Day 29. - Roma 2 - Monday October 10

Day 29.  Roma 2 Monday October 10

The day began on the middle of the night really when the only other guest in my 6 bed dorm arrived trying to get into the room. The Italian locks can be quite tricky. 2:30 am - just arrived in the ferry was all the info I got from him. He promptly went to sleep and I was left awake😳

Breakfast was provided at this quiet establishment but I had to get the lady away from reception to help get things together. I really think I was one of only 6 who stayed last night and four of those were a young family.

Over breakfast I tried to decide what to see and after some research I discovered that Roma had similar things to offer as London did for a person like me. Hop on hop off bus tours and a Roma pass that got me a lit of cool bargains. So off I went to the city, more confident in what I was about to do than I was last night. First stop Colosseum and I'd go from there.

The train trip was interesting. I saw three dogs that were travelling with their owners. The tincy wincy one next to me sat quite still the whole trip and followed his master off the train - all without a lead. The second thing I noticed was the whole train was covered in graffiti art. Almost as if it was commissioned.

The colosseum was big. Huge. Colossal. I wandered around the growing queues wondering how I could avoid them. Did I really want to go in. I eventually found a place that was selling the Roma Pass which gave me free entry to the first place I went to as well as allowed me to join the very short queue. It only took 30 minutes to get in. No drinks allowed. And bags through a scanner. Inside was brilliant... Although crowded. I let the photos that will eventually go here do the talking.

After this I confidently set off walking but soon got lost. Google maps told me I was heading in the complete wrong direction. I had been tossing up whether to buy the hop on hop off bus tour - there were 6 buses to choose from and spruikers everywhere - so in the end I allowed one guy to talk me into it. And on the bus I went.

I think I used it well. I got off to check out Michaelangelo's steps and one of the SantaMaria basilicas ( there are a few) then after a spot of pasta for lunch I was back on again, resisted getting off at the Vatican - that's tomorrow - and instead got off to check out the Trevi fountain. Too many people for my liking. So I bought an ice cream and spent time being one of the few people not spending all their time behind their phones/cameras. I did take some pics though I cannot tell too big a lie.

Back on again for a part of the trip that took too long and spent 15 outside the Termini - main train station - I don't know why. I was starting to regret this bus ticket thing although it did allow me to see a whole lot more of the city than I would have seen on foot.

I got off again back at the Colosseum and went the other way. It was 4:30 by the and the wasn't a line for the Forum. Little did I realise how big this was. I'm not sure if it was free to get in but the Roma Card was scanned and in I went. This place was awesome. I really had a sense of this place 2000 years ago. Ruins yes but so many explanations I could just see it. I also went crazy with the camera as the late afternoon light and rain clouds combined with the ruins made for some arty shots.

After this I went cruising with the crowd and ended up at the REAL Michaelangelo steps and they lead up to .... The museum. It was 5:30 and closing time was 7:30 so I took the opportunity to explore do many sculptures and Roman heads whilst the crowds were thin. Much preferred time. And great fun.

Lost again after that. It was dark and I needed to consult google again because the map was getting too hard to read. Found my way then and half way back to the station I stopped for tea at a pizzeria.

Eventually found my way back to the hostel at 9 o'clock - even though I promised myself to be home before dark. It was ok though and I am so glad I had such an awesome day in Roma.