Italy : Cultural and Historical Rome

Despite it was my second visit to Rome earlier this year, this largest empire in the ancient days never failed to put me in awe with its beauty. There are so much to do, so much to eat and so much to see.

I could go on and on taking photographs of Colosseum from different angles and yet I am not really tired of it. When I first saw the much talked about and magnificent building standing right before my eyes, I thought I was up in the clouds. I had read about it in the History subject and also in many travel books but that moment, was my moment.....with the Colosseum, of course!

An Europe trip without stopping by Rome is incomplete. That is what I had been telling my husband and convinced him to make a trip to Rome before we head to Jakarta, for good. He was glad that he did :)

Like many other tourists, we went to the touristic sites - Colosseum, Ancient Roman Ruins which is within walking distance from Colosseum, Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, Monument of Vittorio, Pantheon, Via dei Condotti (for shopping) Vatican city (that is a city/country of its own), St Peters Basilica, and of course cathedrals!

Trevi Fountain - day and night shot 

The Colosseum

Galleria Alberto - luxurious shopping arcade in town.

River by Castel Saint Angelo. Love the Roman architecture.

Monument of Vittorio

View of the Rome city  from above....

It was unfortunate that the weather had been rainy and gloomy. However, the temperature was fine. I like it cool. My first visit to Rome was during 2010 summer and I find it too hot and humid to walk around the city - you get tired and dehydrated easily. Probably, the best time to visit is in May or early June.

The below photos were taken back in 2010 with my sister :) They look more lively compared to above!

 Spanish Steps

 Inside of Colosseum. There was a long queue to enter but worth the wait :)

 A walk in the Roman Ruins brings you through what the great empire had undergone. You could easily spend an hour in there.

 Piazza Popolo

Vatican City

Restaurant Tre Scalini, Piazza Navona - Claimed to be the best Tartufo (truffle/chocolate ice cream with whipped cream) in town. While I don't know if it is really the best, but it tasted good. Worth a try. If not mistaken, ours costed about €5 per scoop/cup if you take away, which is half the price if you dine in. If you are not a budget traveler, you can opt to dine here. It is said to be a good fine dining restaurant. You can check out the menu here.

Some tips while you are in Rome.

• I am pretty sure many people already warned you. Let me not be the last to do so - always keep a good eye on your precious belongings. If possible, do not bring original identification documents with you.
• Keep your cash in at least 2 different places. Have a lesser amount of money on the wallet, which you usually fetch out from your pocket when paying bills or when shopping. The remaining of the money should be kept in the safe in the hotel, distribute some to your travel companion (partner) and/or keep it in a separate pouch/wallet which is hidden in your inner jacket, blouse or pants. Check if the pouch/wallet is still with you, from time to time but try not to be obvious about it. You could probably keep it in a place where you can easily feel it.
• Always validate your ticket before hopping onto the bus, trains or metros. The penalty for not doing so is twice (or more) of the ticket fare. Explaining yourself that you are a tourist does not stop the officer from issuing you a summon.
• It is common that cafes and restaurants levy you an additional charge should you dine in instead of take away. Most often, they do not inform you in advanced. You will come to know when the bill comes. I don't know if they took it for granted that you already know or it is just their way of getting more money out of you, as a tourist.
• Most locals speak Italian though some will know very basic and simple English. Be prepared to write down or learn a few useful Italian words/phrases. Otherwise, body language is an alternative.
• Try your luck in bargaining when you shop along the streets or in shops along the streets.
• Lastly, eat (pasta, pizza, desserts, pastries, gelato) to your heart's content! Italian food is known to be one of the finest in the world and since you are there, indulge lavishly! :)