The last of Rome

Rome is a typical hustle and bustle city except that every now and then you spot some ruins. Bizarre. 

The church opposite the Trevi Fountain, La Santi Vicenzo Anastazio.

Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum

Christi got a caricature done. I think it's safe to say that it doesn't really look like her but it was pretty cool anyway.

Some rather questionably shaped pasta.

This rather random collection of photos is the last of Italy. Next up is Greece. Wowee, at this rate I will finish blogging about my holiday by Christmas. I like it though. I get to relive all the memories. It's like taking the trip all over again. 

The beautiful ceilings of the Vatican

St Peter's Basilica

Zara, hurry up and come to South Africa!!! Pleeeeeease?

I have mad love for Zara, I tell you. I can't wait till one opens in South Africa next year. I found this messenger bag at Zara in Rome.  Europe's having their summer sales at the moment. I could quite easily have gone crazy if I had more space in my suitcase!

Sweet tunes

Last post for today, I promise. One of the many things that I loved about both Italy and Greece were the musicians alongside the road. Even the little gypsy children who all sung the same song. This chap's sweet tunes made walking up a steep hill in the heat just a little bit more tolerable. Thank you and thank you again.

Rome, Part IV: The Vatican

This is the view of St Peter's Basilica from St Peter's Square.
 I had just sworn off going out between 12 and 5 because of the blistering heat, but how could I refuse the opportunity to go to the Vatican? We decided to go on a guided tour because it meant that we could skip the horrid queues. We had an incredibly charismatic and extremely intelligent guide called Silvio. I wish I could have had Silvio in my pocket throughout my time in Italy. He could enlighten me with  interesting facts and then entertain me with his singing and his jokes. Ah Silvio, what a champ! 

The Obelisk.
The Pope lives in the building on the right. Second floor, last room on the right hand side. True story, or so Silvio said. 

Statue in the Vatican Museum: "Apollo Belvedere"
This is a statue of the Greek God, Apollo. It is considered to be the epitome of male beauty.    

Statue: "Laocoon and His Sons". Such an interesting story behind this statue. If you're interested, you can read about it here. 

We also went into St Peter's Basilica which was just absolutely amazing. I had to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn't dreaming (had to do that a lot this holiday, actually). This statue, Pietà by Michaelangelo, was in the Basilica. I remember studying this in art when I was in Grade 9. Ever since, I have been fascinated by it. And then I saw it in real life. Wowee, but it literally took my breath away. And I had a little lump in my throat. First time a piece of art has done such things to me. This isn't my picture, of course. In the Basilica we could only take pictures without a flash, so all my attempts were rather futile. But I had to share it anyway. Incredible. 

Rome, Part III : Trevi Fountain

I remember seeing the Trevi Fountain in the Lizzy Mcguire Movie when I was a kid. Yes, I am admitting that I actually watched (and liked) that movie. I wanted to go to Rome sooooo badly after that. Yay that I eventually did.

The Trevi up close.

Even though it looks like I'm fist pumping the air, I actually did throw a coin into the Trevi. Let's hope I will be returning to Rome. Quick question: Who picks up all the coins in the water? And where do they go? Just asking...

This poor soul has to stand in the heat all day and blow her whistle every time some stupid tourist tries to put their hands in the water. Respect. 

Rome, Part II : When in Rome...

When in Rome, there are certain touristy things that you have to do. Going to the Colosseum is one of them!

Some of the statues at the Colloseum.

Rome, Part I : Piazza della Repubblica

This is the lovely Piazza della Repubblica. The fountain in the middle is the Fountain of Naiads. 

We stayed at the Hotel Patria, about a block away from here. I really wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone. The decor is so awful that it leaves you in a permanent state of nausea. No jokes. And the shower in my room was clogged for the first two days. My shower routine was as follows: Shampoo hair. Turn tap off. Let water drain. Rinse hair. Turn tap off. Let water drain. Condition hair. Turn tap off. Let water drain. You get the picture. Then on the last day the shower started leaking and I was left in a mad scramble for every towel I could get my hands on to avoid flooding the bathroom. Also not the friendliest staff either. Summary of this paragraph: don't stay at the Hotel Patria. 

In the Piazza della Repubblica is the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. It really doesn't look like much from the street but once you go in, it really is awe-inspiring. The one and only Michaelangelo was the architect who designed this church.