All Roads Lead to Rome

We got into Rome August 16 and although it was really hot we decided to wander around. Minutes from our hotel was the Circo Massimo (where they had chariot racing) and Palatine Hill behind it (where all the rich Romans lived). We were a little in awe to say the least.

Then we made our way to a view of the Forum.

This is my favourite building. It is the 'Victorio Emanuele II Monument', I still don't know what it is but it really was beautiful. Unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy it for as long as I would have liked because 'O.D.B.' (Old Dirty Bastard) was trying to strike up a conversation with us... but ended up just talking at us in broken English. We were pretty determined to ignore him. 'O.D.B.' was a really old, dirty, stinky guy, with maybe 5 teeth left, carrying all of his belongings in a plastic bag. He was sitting beside Andrew telling him where we should visit in Rome (the Colosseum and the Vatican were a couple of suggestions...). Andrew was doing his best not to engage in conversation. After a few minutes of annoyance we decided to leave to get away from 'O.D.B.'. Before we made a run for it 'O.D.B' asked if we would send him a postcard when we got home, Andrew had to inform him that there were no postcards in Red Deer so it would be impossible (plus I doubt he had an address). As we walked away we couldn't help but turn around to watch 'O.D.B' start to work his next victims.

We went to the Trevi fountain next, where Andrew WASTED 2 cents by throwing it into the fountain. I was appalled and refused to throw any money in. I guess Andrew will be coming back to Rome by himself.

August 17 we decided to go to the Vatican. On our way there an old guy pulled his vehicle over to the side of the road to ask for directions. He had his map out and he was asking us if we spoke English. I felt bad, so I said we did, and he asked how to get to the Vatican. Andrew told him to take a left on the 4th bridge. He was so nice that he offered to give us a shirt and a jacket for helping him. Wouldn't you know it, he was in Rome from Paris (YUCK) for a fashion show. I thought it was strange that he said he was from Paris because he clearly had an Italian accent and it was really strange that he was in Rome for fashion because the clothes he was giving us were disgusting. As we went to take the clothes so that we could continue on our way, he held onto them and proceeded to tell us about how he had gambled away his gas money the night before. He clearly had no intention of 'giving' us the clothes in return for the directions until he had been paid. It is too bad that we didn't care about his imaginary 'gambling problem' or about his lack of gas money, because he remains stuck with those ugly clothes.

Here is the square outside the Vatican. Andrew informed me that this is where Ewan McGregor saved Rome by flying a helicopter with a bomb in it into the sky (Angels & Demons).

Inside the Sistine Chapel... before the security guard said 'NO PICTURES'.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica.

August 18 we decided to spend the day looking at Rome's ruins. Here is part of Palatine Hill.

The Roman Forum, with the Colosseum in the back.

The Colosseum, where Andrew informed me that Russell Crowe killed Joaquin Phoenix and turned Rome back into a republic (Gladiator). He knows a lot about Roman history!

The Pantheon.

We went back to the Colosseum at night to see it all lit up.

Today, August 19... we were lazy. We were going to go to the old Roman port, but it was a long way away. Then we were going to go to the catacombs, but it was far away too. So we decided to just walk around the city again.

The Spanish steps.

Back at the Trevi fountain.

Rome is a beautiful city, especially if you can avoid the touristy areas where there are creepers like 'O.D.B.' and other weirdos who try to give you flowers by resting them on your arm and then demanding to be paid.

Off to Milan next.