Roma- Day Two

It was the first day of 2014 and I was feeling fresh and ready for a new year- what better way to start a year than the place where the great Roman Empire was built. Seems like a good place for new beginnings and great things.

I got up early and went for a stroll past the Colosseo, Arco di Costantino and the Roman Forum. Just sitting there, outside the Forum, I was able to reflect on 2013. A year of endings, beginnings, and the in-between. But I won't bore you with the highlights of my 2013.

Here are some of my favourite photos of the walk:

After a few hours in the apartment reading, writing, and just relaxing...

The boys invited me for a Cappuccino at the Colosseo. It was every bit as fabulous as it sounds. Just us and some caffeine sitting on some ancient stones, watching the tourists go by. Pure. Bliss.

It's odd to remember the history of the Colosseo- the gladiators, death and destruction. Now we visit this place and just relax there.

That is something that has really made me appreciate my travelling even more. I am able to visit these places. I am walking in streets that once saw so much bloodshed and violence. Wars have been fought here- Emperors have roamed. There has been love and loss. I have really been able to focus on the history in my travels. It's important to remember the history of the place- something that is often hard to do when you are surrounded by such beauty. We are so very lucky to live in the world that we do, but we cannot forget the history that got us to this point.

After a beautiful trattoria dinner with Lucia and Pablo, we decided to do Rome by night. We walked past the Colosseo, Vittorio Manuela Monument, down across the river, along the banks of the Tiber, up to the Vatican. It was a brilliant way to explore. Letting the moon guide us, we discovered a different side of Rome.

It was calm, cool, and stunning.

I will never forget the first time that I saw the Vatican. Wow.

The Christmas decor was still up- there weren't very many people around and the atmosphere was calm and reverent. I really felt amazed by the place. It was breathtaking.

It was beautiful and it was perfect.

I even said a little "Thank you" to the big guy upstairs for such an amazing night and prayed that it would be just as amazing in daylight when we made our way back the next day!

Buon anno!

I don't know that I have ever had a hugely wild New Years Eve.

Each year, you can find me one of two places: at my cousin's annual do or at home, eating takeaway with my Mom and Marlene.

While these are both great options, I am sure that you can understand that December 31st isn't usually the most lively of days for me.

December 31st, 2013 was different.

Not only did I spend the day running around Rome, taking in the biggest sites, but I spent the night with some new friends, pasta, 10L of wine, and the Colosseo!

Imagine thousands of people mulling outside the Colosseo, all ready to welcome in the New Year- the atmosphere was just AMAZING. Everyone yelling "Buon anno" to random people on the streets, celebrating together. I don't know that I could ever convey the AMAZINGNESS of the whole night. Instead, here is a collage of my New Year's Eve in Rome.

Buon anno!!

Next year: New York? ;)

Roma- Day One

Rome- the city that oversleeps.

I LOVED the history in Roma. I hated the amount of people.

If I had to choose one word to describe my time in Rome, it would be "whirlwind." We did and saw so much.

Our time in Rome was unforgettable. We had an apartment that was literally steps from the Coliseum. Unbelievable. I woke up to it, daily. THAT is pure bliss.

We saw an unbelievable amount of stuff in Rome. Let's recap the first full day, which was also the last day of 2013:

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) is the widest staircase in the world. And perhaps the most crowded. The 136 steps were built in 1723-1725 with money from a French Diplomat. At the top of the stairs is the Trinità dei Monti church.

Villa di Medici

The Villa di Medici was founded by Ferdinando I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Currently, the property belongs to the French and has hosted it the French Academy in Rome since 1803. It just up the Spanish steps and to the left.
We didn't get a chance to go into the building or to explore, but it looked beautiful and had a great view! I can see why so many artists find solace and inspiration there.

Trevi Fountain

Who could visit Rome without seeing the Fontana di Trevi?! The Trevi fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Not only is it grand at 26.3 metres high and 49 metres wide, but it is so beautiful.
The amount of people that were crammed into the area was stifling. I can see how easily someone could be pick pocketed there. I was able to push myself to the front of the crowd and make a wish in the fountain!

The Pantheon

The Pantheon was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa as a temple to ancient Roman gods under the reign of Augustus (27 BC- 14 AD). The temple is known for its large granite columns and the open rotunda. It has been in use since it was built- known as the "St. Mary and the Martyrs" Roman Catholic church since the 7th century.
When we visited, there was a service happening. How amazing is it to think about the amount of people that have worshipped in that church?! Churches never cease to amaze me. So much beauty and history!

Christmas Market

We went for a little walk on our way home and ended up at a little Christmas Market. Perhaps the oddest Christmas Market I have been to, but it was fun. There was food, games, and so many street vendors.

Vittorio Emanuele Monument/ Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is the central hub for Rome and the busiest traffic area. The Vittorio Emanuelle monument, was built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy and was finished in 1925. It houses the tomb of the unknown soldier.

As you see, day one was full full full. And we came home, made dinner and then we went out for the New Year's celebrations! But, more on that tomorrow!

Ciao bello!

Rome on Dwellable