Rome, and reached our AirBnb around 5.30pm on 14th December 2018. Stayed at 30 Via Pavia, a spacious and comfortable place by Andrea. We allocated 4 days (3 nights) in Rome. 

Being a 2700 year-old city, Rome is a fantastic city to walk in. Every corner on the street seems to have important landmarks and attractions.

Walking tours would normally start at the Spanish Steps, the iconic 135 steps that connects the Spanish Plaza to a church on top of the Pincio Hill. 

The Spanish Steps (left) and Trevi Fountain (right)

Walking tours would normally start at the Spanish Steps. The walking tour we joined was the biggest I have seen - 45 participants! As predicted, the stories, historical facts and myths went on and on. 

The Roman Forums were a place of political debates, speeches and intellectual sparring. 

The Roman Forum

The most famous ruins of course, is the Colosseum. Built in 75 AD, it is still the biggest 'stadium' in the world, and still standing! 

I felt that there were too many sites to cover (slowly), and decided to just walk around the perimeter and marvel at this engineering marvel 

In hindsight, maybe we should have entered, but as the saying goes "有遗憾，才会回来" (Leave it for next time)

2 full days (4 days 3 nights) was not going to be enough. There was just too much to see, and we were definitely not going to rush through sites for the sake of photos. The perks of free-and-easy travel, in contrast to tour-packages, was the ability to plan our time. There are always attractions that warrant extra attention and details. 

The 30m Trajan's Column, since 107 AD

The best preserved building from ancient Rome though, is the Pantheon, from the time of Augustus Caesar (27BC - 14AD). 

You can only marvel and take your hats-off - Marcus Agrippa was a lieutenant of Augustus

A travel habit of mine is to send postcards. Unfortunately, the Italy postcards sent never arrive. We bought stamps of 'Friends Post', some unknown third party company, which had horrible reviews. It was actually set-up as an alternative to the inefficient Poste Italia. The postal service in Italy still has much to be desired. 

Like all civilizations, Rome is situated by the Tiber River. 

The Tiber is the 3rd longest river in Italy

With rivers come numerous bridges, and road sign. 

A road sign? This was definitely part of Dan Brown's Thriller - The Da Vinci Code

I highly recommend you to read The Da Vinci Code before going to Rome. You would appreciate the sites, sculptures and history more. 

Castel Sant Angelo - Mausoleum of Handrian (erected AD134) turned military fortress

Crossing the River Tiber, you approach the Vatican City, spiritual home for 2 billion Catholics worldwide. 

And a huge tourist attraction (with pick-pockets)

St. Peter's Bascilica

It was December, and part of the reason we chose Italy for a family holiday was the consideration for a hotter climate. Still, it was around 1 degrees Celsius during the evening. 

St. Peter's Square, with the Egyptian Obelisk (erected 1586)

The biggest church on earth - Michelangelo, the Florence-born artist was a major 'influencer' in the 1500s

By the end of the day, I could actually feel my leg muscles. Everyone was knackered. Everyone did well. It was good to be able to take breaks and rests. Wandering and tracing footsteps in cities so rich in history and tradition is a dream of every traveler. 

Traveling in Italy was a fantastic experience. It was a tour into Medieval and Renaissance Europe. Oh the food (cheese) was also top notch. 

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However, I consistently read about the financial challenges of the European Union. Countries like Greece, Spain and Italy are struggling with mounting debt. It just shows that no empire or superpower could last forever. We need to accept our weaknesses, while respect and learn from others. 

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Anyway, to end on a positive note, we had another bonus during the trip - During the return flight to London. The spectacular views got my eyes wide opened, which is unusual. I would normally sleep during flights. I reckon some will pay handsomely for views like these...

 

Italy from above

I can gaze at the horizon the whole day

English Channel (left) and Swiss Alps (Right)

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It is November 2020 (where did 2020 went???), and COVID-19 is no showing signs of slowing down. It's been a tough year for many. I hold no hopes of traveling for at least the next 1.5 years. I am just glad to be at home. 

We need to adhere and follow all SOPs to break the chain of infection. As our Director General of Health reminds: Follow the 3W's - Wash your hands, wear masks, watch your distance. Avoid 3C's - Confined spaces, crowded spaces and close conversations. 

Take care and stay safe.