A Rome Trip...

A 10th year wedding anniversary is a milestone for every couple. The years of ups and downs and the in- betweens of experiences together. What's the best way to celebrate a 10th year wedding anniversary but to travel somewhere romantic. I wanted the whole family to go since it is also my daughter's 12th birthday... (makes you wanna say " hmmm" well,that's another blog ;D) Sights, Sounds, Food, Fashion, Culture and History.... Were off to Rome Italy!

I'd like to  share  the experience by category/topic as this might also be of help to those who are planning to go. 

What to wear/pack:

I have search on various forums on what to wear and pack in Rome mid-march. Mid-march temperature is about 16-18'C and can get chilly on the evenings 10-12'C. It is best to pack light clothes and a light jacket. The key is to go in layers. You can always take off your jacket when it gets a bit warm. Mid-march is sunny a perfect weather indeed. The best advice on going to Rome is wear your comfy shoes! You will do a lot of walking when sight seeing and you don't want to ruin your vacation from the blisters of your feet!. I bought a leather flat shoes called Heavenly feet, an anti-fatigue shoes and it sure is the comfiest shoes ever! Hubby Kevin and kiddos had their sneakers on too. A good soled shoes is best for the cobblestone streets of Rome. So Girls leave your heels at home for your own sake please! Italians are quite fashionable, so get comfy and stylish. Got a light leather jacket with me and I'm glad I did, I just blended with the crowd and not as a tourist. (mistaken to speak Italian a couple of times, people come up to ask for directions etc.) I'm just surprised to see that many people are still in their winter jackets though when its not that cold. We each had a carry on bag except Liam and I got a handy backpack for maps, passports etc. Brought necessary toiletries and liquids in zip lock bags. Don't forget to bring your camera and better yet bring  extra memory card for snapshots because you'd be taking loads! .You can buy 2 rounded adaptor type  from any shop in Rome for your chargers.

Ryanair 

We booked at http://www.ryanair.com/ie . It is an Irish low cost airline that flies to Rome. Ryanair is Dublin based carrier and charges passengers to pay for checked -in baggage. It is best then to have a carry on luggage that fits the airline regulations. Check link for Ryanair policies.  Dublin airport is 2 hours+ drive from Ennis, and we parked at the  designated  long term parking area. Left Dublin at 4:00pm, 23rd of March. We arrived    at Ciampino Airport Rome at 8:00pm ( Rome time is advance an hour ). 

Ciampino Airport

Ciampino is Rome's secondary airport that serves budget carriers.There is no direct train connection from Ciampino Airport to Roma Termini. We took a C.O.T.R.A.L.  Bus just outside the arrivals area which only cost €13 for four  of us one way. It is a direct 30-minute journey to Roma termini. Alternatively, you can take a cab for €30-45.

Roma termini 

It is the main train station in Rome. The station has regular train services to all major Italian cities as well as daily international services to Paris, Munich, Geneva, Basel and Vienna.Roma Termini is one of the largest train stations in Europe.Termini is also the main hub for public transport inside Rome. Both current Rome Metro lines (A and B) intersect at Termini metro station, and a major bus station. The Station is like an airport with different shops, restos and cafes.

The Cotral bus drop us off Roma termini and we took the task to find our hotel and later  ask for directions..(in English hehe) It is actually just 8 - 10 minutes walk from the station. Finally, arrived and checked in our Hotel.  

Hotel Galles 

Searched and Booked at http://www.booking.com/ located at Viale Castro Pretorio.It just a few blocks away from the Roma Termini Station. With breakfast included it  is reasonably priced. The Hotel has a good size family room for us 2 adults, 2 kids and a toddler. Rested, we ask the receptionist for the nearest pizzeria for dinner. The restaurant was just a block away from our hotel which  is brilliant. Our first authentic Italian pizza and pasta! We then head back  to our hotel for a good night sleep  for the sights to see the next day.

Metro/Metro  tickets

We bought the BIG - Integrated Ticket from the ticket machine in the Metro. Price: € 4,00/pp good for 24 hrs unlimited rides. Just be wary of any person trying to help you buy the ticket as the person would ask for money in return for  "assistance" Police are around Roma termini and is vigilant for this type of activity among other things. In the Metro trains just look after your personal items as it is cramped and is a favorite place for pickpockets. Signs are everywhere so you won't get lost going to your destination. But when in doubt, ask. Most Italians are very helpful and speaks/understands English.

24th of March Our First Stop Vatican: 6 metro stop from Termini

We designated a whole day  for Vatican and is our first stop since our energy  is still up as this requires a lot of walking.

The Vatican Museum

Arrived  around 10:00am and the que  is surprisingly short. There are loads of tourist  guides who will come up to you for the tour but we opted to explore by ourselves in our own pace.  

Inside the Vatican City, The Vatican Museum is among the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries, including some of the most renowned classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. Opens Monday to Saturday; the Ticket Office is open from 9am - 4pm. The Museums close at 6pm. The Admission Ticket permits the tourist to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and is valid for the day of issue. Full € 15.00/pp.

The display of religious arts is  overwhelming. You must have a list on what to see before you go as it would take you a day to explore. So do the warm up and stretch your neck because you would be looking up most of the time for those elaborate works of art and designs.  There is a restaurant inside the building and toilets are near by with baby changing areas. Strollers are allowed inside the Museum which is very handy for us.

Sistine chapel

(Cappella Sistina) has become one of the most famous art galleries in the western world. Michelangelo's famous Sistine ceiling depicts scenes from Genesis in dramatic and moving detail, while The Last Judgment on the end wall is striking and powerful. The side walls are covered with important Renaissance frescoes by other artists, depicting biblical scenes and contemporary popes. But the Sistine Chapel is more than the sum of its artistic wonders: It is a symbolic statement of papal authority and the place in which papal elections in conclave are held to this day.

There is a narrow pathway going to the Sistine chapel and was surprised to discover a long and narrow room. you'd be elbow to elbow with people as equally amazed as you most looking up to see the art of Michael Angelo. it is not allowed to stand on the altar's elevation nor sit on the marble stone seats, security people are everywhere. I've read that videos and flash photography is not allowed, but when we were there most people did just that. 

Vatican courtyard 

Having explored the arts we wanted to see in the museum. We went out to the Vatican courtyard for fresh  air and to enjoy the sun. Liam wanted a break from sitting on his stroller as well. In the court yard there is huge bronze sculpture. This  bronze sculpture is called Sphere Within Sphere (Sfera Con Sfera). It was created by artist Arnaldo Pomodoro in 1990 for the Vatican Museums.  The fractured surface of the outer sphere reveals a very complex inner sphere that represents the harsh difficulties that the modern world finds itself in at the end of the second millennium. 

On the other side of the courtyard there is a huge pinecone designed by Bramante, which was once part of a fountain, and a giant head of Octavia (Roman matron, sister of Emperor Augustus and wife of Marc Antony). The giant pinecone represents the Pineal Gland, it is a remnant of the Old (Constantinian) St. Peter’s Basilica. 

after  lunch we went to...

St. Peter's Square

In St. Peter's Square you can see Bernini's fountains and Egyptian obelisks facing St. Peters Basilica and columns surrounded by life size saints and Alexander VII coat of arms. Aside from the powerful feeling  of actually being in the holy place, I also feel like walking on the footsteps of Robert Langdon in Angels and Demons. The place requires a lot of walking , when thirsty there are safe drinking fountains along  St.Peters, so just refill your empty water bottles.

St Peters Basilica

There is another que going to the basilica but the is no entrance fee though. Please be aware that there are monitors outside St. Peter's, which has a very strict dress code:  no skirts above the knee, no shorts, no bare shoulders (i.e., tank tops or sleeveless blouses), and you must wear shoes.  You will not be permitted inside the basilica unless you are dressed appropriately. Baggage area is located just before the stairs going up and storage for strollers as it is not allowed.  

Upon entering you will be swallowed by the vastness of the Basilica. There is a indescribable feeling when you are there and I have to pinch myself a couple of times. The intricate designs, the elaborate artworks and religious figures, you would just wonder how it all thought of and made. From ceiling to floor, wall to wall there is always something to set your eyes into. The base up to the ceiling is the size of a football field side up!. In the middle is The Papal altar, under the celebrated Canopy by Bernini (1633) was made of bronze taken from the Pantheon.  Maderno's magnificent Chapel of the Confession is in front of the altar; 96 lamps burn night and day before the "Tomb of St. Peter".  One of must see Pieta, a youthful work by Michelangelo in 1499.  After a vandal defaced a portion of the Pieta (he, Laszlo Toth broke the nose off the Virgin Mary with the entire left arm at the elbow on May 21, 1972), the sculpture was put behind bulletproof glass for protection.  The Chapel of the Relics contains a precious Medieval wooden Crucifix by Cavallini (13th century).  Also, the Pieta is the only work that is signed by Michelangelo.  His signature is on the breast band that goes over Mary's shoulder. 

Having savoured Vatican, had dinner .. hang around the termini and went back to the hotel to catch some Zzz.

25th of March Second day: Spanish Steps:A line 3 stops from Termini - Spagna Stop

Spanish Steps

Famous set of steps ( 138 steps to be exact )  in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the church of Trinità dei Monti. At the foot of the stairs, you will find the famous Barcaccia Fountain, the work of Pietro Bernini and his son, Gian Lorenzo.


It feels like you're in Spain because of the palm trees and carriages in the area. It's a good place to hang around and enjoy the sun after all the photo taking. Pizzeria's, Cafes  and Gelato shops are around the area, and the famous designer district for the shopaholics. Beware of guys  giving you roses because it comes with a ridiculous price!.. If they approach you just say "No".

Next stop  Line A Berberini Stop

Trevi fountain


The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, God of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea.On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue The crowded squareon the right represents Salubrity. Above the sculptures are bas-reliefs, one of them shows Agrippa, the general who built the aqueduct that carries water to the fountain. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea.

Following  directions you know you are near Trevi because of the "swishing"  sound of the water. There are seats surrounding the fountain so it is also a great place to just hang around with your loved one. It is quite a romantic place so don't be surprised by couples kissing in public every now and then. It is also great to go at night  because of the dramatic effect of the lights that illuminates the fountain.  Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain and there is no harm to make a wish! It is a fact that they collect €3,000 a day from the fountain, the money goes to charity. 


Termini - Bus 64 Pantheon

Pantheon

We headed back to Termini to take a bus to the next stop Pantheon. Got tickets from the booth near the station. We took the famous Bus 64 which is notorious for pickpockets. But surprised that there was no such activity  and it was quite safe but still, keeping aware of our belongings. Make sure to validate bus tickets in the machine upon entering  to avoid penalty. 

Pantheon is free and opens 9:30am - 5:30 pm Monday to Sunday. The Pantheon was dedicated to Pan Theos, "All the Gods." When it became a church, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. The Pantheon is the burial place of several important Italians (including the artist Raphael), and it remains an active church. It is a major tourist destination and a popular place for weddings. The Oculus, the only source of natural light in the Pantheon, is a round opening in the center of the dome. It is 27 feet in diameter and open to the sky (the floor is gently sloped to allow for runoff of rainwater). There is an obelisk and a fountain outside where you can sit and relax and  watch the magnificence of the Pantheon.

Back to base, we went to the 24 hrs shop in Termini to try local food, had roasted chicken and mashed and spinach salad, pasta, crisps and soda.. Were kindda' sick of pizza at this point hahaha.. We only get to watch MTV  because all shows are in Italian or  dubbed in Italian! It is also a perfect time to talk with the kids. I arranged our stuff in the carry on bags  and  prepared for the clothes to wear for the next day's trip before hitting the bed.

26th of March  Our 10th year anniversary and Deidre's 12th birthday; A special day and our last day in Rome.

Had a great breakfast and  checked out at 10am . Left our stuff at the hotel luggage room , which is great at no cost. Headed to Termini to get the Metro to Colosseum.

Line B 2 stops from Termini to Colosseo

Colosseo metro is the closest metro to the sight itself. When you walked out from the station, you'd be presented by the grandeur of the famous Colosseum! 

The Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest building of the era. Emperors used the Colosseum to entertain the public with free games. Those games were a symbol of prestige and power and they were a way for an emperor to increase his popularity. Games were held for a whole day or even several days in a row. They usually started with comical acts and displays of exotic animals and ended with fights to the death between animals and gladiators or between gladiators. These fighters were usually slaves, prisoners of war or condemned criminals. Sometimes free Romans and even Emperors took part in the action. The Roman Colosseum could fit 50,000 spectators divided in four levels, whose the top one was made of wood. Colosseum admission fee:Full ticket - €15.50  EU reduced ticket - €10.50 (available only for European citizens aged between 18 and 25) EU complimentary ticket- €4.50 (available only for EU citizens aged above 65 and under 18)Opening hours are from 8.30 am to one hour before sunset.

Ques is always expected in the entrance of the Colosseum. If you get a tour, you may cut the que. We opted not to as the que is not that long and we weren't in a hurry either. It was sunny and warm but when we were inside the Colosseum, it got cold. Good thing we brought light jackets with us. After gaining entrance past security there are lifts, but most people use the stairs up a few flights. We explored the Colosseum bottom all the way up. you are  then presented by a spectacle of the amphitheatre and it is great to see it from all angles. 

Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

From the top of the Colosseum you can see The Palatine Hill,one of the seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands above the Roman Forum. You cannot enter the Roman Forum at the gate nearest the Colosseum, this gate is just an exit.  Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill first before exiting at the gate close to the Colosseum.The Roman Forum is a large area to cover with little shade, so do bring along plenty of fluids. The time you will spend in the Roman Forum largely depends on the level of interest you have in the ruins before you. 

Constantine's Arch

The Arch of Constantine was erected to honor Emperor Constantine after the battle against Maxentius in 315 AD., at the Milvian Bridge.On the top you can read the inscription: "Constantine overcame his enemies by divine inspiration". it just outside the Colosseum. there are many areas  on which to sit and relax and food carts abound. 

There are  men  that will approach you and sell different stuff like shades, toys, souvenirs etc. It is best to buy souvenirs from a proper souvenir shops as as it is illegal to sell in the area. There are however police around. You can also see men in gladiator costumes for photo taking with a fee. We didn't go to Palatine hill nor the Roman forum but viewed it from a far for it is a long walk and we prefer just to sit under the trees gazing at  the Colosseum. 

Noon, we went and hang out at Termini station for there are lots of shops, ate had coffee and head back to the hotel for our luggage. We decided to take a cab this time and ask for the receptionist to get one. Our flight it at 8:30pm, a decent looking driver and his mercedez came. After a ride on the busy streets of rome ( bumper to bumper at times ) we were finally in Ciampino airport just enough time to get dinner there before the flight. 


Bye  Rome, Hello Dublin Ireland. Temperature in Dublin was 7'C, back to the cold chilly temperature again. Hop in  the Airport shuttle bus that dropped us off   the parking area,  Liam was happy to be in his car seat. Kevin paid the parking ticket and were off to Ennis. Home sweet home at last , safe and sound. We arrived 3am on a Sunday 27th of March. 

It find it hard  to make a blog after this trip, on where to start because of the overwhelming experience. To share that  experience with you without getting you bored ;D and at the same time give a sound advice for future travel. The thing to remember in every travel is to check  the weather, make itinerary  on what to do and sights to see beforehand, check  opening hours and ticket prices, know the  transportation to get to your destinations, and check the area where your hotel is located. Make sure to have a handy map and  good pair of shoes. I had my passports and important documents with me in my handy backpack and left  photocopies in our hotel room, just in case it get stolen. As for food, you wouldn't go  hungry for there are pizzerias, restos., cafes, gelatos everywhere especially in tourist spots at affordable prices. There are loads of souvenir shops so there is no excuse  of forgetting to buy one. It is good  to know basic of Italian because they surely appreciate the effort, although most of them speaks and understands English. We found out too that Italians loves kids  as they kept playing with Liam everywhere we go ( metro, sights, streets ) and say "oh bambino". They are quite friendly.

It  truly is best to visit the   sights at a relax pace to better appreciate it. Don't expect to capture Rome all at once, like a good coffee, savour it .. take a few sips. I just dreamt of Rome and now I am so glad to have done this trip with my family on a such special occasion. 

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Facts Wikipedia

more photos in my Facebook account :)