Italy: Roaming in Roma
November 2007, by Tom
After spending the past week down the south of Italy, it was a nice change to return to where it was a little more "civilised". Less rubbish, less bustle and less disorganisation. We were once again in Rome!
Unfortunately the weather was still not on our side. With only two days before Nige left us we had to make the most of our time in Rome. We braved the rain and wandered around Rome on foot. We returned to sights we had all seen before but still make a huge impression on us - Trevi Fountain where we all pledged to return once again, the Pantheon - a personal favourite of mine - looked spectacular at night and sheer size of this Roman built structure was overwhelming.
We enjoyed a brief gap in the rain the following morning and decided to visit a few more sights on foot. We wandered through a few Piazzas and along past the Vatican City and the mighty St Peters. We followed the main street leading up to St Peters and past all the Moroccan "Gucci" sellers who were playing cat and mouse with a police car - whose officers seemed to be loving the game. We crossed Angel Bridge and meandered back to the hotel - but not before Gini bought me a new wallet for my birthday present! So soft and smooth - and branded with my initials.
Knowing we would return again, we didn't kill ourselves to see Rome's never ending sites. We did, however, make sure Nige got two good Italian meals in before he left us for Canada and the hospitality of Derek and Helen. The first night we ventured again on foot to the other side of town to supposedly Romes finest pizzeria. With queues out the door we could do no wrong. We weren't disappointed. The pizza was fantastic. Although - with a thin crispy crust, I would still take Naples finest over Rome's (but don't tell them that).
The last night of Nigels stay in Italy took us to what must be the most expensive restaurant Gini and I have ever been to. Going off the Lonely Planet guides recommendation of having the best chef in town - and mains of 20 euro - we thought we would be in for a treat. The treat, however, went sour somewhat when we found out that entrees were 45 - 50 euro and mains were similarly priced!$*? .. Not wanting to disappoint Nige on his final evening out, Gini and I had a 45 euro pasta ($90NZ for pasta???) each and Nige happily sat through three courses! It was fine dining at it's finest with tasty treats between courses and complimentary aperitifs and nibbles. Unfortunately we couldn't help but think that our mains had set us back two nights accommodation. Woe is us, the budget traveller! Still, we hopefully left a good taste in Nigels mouth as he took off to spend his final hours sitting at the airport waiting for his early morning flight.
Knowing we'd return to Rome, and not enjoying the constant rain, we decided to leave it at that and take the next days train towards the beautiful Florence.
T
Unfortunately the weather was still not on our side. With only two days before Nige left us we had to make the most of our time in Rome. We braved the rain and wandered around Rome on foot. We returned to sights we had all seen before but still make a huge impression on us - Trevi Fountain where we all pledged to return once again, the Pantheon - a personal favourite of mine - looked spectacular at night and sheer size of this Roman built structure was overwhelming.
We enjoyed a brief gap in the rain the following morning and decided to visit a few more sights on foot. We wandered through a few Piazzas and along past the Vatican City and the mighty St Peters. We followed the main street leading up to St Peters and past all the Moroccan "Gucci" sellers who were playing cat and mouse with a police car - whose officers seemed to be loving the game. We crossed Angel Bridge and meandered back to the hotel - but not before Gini bought me a new wallet for my birthday present! So soft and smooth - and branded with my initials.
Knowing we would return again, we didn't kill ourselves to see Rome's never ending sites. We did, however, make sure Nige got two good Italian meals in before he left us for Canada and the hospitality of Derek and Helen. The first night we ventured again on foot to the other side of town to supposedly Romes finest pizzeria. With queues out the door we could do no wrong. We weren't disappointed. The pizza was fantastic. Although - with a thin crispy crust, I would still take Naples finest over Rome's (but don't tell them that).
The last night of Nigels stay in Italy took us to what must be the most expensive restaurant Gini and I have ever been to. Going off the Lonely Planet guides recommendation of having the best chef in town - and mains of 20 euro - we thought we would be in for a treat. The treat, however, went sour somewhat when we found out that entrees were 45 - 50 euro and mains were similarly priced!$*? .. Not wanting to disappoint Nige on his final evening out, Gini and I had a 45 euro pasta ($90NZ for pasta???) each and Nige happily sat through three courses! It was fine dining at it's finest with tasty treats between courses and complimentary aperitifs and nibbles. Unfortunately we couldn't help but think that our mains had set us back two nights accommodation. Woe is us, the budget traveller! Still, we hopefully left a good taste in Nigels mouth as he took off to spend his final hours sitting at the airport waiting for his early morning flight.
Knowing we'd return to Rome, and not enjoying the constant rain, we decided to leave it at that and take the next days train towards the beautiful Florence.
T
Throwing over your left shoulder with your right hand and you return to Rome!
I guess that means we are all returning to Rome!
What a view, can't miss it really
The main mode of transport
More Galati flavours to try!
Then the rain came and we went home
