Roma, Ancient cities - Day 7

Mornings in Italy always start out with a rich blend of bean...

Stupore!

Today was all about walking a shit load, looking at ancient marble pylons and old trees then walking even more. As much as i thought today was going to be shithouse, it was actually quite interesting... AS we walked on down to the gates of the Colosseum, we were approached by a girl trying to sell us advanced tickets through the gates with a guided tour included. I tried to bullshit my way out of it, and how i would rather give myself the tour as i had studied the ancient building all through school. In reality, the extra 8 Euro we would have to spend on top of the 12 Euro it was to get in, ended up being the better choice, as much as i didn't want to. So the tour was great, saw some funny asians taking odd photos with their $5000 cameras, but most importantly discovered the Colosseum was more than just a battle ground. In fact, it was used for Housing, A public garden, Fighting, other forms of entertainment and more recently, after the earthquake, a tourist attraction that has brought in Billions in revenue. 

Ani - Smile!

I was having a ball... Anyone else can testify!

It was amazing to hear all about the botanical gardens that once raged on the interior of the stadium, fed by the huge drainage systems that pumped underneath from hundreds of years ago. 530A.D saw Rome turn into a city of only about 20,000, the Colosseum was closed down to fighting as it was too expensive to import bears, wolves, tigers, lions and other such exotic animals from Northern Africa. The emperors let it go, over grow, and it was never again used for battle (after around 450 years). The two levels underneath, mazes of intertwining tunnels and pathways overgrew with plants and bushes from everywhere from Asia, Africa, France and South America. Seeds brought in (supposedly) on Animals bought to fight. 

20 Metre deep trenches lay below, perfectly depicting the multiple levels underneath, what was once the playing stage.

Coffee break #2

All the walking, and listening to our Italian guide made us want our energy back. Coffee was on the agenda. So i had two coming my way pronto. This little cafe we stopped at was in this gorgeous little square surrounded by other little spots to sit and eat. Our eyes, along with the whole squares, were quickly taken by a young girl trying to drink from a communal drinking fountain. One younger than the other, they both tried to figure out how to achieve the confusing task of gathering water in their mouths. We watched as an older man, one that Ani and Sue described as 'fucking gorgeous', moved in to show her how to hold the tap correctly. Such a gentlemanly move, no wonder these 'I-ties' pull the women so easily!

Confused, dazed yet confident to figure it out.

Help arrives!

Just around the corner from the Colosseum, lies the famous Palatine Hill. Famous for its rich history, Palatine Hill housed many great Emperors, all up until Julius Caesar himself. Romulus, the original founder of Rome built the first building upon the top of Palatine hill, marking what the Romans now see as the centre of Rome. As the Emperors moved through, one after the other, each left their own piece of the puzzle, eventually constructing what is now (well used to be) a series of beautiful underground passages and overground luscious gardens. Old mini stadiums, glorious huge auditoriums, small Colosseums and lavish fountains that were crested in overwhelmingly veiny white marble, once stood high above Rome, now... Nothing less than marble starved brick, carved back to nothing. 

The remanence of what was once a tall, marble covered building, Surrounding what would have been an open sky fountain area just off to the left.

The Emperors private entertainment quarters, you can see the small circle like blocks down the end, that was once a mini Colosseum. Archways used to run either side, now, varying sized blocks sit, lonely.

So after exploring (and possibly stalking a good looking lady tourist), we headed down below, to Romes oldest road. This is where the original Vestal Virgins had their house and church, where the slaves were brought through that came to build the Colosseum, where Men paraded after battle and where Emperors were saluted at death. Amazing houses, churches, archways and Pylons stood lonely in a deserted, abused old city. These parts used to be floodways, 'Downtown' because you had to come 'down away from your town' on the hill to access the river when it broke its banks. 

Romulus' house (not the Emperor, the son of someone famous...) Same, original doors, same keys, and yes it still opens. 1700 years of operation, why can't we seem to get modern doors to last 5 years?

Some of what remains down below Palatine Hill. Huge archways and pylons remain standing, weighing up to 55 ton each, dug almost 30% further into the ground these things were Irremovable! 

A huge day walking the streets of Roma, was a perfect way to deserve a huge, enjoyable dinner. We walked the ancient  streets of Rome like a Mexican gang ready to slice throats and cut Achilles. We found a nice little Mozzarella Bar that had a meat platter on offer, so we took that, along with beer and wine. Deliciousness to the max! Finished off with a Cold, genuine Gelato... Buon Appetite!

Watch your throats mother lickers!

Ani, so stoked to be alive

Our meat platter and Mother dear

Banana, Watermelon, Strawberry, Rolo, Mars, Mint, Tiramisu, Over 40 flavours at this place... YUM

Good night all, it's late, 3am here. Tomorrow we explore the beautiful sights of Florence. I need my sleep because guaranteed I'll be sleeping in and the women will not be happy...

CIAO AMICI