Rome - 18th to 23rd August

Roma as the Italians call it didnt let us down and certainly wasnt built in one day either...

The history and architecture of the city is amazing, from the old ruins to the Colosseum, the Vatican city and all the basilicas (churches) the eye can see. If you are looking for greenery, you are in the wrong city as Rome is more of a dust bowl then the garden of eden... never the less you wouldnt have it any other way "when in Rome"!

We stayed in another camping ground, which is the norm for Italy accomodation as it is expensive to stay in town. We like to call this camping ground, the "poor mans resort". It has everything a backpacker could possibly want or need including aire conditioned cabins with ensuite bathroom and a FRIDGE, yes cold water again! Two pools, two spas, poolside bar, a pub, restaurant and supermarket all in the grounds... good times! The two pools were a great escape from the heat which was averaging 33 degrees a day (a bit different from what we hear the weather is like in Melbourne).

So the sites you ask, well we had 4 full days to see them all. A great way to do any city is via a walking tour and so of course this is where we began. The American guide had extenisve knowledge on ancient Roman history so it was really interesting. We visited the "mouth of truth" which is an old sewerage lid with a face and open mouth that attracts many a Japanese tourist... quite funny! Other sites included the massive Pantheon with its hughe dome roof (it was the biggest dome until the New Orleans ball park was built) measuring 43 metres in diametre. Other sites included Mussilinis balcony, the site of Julius Caesers assasination site and of course the Colosseum.

The next day we visited the Vatican! Popey wasnt around as he was out of town, as we went on the Wednesday he normally does his service to the thousands of people waiting in the square. The Sistene Chapel was incredible, painted by Michaelangelo who wasnt even a painter and as a result after finishing his work he became blind and crippled.