Viva Italia

First, I should have mentioned weeks ago that you can click on the pictures to get a larger view, and some pictures (not all) have more detail given if you click on the pictures.

The requisite Colosseum photo

Three full days and four nights in Rome, Italy.  A side trip taken on a whim, cost a few more euro dollars than I had expected, but I'd have to say it was worth it.

I know that the Roman Empire was covered in those world history classes back so many years ago. At the time, the only thing that impressed me was Hadrian's wall, which was built between present day England and Scotland to keep those Picts and Celts out of the Roman Empire. Political intrigue, territorial conquests, and who poisoned who for what reason didn't appeal to me that much. I have forgotten much of what I had memorized.

Roman bath house from 300 AD

I was truly impressed with the remains of the Roman Empire. I did not go into a single church, and I avoided the art museums. Only so much can be done in three days. I spent it mostly wandering around the city looking at archeological ruins, outdoor monuments, taking two hours in a nice café for midday meal while reading an english language newspaper, then wandering some more to walk off that pasta.

Some pictures posted. However, it is so difficult to capture the scale of ruins, and monuments and fountains. The fact that these are the remains of buildings constructed 1600 to 2000 years ago I find remarkable. Also remarkable was the re-use of building materials. Taking the travertine from the Colosseum for other buildings, moving statues to display in your own palace, the bronze from Pantheon re-purposed for the dome in St. Peter's Basilica. The church did so much to protect buildings, including the Pantheon and the Colosseum in part by re-purposing them as churches or in recognition of the early Christians.

Another view of Roman bath house

So, similarities and differences between Romania and Rome. Well, you can get ripped off by taxi driver's in both countries. Romania's small businesses tend to be related to cellular phones, currency exchange, and small shops for buying basic groceries and cigs. In Rome, shops were dominated by those selling beauty supplies, beauty salons, and tailors. In many ways, I fit in better in Romania. If only there was a little more sun, and fewer gray, dreary days.

On Sunday 16 December, I flew to Madrid to visit friends. On December 20, it is east to Dublin.

Roman Forum - the old market place

Walk along the Tiber River thru downtown Rome

What's with Romans that this is allowed?

Even priests need a new holiday outfit