Rome day 2 - 19 May

Shocking night's sleep. Was so hot in the room even though we had the ac on the whole time, however no one ever died from a bad night's sleep, so down to breakfast we go at 7am, ready for a 7.45 departure. The tour itinerary says, 'This morning take a guided tour that takes you past some of the city's most famous sights, including the Forum, Colosseum and the Pantheon.' What transpired was an almost 7 hours walking tour! If you have ever been to Rome, then you know it is very hilly, steps are uneven and sidewalks almost non existent. By the time we got back to the hotel I was ready to collapse in a heap. However, back to the tour. We headed straight to the Colesseum, for an 8.30 entry. There were lots of people around but nowhere near as crowded as yesterday. Simon was our local guide and he certainly knew his ancient Roman history, but there are so many bricks, steps or marble columns that I can stand and look at before my eyes glaze over.

We finally leave the Colosseum and walk to the Vestal Virgins house (yes, they let us in), and the Forum.

There is no shortage of other ancient buildings all around, wherever you look. I love seeing the red poppies spring up in lots of places too.

We wander through the Jewish ghetto area and finally stop for lunch. Julie and I elect to have a light lunch again, but were very dusappointed with bruschetta as it was simply diced tomato on a bit of crusty bread, plus we were charged 3 Euro just to sit outside!

I was well and truly ready to head back to the hotel, but Simon is determined to keep us walking for another 2 hours. We get to the Pantheon and it is jam packed in the square out front. You now have yo pay to inside, yet when I came here about 15 years ago it as free, and no crowds. Anyway, we keeop walking to the base of the Spanish steps. Everyone is tired and worn out so it is agreed that we will now make our way back to the bus. It was a welcome relief to finally get back to the hotel and put our feet up. I can't believe that Travelmarvel deliberately included a 7 hour walking tour as our first full day in Rome. It's not like we are in a Contiki back packers tour. Everyone is at least 60 and a few considerably more. One lady (who I've dubbed Muriel) didn't last til the end of the Colosseum tour, and so took a taxi back to the hotel. The NZ lady didn't even come at all... Tomorrow ofcourse is another day so here's hoping there are no more walking marathons.

After a rest and time to catch up on yesterday's blog, we decide to head out and find somewhere for dinner. It isn't cheap anywhere, but there is no shortage of options. We decide on alittle restaurant thatis a couple of blocks from our hotel. Julie had arancini entree and says her pizza was great, and for the first time that I can think of, I ordered a medium rare classique hamburger.The fries were once again disappointing so I have learnt my lesson well now not to order meals with fries again in Europe. However, the hamburger was great. Very filling. Waddled back to our hotel and settled in for an early night. Arriverderci Roma!