Back and missing it already!

Well, I'm back and I didn't blog at all from my holiday, but I am going to give you a run down of the things I noticed about Rome, all of the gorgeous art and sights and about the things I have mentioned briefly in my last few blogs.

Of course I really should have blogged whilst I was out there, however I couldn't get as much access to Uncle's Internet as I thought and the holiday turned out to be so much more relaxing than I had originally planned, I sort of floated through it...also it was about 40 degrees most days and so the amount of time we spent outside being active were lessened. But really I preferred it to last year, as we caught the I Love Rome River Festival, which was ace and seeing all the beautiful sights for the second time round gave me a chance to really appreciate them.

So today, I am going to show you a few pictures of the apartment and of the streets surrounding it. I think that although the appearance of Rome seems a little grey and grubby on the outside, nothing can outweigh the atmosphere of easy going life that oozes from everywhere.

Most of the accommodation comprises of apartment buildings. Every one has a balcony of some sort. On the ground floor, you probably get a garden. What I loved about this was that after siesta time, when practically everyone shuts shop and chills for the hottest part of the day (approx 2-5pm) you see everyone out for an early evening stroll, then a little later, you can hear everyone preparing and eating their dinner. It is an incredibly humbling and comfortable feeling to be within that side of the culture. Eugene and Katia live pretty much in the centre of Rome and so there are no Tourist areas. We were right in it.

Before 11.30 am you can comfortably sit in the garden (unless you are used to raging heat) and after that it gets hot hot hot. We did make most of our trips out after that, but we did spend alot of time in the shade, indoors or sipping espresso. We found it very important to make time for breaks. The heat does zap your energy a little and there are plenty of places to stop, although I must make it clear that you really need to be wary of prices in tourist areas. You can grab an espresso (Cafe) standing at the counter for around 80 cents, but sit down, or decide to drink right outside the pantheon or the Colosseum and you could be paying about 3 euros. Our world does like to suck every last penny out of each other!!

Here and there throughout the city are the odd slice of history, as you can see above. The ancient world completely runs into the modern, and even in decor and house fittings, the Romans seem stuck in the past. Not that that is a bad thing...there are beautiful original 1930s marble floors, beds, cupboards and shelving units. All of the kitchen paraphernalia is retro or kitch. I am so going to kit my own place out with similar items and themes...in fact, Dom and I found three mint condition Denby casserole dishes in a charity shop today for...wait for it...£3.50...crazy...anyway...here are a few pictures of inside the apartment.

I'll carry on tomorrow or the next day with the Colosseum...

Ready for the off...

It is finally the day!!! Well the day being the one where Dominic and I have to go to bed early (we're thinking 8pm) so that we can get up at 1am, shower and travel to Stanstead to catch our plane (which I believe leaves at around 6am) Which means we should be standing in Rome, lovely Rome at about 9am, their time! Yay!

Today we spent the morning paying our savings in, changing up a few pounds for Euros and making sure we had the last few bits and pieces, which included some luxuries for Uncle and Auntie! They have a liking for Yorkshire Tea bags and the Yorkshire tea cakes too! Those, along with a hefty pile of crossword puzzle books added to our own under the limit luggage.

Our main luggage has a max of 15kg (we both hit about 10.5) and our hand luggage can go up to 10kg. Mine is mostly clothes so I didn't even go higher than 4kg.
I am a stickler for clothes...and so my luggage as you can imagine is made up of as many favourites as possible!

The holiday is for two weeks also bearing in mind they have a washing machine that we are able to use if necessary.

I am wearing long shorts, trainers, vest top, cardigan and Denim Jacket on the journey out.
The clothes I have packed are , 2 pairs of pumps, 1 pair of comfy sandals, 15 pairs of socks, 15 pairs of pants, 1 cotton type pair of jeans, 3 pairs of long shorts, a skirt, 3 dresses, 2 pairs of leggings, 1 pair of joggers, 6 vest tops, 4 bras, 4 evening wear tops, a hat and two silk scarves.

Phew!

Then I have a shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, soap, moisteriser, sun tan lotion, make up, hair bobbles, camera, phone, both chargers, pens, sketch pad, spare euros, book, toothbrush, toothpaste...
Gah... can't remember much else off hand! I'm trying to finish off Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer before we leave...I think I have about a 1/4 left and I have read it before, however I always seem to be left with a niggling unresolved feeling if I don't finish a book and then move onto another. The one I'm taking with me is The Hundred Sectret Senses, by Amy Tan. I picked it up in a book sale at school, so I have no idea what it will be like, but if I get the chance, I might have a read of it.

Last year we had curry the night we left for Rome and we didn't sleep hardly at all, so this year we are opting for something simple, like egg and chips, or beans on toast. There's nothing on TV though, so I guess I'll keep reading for a bit.

I am looking forward to so many things. Seeing Eugene and Katia, stepping off the plane into the dry, delicious heat, espresso, pizza, giant garlic laden prawns, tiramisu, choclate cream filled profiterole, red wine, delicately carbonated table water, taking pictures, spending so much quality time with Dominic, seeing all of the beautiful things Rome offers, attending the I love Rome river festival, seeing the Angel Castle at night, eating pamigiano Mangero, eating fresh green vegetables, eating balls of mozarella...need I go on?

Man am I looking forward to it! Catch you when I'm out there my friends!!

Rome...It's a bit of an animal!!

One of the things I most definitely noticed in Rome, was the vast amount of animal statues and decor about the place. I suppose it is true of most places, London, Paris, however I was fascinated by the array.

Of course my favourite is perhaps one of the most famous animal symbols in history, the she wolf.
There were many tombs embellished with animals.

I was particularly interested in the lions, which stood majestically about guarding their homes with pride.
There were plenty at the BorgueseGardens. I especially likes the roman faced ones and the beautifully majestic Winged Lions.

The Winged Lions of Italy Every city has its distinction; its mark on architecture. For Venice, Italy that mark of distinction is a winged lion. Why a lion when Venice is a maritime city? The symbol does seem an oxymoron but its roots lie deeply in history. The winged lion was at first St. Mark’s symbol but was later used as the Medici family’s way of showing the power of Venice. Legend tells us that in the Ninth Century some adventurous Venetian thieves stole the remains of St. Mark the Apostle from Egypt. They smuggled the body onto the ship by stuffing flowers and sow meat around the body so as to keep onlookers away. Soon they made it to the vessel and prepared for sail. No sooner than they had made it to the open water, a storm took hold. It was then that St. Mark “appeared” to the captain and warned him to strike the sails lest the ship crash on the rocks. They survived the storm and reached their intended destination. Local Venice religious authorities elected St. Mark as the patron saint of Venice and the winged lion (St. Mark’s traditional symbol) as the logo of the Venetian Republic. The winged lion is a symbol of peace and is seen in a multitude of other locales such as the Assyrian temple, the Gates of Xerxes at Perespolis, and the Winged lion of Babylon. Today tourists can see winged lions not only as a Venetian symbol of power and prestige, but as a part of the rich heritage and mystique of the city. (http://www.epinions.com/)

I was thinking, referring back to my photo idea, that I could quite easily make a book about the animals there. Hmmmm....brain cogs ticking

There are so many that I could honestly fill a volume with praise for the art and the history (if I did my research!)

These floor mosaics were in the Santa Maria Degli Angli. It is part of The Guadi Key. Which is a fascinating window set up to cast a line of light across the floor at certain times. i will go into more detail about the angel Church in my next blog...it is spellbinding!

A lot of the churches were adorned with doves, however I found this stag a quirky addition to a tomb. It makes you wonder why they chose specific animals and whether their family emblem included them, or whether their name translated as it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitoline_Wolf%22%3Ehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitoline_Wolf

http://www.romanhomes.com/your_roman_vacation/quarters/borghese-gardens.htm%22%3Ehttp://www.romanhomes.com/your_roman_vacation/quarters/borghese-gardens.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_degli_Angeli_e_dei_Martiri

All the last bits and pieces

Well Dominic and I listened to about two hours worth of the learning Italian CD. It went okay, but I do have an unnatural aversion to learning languages. I don't know why. I find it quite difficult. I am going to listen to it again today again...see if anymore sinks in. Dominic has been for the past 6 years so he has a basic understanding of Italian anyway. But bearing in mind I only have a week tomorrow (yay!) I really should make more of an effort. I suppose I've been putting it off...I mean I decided to make my car into an Art Car, and I managed to re-read New Moon and I've designed the embroidery for my sister's wedding dress and the invites...I must learn how to get my priorities in order!!

I have managed to piece together all of my toiletries, unmentionables ready for packing. The clothes will have to wait until Monday night I think. I did go to a bootfair last week tho to find a light jacket for the evenings, a cardie and some long shorts and bonus, I found them all!

A denim jacket for £2, a leopard print cardigan for 50p and some really nice white cut off trousers for a £1. Bargain central!! I've also invested in two pairs of sandals (which is not really normal for me) for the less walk walk walk days...and for evenings. I've still got my scarves I bought last year, so I will be taking them for the church visits. My bottom seems to have grown over the year though, so I have no jeans to wear (hopefully it will be too hot) and only a few pairs of trousers. Not that i need to worry as Uncle and Auntie don't mind us using their washing machine. It saves on space in the luggage!

Today I thought I'd talk about the Vatican and its museums. It is my favourite part (cliche I know) and this year our visit will fall upon the last Sunday of the month, so entry is free! Not that I would mind paying, because it is such an amaizingly full visit...you are not left dissapointed.

It means a very very early start, as it follows logically that people will want to get in free and so queue up as early as possible. The line does run all the way around the walls and you can wait for hours if you are not prepared.

The Vatican Museum does offer tours, however these must be booked at least one week in advance. The Museum and Sistine Chapel tour is € 21 Euro. The Vatican Garden Tour (one of the only ways to get behind the walls of the city) is € 13.50.
Tickets for the museum and Sistine Chapel without a tour are € 12 and are available at the door.

I would love to be able to afford a private tour, however I think it is best to go it alone...The guides were everywhere so, you do get to pick up on a few tit bits here and there!

It is sometimes difficult to be patient when following those ahead of you because it is literally a long queue of people filing through the 'corridors' and hallways. There is soooo much to see though. Everywhere you look there is trompe eloil and you will see so much extravagence and gold and beauty that it will probably blow your socks off!!
I suppose the most negative thing I could say about the visit is that it completely changed Dominic's mind on Religion. Once a practising Roman Catholic, he had some issues with the 'hoarding' of such worldly treasures. I have never looked at religion in this way, so I took the visit as one of Art appreciation. This is us in St Peter's Square. Note that I am wearing a long sleeved blouse, because of the respect issues, no shoulders or above the knee bare... It was a blindingly hot day when we visited, so I also advise taking plenty of water and food, as the restaurants/cafes nearby are over priced due to their location. Obviously don't deny yourself an espresso or two.
I have decided this year to be more thoughtful about my photo taking, as it has been really difficult to name all of the photos as I've been writing the blog. Some of them are too random, so I'm thinking i will have title photos for each visit and be choosy about how many pictures I take in the so many churches.
So we are going to leave that visit right until the end of our holiday. I am so excited!!!

http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City

Learning Italian and choosing DVDs...

Today, after a very late brunch, Dom and I will be making our first attempt at learning Italian together. The guardian released CDs and books to assist and I will let you know how that works out.

Also we just got together a few DVDs to take with us. Last year we took a few as well, not that Eugiene and Katia can't get English/American films, its just that we had a real nice time with them sharing each others favourites. Aside from our lovely nights out on the town together, we were able to relax after home cooked food as well, with a nice glass of red and a film.

We are taking What dreams may come (my all time favourite), Crash, American Gangster, Over the Edge, Iron Man, Finding Neverland and the Manchurian Candidate. Our DVD collection is a little Denzil Washington loaded but what can I say, the man is cast in some pretty cool films!

Dom also chatted to me about his plans for out first few days. I am really looking forward to revisiting the Castel Sant'Angelo. We went there in the day time, however he tells me that an evening there is excellent too! I can imagine it is lit up beautifully and knowing the atmosphere amongst the Roman people of an evening it will be very relaxing and fun.

The Castle is great. It was originally commissioned by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. It has lots to look at and a brilliant view! There is also a tunnel leading from the Castle to the Vatican, for escape purposes and the bridge leading to its doors is lined with beautiful Angel statues. Welcoming and watching as you approach.
Well I'm off to eat and learn Italian. I'll get back this evening to let you know our new phrases! =)

Itinerary...

So the big YES for both Dominic and I is the Colloseum. First of all...it is asstoundingly huge! You will not be able to control the feeling of amazement, the feel of the ghost Roman crowd as they cheer on their favourite gladiator or rise and fall with the excitement of one man against five ferocious tigers. You can see every row of seats, each line of sweat and you will marvel at the excellence of Roman architecture at its most grand!!! Alongside the Forum, its the perfect start to a visit.
The Forum, like I said in my first post, was the 'high street'. Tradition says that there was an alliance between Romulus, the first king of Rome and his rival Titus Tatius. Now Romulus had the plestine hill and Tatius, the Capitoline hill (which I will mention again soon)

I think that the Sabine Women's prayers and cries helped there to be an alliance between the two (but don't quote me on that, I prefer art to history)...later additions were made by various kings and leaders including Julius Ceasar (whose grave still remains) and Octavius. It is a beautiful and enlightening walk, with plenty of carvings, buildings and insights into busy Roman life. Pillar upon Pillar has been lined iup along the pathways and although most of the buildings are crumbling away, those that remain promote the majesty and tremendous hard work that went into creating this civilisation.

So from the Forum and the Colloseum, we need to touch upon the Capitoline Museum. I say this with great mirth as there is nothing in Rome that I could 'touch' upon! The Capitoline museums are in a tri-piazza formation. Designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti. The museums hold hundreds of Greek, Roman and Egyptian Relics, the iconic she wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, frescoes, tapestries, coins, medals, jewelery,mosaics, busts *deep breath* and sooooo much more! It is a feat and a half to make your way around it and when you reach the museum's signiature mosaic of tiger and prey, you should rest your feet some.

I could tell you every detail and give lists of photos, but see it from your point of view...it is worth a day!!!! http://en.museicapitolini.org/

Now I could not talk about Rome, without discussing its churches and Basilicas. Now, I am not sure of the intricate differences, however I know that Basilica was the Greek name given to a Roman public building in a town's Forum. Basilicas were also used for religious purposes. When Rome became altogether officially Christian, the Empire decided to use the term to refer to a grand and important church that had been blessed by the pope. So now, the term Basilica is meant for both buildings of architectural note and religious. (please add notes Dom!)

One of the most, if not the most famous Basilicas in Rome, is St. Peters in the Vatican City, but I am not going to talk about that particular one, until a later post, as I want to concentrate a huge ammount of writing on the Vatican and its beautiful museums. I am not going to name all of the churches now either, as you could find two a day at least. Take care to remember that all shoulders must be covered and skirts and shorts should go below the knee. Always carry a scark or cardigan with you and if neccessary some trousers. Dominic always carries a pair of light easy pull onable trousers to go into the churches. Each of the churches has a myriad of photo oppurtunities and if you ever plan to write a dissertation or a book about Roman churches then you will have material galore here.I'm going to end this blog with the Pantheon, but fear not, I will continue our itinerary in the next couple of days!
A dude called Marcus Agrippa built the Pantheon to worship the gods (take note here as you will se the central opening (occulus) to the sky. It was rebuilt in the 2nd Century AD. Later on, in the 7th Century, the building was used as a church. When we visited, it was raining and so the floor was covered in water, but the atmosphere and the photo oppurtunity was electric!! With worshipperes singing at the altar, as the bulding is still used and closed to the public during regular services, it was an experience not to be missed. I imagine this year it will not be raining, as we are visiting earlier in the year, however, if it happened to rain, I wouldn't mind a bit! The Pantheon has the biggest and oldest un-reinforced concrete domed ceiling, two thousand years after it was built! A-MAizing!!!!!

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-pantheon.htm

The beginning...An intro and planning day 1 in Rome

Last year, in September, my boyfriend Dominic and I travelled out to Rome. My first holiday in about 10 years, but for Dominic, the trip is regular as his uncle and aunt live out there. Eugiene and Katia.

For as long as I have loved art, I always wished to see the Sistene Chapel and last year I had the chance!! What a holiday! Made all the more affordable (thank goodness) by the fact that we have family there. Saying that though, renting an appartment for a week or so is a good way of holidaying there. As there is so much to see I think having a base where you can completely relax is preferable. You can make pack lunches and your own meals aswell, which saves some money. Not that the food is mega expensive or anything.

It is reasonable and delicious in most restaurants. I will add some links to our favourites and give you some run downs on some of the dishes I recommend!

Today I am going over the list of places I'd like to go back to and some new sights I want us to put on our agenda. We are going for 13 days, including travel days.

It takes about 2 hours 45 mins to fly there and we will be catching a flight at about 6am (blurg) but that is good realy as it gives us a whole day. So an early night and plenty of sleep is on the cards, especially as Dominic and his family have a tradition of visiting the Collosseum on the first day. So on getting there at about 9 ish, it will after the time difference be 10 ish. We'll meet up with Eugiene or Katia to get the appartment keys, drop off our luggage and make our way to the Collosseum.

The best way to travel around the city is by metro, which is an underground train service. Each journey costs a euro and you can cross over to other platforms and journey as far as you can as long as you don't leave the station. and the bus is approximately the same. We mostly take the metro. Everything is pretty close together.

You get the B line metro to Colosseo station and when you come out, there it is!!! You can buy a tecket to go in for about 9 euros and if you pay a bit extra (and it is definately worth it) you can also take a walk around the Forum, which was a sort of massive thriving central high street system! It is excellent!

Avoid buying crap from street sellers because half the time they are bad quality and you will find the same thing for a similar price in a normal shop...in fact wait until a later date to buy souvenirs. And before I forget, bring a small fold away umberella if you are visiting in the later months, because there are flash showers now and then.

For eats, I suggest grabbing an espresso (the tea is expensive) and a sprite/water, then look for a pizza place. Oh my god the pizza is to die for. In most cases, you will find that they cook long rectangles of deliciously topped pizza and they sell it to you by weight...which is really handy.

Also try a suppli or two...these are rice or potato balls with various fillings. Very filling and yummy!!

http://www.rome-accom.com/rome-guide/romes-best-of-the-best/rome-s-best-pizza.aspx

http://www.pizzaforum.it/inglese/home.htm

http://www.romesweethome.it/apartments/rome-spanish-steps.asp

http://www.leisureinrome.com/

http://www.rome.info/metro/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Forum