Albatros Lazio

... wolf story. It was the largest city on earth at about 1,000,000 residents during the Imperial period, then vacated to 20,000 during the Middle Ages, back to about 3 million today. It has had so many rich historical periods that the museums are specialized – Prehistoric, Etruscan, Egyptian, Early Medieval, High Medieval, Papal Gifts, Construction discoveries, Municipal Gifts, Imperial Rome, Jewish, Public Baths, Renaissance ...

... we had a liter of Chianti for 4 Eurro and a 4 cheese pizza, sat outside and finally laughed. Anyway, I am already nervous about the trips on the train because it really looked scary today while we were there, but must take it in stride. Mick is snoring and I am going to bed! Love to you all more of the Mick and Lisa adventure of a lifetime tomorrow as we head out to see more of Rome!

Since it is the world's smallest country I figured it deserved its own entry. Since I was last here 14 years ago 2 major changes have occurred: 1. New Pope- Benedict XVI, and 2. they aren’t strict about the no shorts policy in St. Peter’s Basilica. So there I was at 10:30 waiting around St. Peter’s Square in the 100 degree heat wearing my long pants that I packed specifically for this moment and they were letting people in wearing shorts. I guess that’s the ...

... what we did. This has been one of my favorite days in my travels. It is sad that we had to call it an early night because we would be leaving Rome to catch a 7am train. Oh...that night we also went to the Trevi fountain...we had to go there because we were told if you throw a coin over one shoulder, whatever wish you make will come true AND if you throw a coin over the other shoulder, you are ensured to come back to Rome. I can't wait to go back!

... chapel of the Popes. There were ceilings and ceilings of Michelangelo works from the 15th century and halls of painting, antiquities, statues, etc. It took us a day to walk the whole museum not to mention that we almost lost my son for 3 hours who went the other way exit out of the Sistine chapel which many did not know. I had to buy the book for 28 euros because there were just to much to absorb and I don't think I ...

... by peoples' front doors which I couldn't work out a reason for. My Dad's cousin, Silvio his wife Maria and their two daughters Michela and Simona live in a tiny apartment in one of these narrow streets. In the afternoon we went to another town on an even higher hilltop that was like Subiaco in minature, all the doors were about 1.8 metres high. It was fun trying speaking with them because I don't know much Italian, and they don't know much English so I did a lot of ...

... There are tourists everywhere and we had to queue for some time to get into the Basilica Church. Going in is free. I would suggest renting the audio guide on the 2nd floor which cover the church as well as the museums in the church. The price should worth the money. The museum entrance cost 3 Euro. Alternatively I think it might be good to engage in a tour guide. The church actually have free tour but will need to book in advance. This church is different ...

A beautiful Sunday Morning in Rome - Since Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest - you will have gotten a break on Sunday and will get Saturday and Sunday's posting on Monday. Our intentions were to go to the Porta Portese Flea Market this morning - but then decided that we probably wouldn't find anything too exciting and we would be mingling with a lot of gypsies and pick pockets - so we decided to head in for a little lunch and then go to the Roman Forum and by the ...

... you Italian junkies) were equally impressive. I simply cannot comprehend how talented the artisans, painters, and sculptors that created the masterworks on display. The Villa Borghese was also quite interesting, although it was pretty much a grand sculpture gallery. Again, it was filled with amazing ceiling paintings and Bernini sculptures. Extremely beautiful. I also liked monument to Vittorio Emmanuele. Quite dignified and ...

... to meet some more travellers. This was my second visit to Rome and had seen most of the major sites so decided to let myself sleep in and fully recover from my "unknown" illness. Later on caught the train into the city with the boys (who also had a sleep in) and headed back to the Vatican and Sistine chapel for another inspection. I hadn't climbed to the top last time so thought I would do it this time.