Bongiorno Roma!

Hello everyone! We finally made it safe to Rome after 21 hrs of flying. It was 8 am Sunday morning when we landed. We took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. We could have taken the train but we would missed the stuff that we saw on the way in the taxi. Our accomodation is in the grubby Chinatown of Rome. The location is very central, its just behind Termini (Rome's main train station). We buzzed in and climbed the stairs (the apartment was on the 3rd floor) with our heavy backpacks. After a quick check in with Bin (Italian-speaking Chinese lady, very weird) and a quick shower, we set off to start our adventure. Bin gave us a map, which was very handy. We decided to head straight to the Termini to get some brekky.

Now the idea of breakfast in Italy is totally different to what an Aussie breakfast is. First of all, if you ask for a coffee in Italy, you get a cup of espresso, that's it. Apparently in some places, if you ask for a Latte, all you get is a glass of milk. You have to be very clear and say that you want a Cafe Latte or Cafe Americano or Cafe Macchiato if you want milk in your coffee. And with that the Italian usually have it with a small pastry (Brioche/Croissant, etc). But the size of the pastry are usually quite small compare to what we used to in Oz. The price? Very cheap. For a Cafe Latte and a brioche usually it will cost you 2 Euro. But that's if you have it standing up at the Bar (that's what Italian called a Cafe - a Bar). If you decided to sit down to enjoy your coffee and your pastry, that would cost you more. You all confused yet?

After the quicky brekky, we got on the Hop On Hop Off Rome tour bus outside Termini just to get our bearings of central Rome. The weather was quite cool & it was cloudy too. I forgot to pack my jacket from Oz. So here I am at the start of a very cool Spring in Italy, with no jacket. Very smart Kitty. All I got was a flimsy cardigan from Cotton On, that's my protection against the cold. Great. We got off near the Colloseum and started walking towards it. Finally the Sun came out. Phiuh.

We could see the massive structure from a distance, the closer we got to it, the more excited we were. Finally we can see what's all the fuss about. When we were finally there, I was in awe. How could this thing could still be standing til this day? It was massive, grand, awe-inspiring, whatever you want to call it. Bikram started clicking away with his camera. There were lots of people there, tourists, vendors, tour guides, men (and women) dressed as gladiators. It was really weird seeing them in their ancient costume and talking away on their mobile phones.

We were going to check out the inside of the Colloseum but when we saw the line, forget it. We had to do it some other time. We decided to wonder around instead, saw the Arco di Constantino, the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forums ruin. Now I am sure all these are of great importance, I just dont know what. You have to ask Bikram, he's the expert in the ancient Rome history. Because it was Sunday, the road Piazza del Colloseo were closed for traffic. Great photo op to capture the Colloseo in all its glory.

We kept walking and finally reached Piazza Venezia. The structure was massive and unmissable in its shiny white marble. It was built to honour Emanuelle Vittoria II. Apparently the Italians loathe this building. It was quite new (compare to the Colloseo and numerous ancient building around Rome). The Italians think that this building is ugly ass. I personally think its magnificent. Massive stairs leading up towards the statues. There policeman all around the place and as soon as anybody thought it was okay to take a rest by sitting down on the stairs, the polices would blow his whistle telling them to get up immediately. Later on I found out that underneath the stairs were the tombs of unknown soldiers who died defending Italy during the war.

It's nearly 2 pm by now and I think the jetlag started to set it. We sat down in a restaurant near the Palatine and ordered lunch. We ordered 2 plate of pasta & 2 cafe lattes. The pasta were not very good. And the bill came up to 33 Euro! And to top it all off, they took the liberty of taking 2 Euro as tips. Rip off! I know this is my first day in Italy but I know for a fact that for that much money, we could have something a lot tastier than that. The name of the restaurant is Stuzicio, beware everyone!

We started walking towards the Termini to go home. It was a good 1 hour walk and by this time my body was screaming for some sleep, my feet hurt, and I was cranky ass. When we finally arrived at our apartment, hustle ourself to the extremely small and old lift (coz I couldn't be bothered to take the stairs), we crashed. I know it is only 4 pm, but Buona Notte everyone, sweet dreams. Technically it 1 am in Melbourne now.