Rome
We set out from our hostel in Rome early in the morning. We headed off towards the train station, since it was the only landmark we knew, and had a map with us to figure out how to get around from there. We found this big building (I'll figure out what it was later to tell you) and took some pictures, because it was on the way to the biggest attraction of them all, and our first visit of the day. We then wandered around a few streets and found ourselves lost in a park. We kept thinking "Shouldn't we be able to see this big ol' landmark from here?" I guess trees were just in the way, because suddenly we walked around a corner and saw.....
TADAAA! The Colosseum (Il Coloseo, if you're ever in Roma)
Across the street was some other ancient-looking stuff, so we decided
to head there after checking out the big one.
Walking up to the entrance of the Colosseum we saw this lovely guy, the Arch of Napoleon. Little did we know how many freaking arches are in Europe. The French built them all the time, commemorating everything.
Into the Colosseum we went, Kara wandered ahead as I took pictures.
This picture is from the level where the main floor where all the action took place. Beware,
many references to Gladiator will be coming, its the easiest way to explain.
From above the main floor looking down. This floor is obviously a reconstruction. In Gladiator, it was all covered with sand, with trap doors built in. You can see the tunnels underneath where Russel Crowe waited to go fight, and across the way, you can see a reconstruction of how the seats were. AWESOME.
Me at the Colosseum.
Another shot of the Colosseum, from the other side.
A better view straight down the tunnels.
And one more tunnel shot. Lots of the Colosseum was closed to us, and archeologists were all over. Supercool.
With our Colosseum tickets, we got free admission to a huge historical area where most of Ancient Rome was. This arch behind me is on one hill, another hill has another arch (below, somewhere), and in between is a ton of cool stuff, including the Roman Forum and the steps from where the "Friends, Romans, Countrymen" speach was. Sweet.
Lots of cool stuff here!
We found this dirty-ass little fountain hidden away in a little room. The limestone and sediment from rocks and things over who knows how many years ended up dripping all over making stalactites and such.
Next to the little room was this little seat, so I sat. Look how tan I was! I'm hot!! Up those stairs to the right we went, which bent up and around to a rooftop area, where we saw the source of the water for the fountain.
This gorgeous green thing has a little pool at its base as you see. From there, the water dripped down to the room. Although, this was not the real source of the water. Even higher up, there was a third level. The water ran down all these plants, collected in the pool, then dripped on down.
Kara and I, as always, seized the opportunity for a photo shoot. You can see the stairs on the right to the top.
In the pool, under the plants, were these gigantic goldfish. Sweet.
As promised, lots more ancient Roman stuff. This was locked off from public visiting, boo.
Also as promised, the arch on the other hill. Hoorah.
Rome is all about her fountains and statues. Around every corner, down every alley, there's a surprise. Kara and I wandered off, with plans to see the Fountain of Trevi, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and anything else that looked remotely cool or interesting. This fit the bill, a giant building with statues and fountains.
Same building, different angle. This is where Kara and I started to understand the statement "When you're in Rome, do as the Romans do." It was hotter than heck, and with us walking all over we were super sweaty and nasty, and we realized that all the Romans were stopping at the fountains to rub water on their hands, heads, etc. Next to each of the big fountains was a small hose piping fresh water for drinking too. Awesome.
So, then we walked on, stopping at strategic fountains to cool off. We came to the Pantheon, which looks like a regular old Roman building from the outside. Its an ancient temple, which has since been converted into a church. Most architects consider the Pantheon the crowning achievement of Roman architecture. Why?
The Dome. It was super cool. Its designed so that the light from the sun reaches every corner. And yes, it rains inside, but there are little drains in the floor (supposedly, we looked but couldn't find them). Sweet place.
Above is the Fountain of Trevi. It was sooo cool! This is the only fountain in Rome that people throw coins into- you're supposed to throw 2- one for a wish, and the second to guarantee your return to Rome. Of course, Kara and I tossed some money in- we couldn't risk not coming back! The dude who designed this fountain made it purposefully so you can hear the water falling before you can see the fountain, as a result its hard to get the damn thing in just one picture. So you get to see it in two. Deal. Its cool. Of course, we cooled ourselves off here too.
Kati and Kara photo opp!
Then there's the poorly named Spanish Steps, which lead up to a bunch of French stuff. Stupid Europeans. We sat on the steps for a bit, but all the shady spots were taken, so our butts were burning. Ouch.
Me burning my butt.
The view down the steps. Lots of tourists.
We finished the day where we started it, back at the Colosseum, where we took a few more pictures.
Me at the Colosseum. Yahoo.
Kara reenacting our morning search for the Colosseum when it was basically right behind us.
A tree Kara and I sat under when we desperately needed some shade on the walk home. Isn't it pretty?
Man, I love Rome.
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