A Doxx in Europe: Roma and the Italian way

So, ah, Rome. Where to start? The whole city is quite literally a giant museum. So rich in history, culture, and good food. The city's dynamic very much operates around 'the Italian way'. I've been stuck a few times naturally trying to speak French (after being in France for so long)... But the Italians seem to be quite forgiving as my Italian speaking skills are more or less non-existent.

As I said in my previous post, I arrived at Rome Termini on the overnight train from Dijon, on the 4th. I found my way onto the metro and met my friend somewhere down the line. The metro system reminded me of Barcelona with all the creepy classical music that was played on the platform while everyone waited in silence. Anyway, I digress.

I stayed in the south of Rome with my relative, Keir. We had a relaxed afternoon on the 4th, eating delicious pasta and walking down one of the arterial roads of Ancient Rome. Tracks in the stone forming the base of the road still showed the marks where Roman carts cruised the streets of Rome - I felt so young. Tombs lined the street, remembering the heroic service of generals to the Roman Empire. It was a nice introduction to what was to follow the next day.

On the 5th I travelled directly into the city centre using the chaotic Italian transport system. Once I made it, I waited in the queue for a decent while in order to enter one of the key historical sites - the Roman forum. It was impressive to see so many buildings that had been preserved so well over the past 2000-odd years. The one thing that disappointed me was the lack of written information at each building... So at some places I literally had no idea what I was looking at - yeah I could have paid for a tour guide, but that would have costed an arm and a leg.. Checked out the Colosseum, which was easily a highlight. It brought back memories of battling to stay awake in Latin class as my 85 year old teacher droned on about Roman history. The Colosseum was a stunning building, and structure that NZ architects could learn a thing or two from when it comes to stadium design.

After trying to take in as much as I could at the Forum and Colosseum, I made tracks to the Vatican City through the hectic streets of Rome. I didn't spend too long there, but I had a quick look at the Pope's balcony and the grand churches that stood nearby. The roads of Rome were obviously not made for cars so navigating through the streets by foot through the traffic was a bit of a nightmare - footpaths were frequently non-existent (and interesting fact).

I've quite honestly been eating some of the best food while in Rome. The pizza was out of this world, and oh the pasta and wine wasn't too bad too! It definitely rivals French food very closely - apart from the cheese - the French can claim that.

I'm currently cruising at a couple of hundred kilometres an hour on the TRENITALIA to Venice. I'll spent a couple of nights there before returning home to London.

I will update you soon. xo