Sunday, May 02, 2004
Rome Trip - Day 3
Today we had a plan to follow a route described by our guide book that would take us past statues, fountains, ruins, churches (of course) and the Pantheon. However we ended up wandering across the river and through Trastervere, a less touristy, more relaxed part of town. The hill behind Trastervere affords a great view of the city, you can see the domes of all the churches.
Later in the we visited the Castel San Angelo which was originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hardrian but was later converted into a fortress, then into a Papal residence complete with a passageway connecting it to the Vatican. It cost 1 Euro instead of 8 because it was May Day (bonus) but the dungeons were closed (bummer). We happened to bump into Lou's friend from work Rachelle and her boyfriend Robin. We dined with them then strolled passed the Coloseum (lit in lime) at night.
Italian food
In all other countries we have traveled we have found it hard to find good food (usually until the last night, where we find the perfect restaurant). I guess we are price conscious (i.e. tight) and don't eat chicken or pork so we are hard to please. We have had no such problem here. Meals are 8 euro or less and many Pizza and Pasta meals have no pork or chicken. Yay.
For lunch the Pizzarias sell Pizza by weight. You choose the size slice you want and they weigh it. there are gelaterias everywhere (Lou has had one everday).
Rome Trip - Day 4
After a late night we went straight to the Pantheon as it closed at 1. It wasn't too busy and entrance was free (we are on a roll). the Pantheon was a pagan temple, was later converted into a church and contains the tomb of Raphael. It has a simple circular shape and the dome has a hole in the top which lets in a stream of sunlight. The bronze from the roof was removed to be used in the Vatican which is a bit of a shame. the forcast was for rain so we had planned to spend the day at museums but as it was so nice we headed for the park to enjoy the sunshine and play some hacky. It was nice to get away from the crowds of tourists and amongst the locals.
Today we had a plan to follow a route described by our guide book that would take us past statues, fountains, ruins, churches (of course) and the Pantheon. However we ended up wandering across the river and through Trastervere, a less touristy, more relaxed part of town. The hill behind Trastervere affords a great view of the city, you can see the domes of all the churches.
Later in the we visited the Castel San Angelo which was originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hardrian but was later converted into a fortress, then into a Papal residence complete with a passageway connecting it to the Vatican. It cost 1 Euro instead of 8 because it was May Day (bonus) but the dungeons were closed (bummer). We happened to bump into Lou's friend from work Rachelle and her boyfriend Robin. We dined with them then strolled passed the Coloseum (lit in lime) at night.
Italian food
In all other countries we have traveled we have found it hard to find good food (usually until the last night, where we find the perfect restaurant). I guess we are price conscious (i.e. tight) and don't eat chicken or pork so we are hard to please. We have had no such problem here. Meals are 8 euro or less and many Pizza and Pasta meals have no pork or chicken. Yay.
For lunch the Pizzarias sell Pizza by weight. You choose the size slice you want and they weigh it. there are gelaterias everywhere (Lou has had one everday).
Rome Trip - Day 4
After a late night we went straight to the Pantheon as it closed at 1. It wasn't too busy and entrance was free (we are on a roll). the Pantheon was a pagan temple, was later converted into a church and contains the tomb of Raphael. It has a simple circular shape and the dome has a hole in the top which lets in a stream of sunlight. The bronze from the roof was removed to be used in the Vatican which is a bit of a shame. the forcast was for rain so we had planned to spend the day at museums but as it was so nice we headed for the park to enjoy the sunshine and play some hacky. It was nice to get away from the crowds of tourists and amongst the locals.
