The Eternal Rome-ance - Travel Review and Advice

Emanuelle II Monument

Epilogue

Leap of Faith Travels – Travel Review

What a fantastic week spent in Rome I had so full of ancient history and wonder alongside the beautiful Italian culture. I had spent my week very well with plenty of sights to see in this marvellous city alongside a lovely day trip to Florence.

Rome is a very large city but all the main locations are all in close proximity to each other some easy to find and some squeezed into a maze of old narrow streets. They all have 2000 years of history which are all superimposed on each other such as ancient columns embedded in renaissance palaces or baroque facades slapped onto the front of Romanesque churches.

Castel Sant`Angelo

Rome definitely had it all with a climate that brings you sunny days but a few wet days too as I experienced. Then there is the fantastic Italian cuisine spread across the entire city whether you have the money to spend or trying to save money, there is always something good to eat.

In abundance you will find classical art, museums, street performers, market stalls and fashionable shops in this great city all within good walking distance to each other.

Pantheon

The hotel I booked with is called Hotel Cilicia located just beyond the ancient city walls to the south. It is a 3 star hotel and despite it being so far away from the central area, it was a nice cheap hotel to use with very good accommodations and facilities such as breakfast room and lobby bar. The hotel though was only a stroll away from the Appian Way and its green regional park. I paid for the bed and breakfast which is great to be honest as I would be in the central area until it was night time. Speaking of night time, as it was away from the central area this meant it was set in a quiet area of Rome which would be great for those who enjoy the peace and quiet during the night.

Each classically styled room was fully air conditioned with a mini bar, TV, telephone and shower.

For the week at this hotel it cost me for Bed and Breakfast: £429

Also take into account that there is a city tax you would have to pay too. It cost me 14 Euros for the week (2 Euro per night)

Hotel Cilicia

Hotel Cilicia

If you have read my diary throughout the week, you would have noticed that all I did for transport was my own two feet from the hotel. This was because I had to save as much money as I could due to the fact I underestimated how much I would have needed for this trip. However for those who would like to get around without the long walks then the best options would be to use the sufficient bus services (bus stop 200 metres from hotel) and taxis throughout the city(the hotel would be happy to ring a taxi for you for ease). Or if you are brave enough, hire your own car and take a drive around the ancient city without the tiresome walk. To be honest I enjoyed the walking as I could experience all the sights at my own pace and in greater detail.

Colosseum

Also if you read my diary you would have noticed I used a card called the ‘Omnia + Roma Pass’.

What a brilliant little thing to have on you for your trip to Rome. The Omnia Vatican and Rome card is a sightseeing package which gives holders free entry to top attractions throughout the city as well as fast track entry saving you over 4 hours of waiting time to get in. you would also take advantage of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, free guidebook and map of the city with the route of the bus tour and landmarks. So what is included with this pass:

1.     Free entry to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel – plus free audio guide for St Peters Basilica

2.     Free entry to your choice of 2 out of 6 top Rome attractions – Including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Capitolini Museums, Borghese Gallery and National Museum of Castel Sant’ Angelo

3.     Fast track Entry to St Peters Basilica, Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum – saving over 4 hours at each attraction during busy periods

4.     Free hop-on-hop-off bus tour – ticket of Rome for 3 days

5.     Free Travel card – for unlimited access to Romes public transport system

6.     Free detailed guidebook – to help plan your perfect trip

7.     Discounted Entry – to another 30+ sights, attractions and museums in Rome

I urge you to apply for one of these passes as it reduces stress on your perfect trip to Rome reducing the price of your overall spends in this city.

Omnia and Roma Pass

As for Florence it was perfect with so much to see in one day. I paid for my return train ticket from Rome at the ticket office which cost me 96 Euros. However if I had pre-booked a ticket beforehand I may have saved a lot of money. Despite this it was great to travel across the Italian Countryside for 1 hour 30 minutes. Throughout the day I managed to see all the main locations I wanted to and to be honest I think one day in Florence is all a traveller needs as far as locations are concerned. Like Rome there were countless shops, museums, restaurants and basically everything a tourist may like to see.

Duomo

Yet again I was won over with this astonishing country of Italy with so much to offer whether that would be ancient history, arts and culture, food, drink, music which all brought out the joy in life. It helps to approach Rome with as much flexibility as possible. You may not be able to achieve what you set out to do but don’t worry as Rome has enough amazing things to offer you as a traveller.

www.romeandvaticanpass.com 
www.trenitalia.com
www.hotelcilicia.com 
www.museodavinci.it
www.classictic.com - In search bar type in Rome

Live life to the fullest

It’s the best way

Live every moment intensely

Because life is too short

And the moment comes when we are going to die

And we’d have wished to do so many things we didn’t

That is why we have to enjoy every moment

One must enjoy life

Try not to acquire so many things

But instead have experiences

Accomplish everything you want to do

No matter the effort it deserves

Life is too short and one must relish it

Author: Shaun Davison

The Eternal Rome-ance - Day 8

Emanuelle II Monument

Rome and Florence                                                                  Italy

Thursday 24^th July 2014

Just before my alarm went off I was already up and ready feeling less agony in my legs mainly because I took a longer rest yesterday which I was thankful for. I headed for breakfast for the last time and I noticed there were a lot more people in the hotel restaurant this time thinking that they were here to begin their adventure in this great city. I only had something light to eat as I didn’t want to overeat with the plane journey back home. I headed back in my room half an hour before my taxi was due to pick me up triple checking everything making sure I left nothing behind. I also checked my hand luggage making sure my documents were inside before finally leaving the room with my heavy rucksack on my back closing the door behind me. I approached the desk to hand my key back and there was a city tax I had to pay of 14 Euros which I knew of before I arrived in Italy. As soon as I got out of the hotel I was welcomed by my taxi driver who was very early. I was the only one getting picked up from the hotel so he said I could sit at the front with him. I sat at the front and immediately I was freaked out with how the steering wheel was on the left. However, as we got moving it felt such a relief to be driven around the city instead of constantly walking. The driver had to pick up another four passengers so we headed into the city. Throughout the journey I was gripping my seat as I was amongst the erratic drivers of Rome trying to get to the front of the traffic. We eventually picked up the passengers and were soon on our way out of the city. I was almost in tears when the driver turned one corner and right in front of us approached the Colosseum. I had the biggest smile on my face knowing that I would get to see its beauty one more time and we did a complete loop around it with me not keeping my eyes off it. We managed to get out of the city and onto the motorway straight for Fiumicino airport. The wind blowing in my face was a great feeling too but finally we arrived at the largest airport I had ever seen. The driver gave me my rucksack and I was soon on my way inside figuring out my next move. The first thing I did was to check the departures board which showed the flight, what time it was leaving and which check in desk to go to. I was relieved when I accomplished all three with ease. After all my checks and receiving my tickets I headed straight for the customs area. I took all my jewellery off and placed them on the tray along with my phones and wallet and stepped through the detector. I was told to go back and take my shoes off and I did with a bit of confusion. After all my security checks, I was soon in the departure lounge keeping an eye on the departure board. I only had about 8 Euros left to spend in the airport so I managed to buy a tub of Pringles and a drink which left me with 1 Euro. I sat and ate my Pringles with a lot of time to spare. I watched people rushing around trying to get to the right gate which slightly humoured me. It made me think showing up early is the best solution at an airport rather than rushing around in a blind panic. Later on, I sat at a set of seats with other passengers going to different destinations zoning out when all of a sudden I heard an almighty smash of glass and then a strong smell of whiskey came flushing up my nose. I realised that a passenger had dropped his bottle of whiskey which I assumed was really expensive judging the amount of alcohol spreading on the floor. I sat and watched the cleaners wipe it up who looked miserable at the fact they had to clean it. Time had passed and I eventually took my leave for my Newcastle flight. There was hardly anyone at the gate just a few other passengers which was very good for me as I was at the front of the queue. I sat next to a middle aged woman and got talking straight away. We were talking about where we had been and what we were doing on our holidays and she also gave me tips on good places around the world which passed the time well. Finally the call came out stating that we could board the plane so after I showed my passport I hopped straight onto the bus. It was a short distance to the plane and when we arrived, my nerves slightly came back realising that I would be in the air very soon. As I climbed the stairs I quickly admired the look of my Boeing 737 plane before eventually taking my seat and waiting to get moving. 

My Flight Home

It took for what seemed like forever to get moving due to the airport being full of planes. Eventually the moment came when the planes engines were at full throttle and we were taking off. I had my eyes closed again hoping that it wouldn’t drop and thankfully it kept rising and rising. At this point I opened my eyes and looked out of the window to see a wonderful blue ocean whizzing by. That feeling of excitement came back to me noticing how beautiful it was being in the air. There was a lot more turbulence on the way back though so I plugged my headphones in and listened to my music as I looked out of my window constantly thinking of home. 

Flying Home

2 hours of bumpy flying brought us over the English Channel and I couldn’t believe how close France was to the UK whilst being 35,000 feet in the air. Another 30 minutes went by and then the captain came on the speaker saying 20 minutes to landing. I was surprised as to how quick and smooth we arrived into Newcastle feeling relieved as the plane slowed right down and finally into the gate. My ears were slightly funny with the air pressure but they were soon returned to normal when I went through to baggage reclaim. As soon as I arrived there I could see my bag which was great as usually it was always the last to come on. I had a great big smile on my face as I approached the arrivals exit thinking that I would see my grandfather waiting there for me. However, he wasn’t there so I stood outside and rang him. He said he would be five minutes and he was soon here to pick me up. Grandmother was there too feeling relieved to see I was still in one piece. On the way back home I had a great chat about my experience of Rome and the moment that I was with my cousin Lauren and her friend. It was a surreal moment returning back home coming to terms that my adventure in Rome was over. I was constantly thinking about the wonderful sights and people I had seen along the journey feeling a sense of satisfaction at the fact I had finally been to the eternal city after waiting so long to experience this brilliant place. Along with a special trip to Florence I finally felt at peace thinking how life was great at this moment in time.

Roman Forum

Ponte Vechio - Florence

Florence City Skyline

The Eternal Rome-ance - Day 7

Castel Sant` Angelo

Rome and Florence                                                                  Italy

Wednesday 23^rd July 2014

I was up at a reasonable time but the first thing I had noticed was that my legs and feet seemed to feel a bit better than the previous days. Today was my last full day in Rome so I planned to make the most of it despite the slight pain in my legs and feet. I had quite a large breakfast again constantly thinking about where to see for the last time today. I wanted to quickly see everything that took four days to see in one day. Challenge accepted I thought as I made my way back to my room. My main priority was to pack my rucksack and my hand luggage in an organised state for tomorrow. I was satisfied with what I accomplished so in haste I left the hotel heading for the Colosseum. I managed to get there in good time as my feet were slightly better than yesterday and as I neared the Colosseum, I couldn’t believe the flood of Chinese tourists arriving from their coaches to admire the marvellous structure. I was overwhelmed but what was I expecting coming from an amazing unique city like Rome. I had noticed that every single day this past week I had mentioned something incredible about the sight of the arena never getting tired of seeing the wonderful Colosseum. It was very interesting just thinking how much history was in this place and how it made me feel personally standing right next to it. I moved on from the Colosseum and headed towards the side of the roman forum. As I did so I looked to my left where a group of archaeologists were discovering old marble floors and whatever treasures they could find underneath the ground level. This made me wonder what more was hiding beneath our feet that we did not know about. I decided to head up the hill to the Campidoglio bypassing the man with the budgies again to have one last moment in the Santa Maria in Aracoeli. My feet were starting to hurt that bit more so I had a sit down in the church getting lost in my thoughts with the flow of peace running through my veins. I then sat on the top step at the front of the church watching the world go by and smiling at people struggling to climb up the many stairs in front of me before I decided to go down them myself. 

Steps in front of Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Teatro di Marcello

Santa Maria in Aracoeli

I then decided to head to the beloved Pantheon and by the time I arrived there, it was dinner time. As I was trying to save money, I decided to have a panino which for the price I paid was a very delicious bite to eat and it was enough to help me continue my trips. I sat in the Pantheon staring at the altar and the ceilings as I kept thinking of my Grandmother who passed away which helped me relax and be at peace not having a care what was going on around me. I knew I wasn’t far from the Castel Sant’ Angelo and Vatican City so they were my next locations. I was soon there with joy but sadness too as I knew this was my last day seeing this breathtaking area. The castle was still a wonder to be amongst and I decided to look at it from every angle. Around the sides of the castle walls were stalls selling all sorts of gifts and books but hardly anyone around to buy them. It was nice and quiet going around the castle as I admired its size but it got quite loud when I returned back at the front as I approached Vatican City. 

Love Padlocks on Ponte Sant` Angelo

Castel Sant` Angelo

Behind Castel Sant` Angelo

Castel Sant` Angelo

Julius Ceasar Statue

Behind Castel Sant` Angelo

There were no words to describe the feeling I got when I was approaching the large square in front of the basilica of St Peters. There were so many people at its centre so I decided to sit at the edge where the large pillars stood tall and rest my tired legs. I sat at the perfect spot where I could see the large dome at the top and also witness the very large line of people waiting to get into the church itself. I had a wonderful moment sitting there making the most of it watching on at the pigeons scattered across the square before I eventually stood up and continued on to my next destination. On the way though I had a thought that I was in Italy and I never had a Cornetto. So I went into the first shop I came across and bought myself one. I was tempted to start singing the Cornetto song but I think I would have been arrested for disturbing the peace. 

Piazza San Pietro

Just One Cornetto

Palazzo di Guistizia

I wanted to see the Piazza del Popollo for the last time so that was where I headed to next. It took quite a bit of time to arrive mainly because I was paying more attention to the street performers along the way. As I got there I realised I never went along the steps next to the Leonardo da Vinci museum. I knew the pathway at the top would lead straight to the Trinita dei Monti. 

Piazza del Popolo

Unhappy Street Performer

As I reached the top, I could see another brilliant view of the city and seen how far I had walked since this morning; no wonder my legs were tired. Time passed and I eventually arrived at the Spanish steps with hundreds of people sitting on them getting there pictures taken and relaxing with their families. I didn’t spend much time there mainly because I really needed the toilet. I headed down the steps and arrived at the Piazza di Spagna looking for a toilet. I found one but it was a 1 Euro charge to use them. I didn’t have it on me and they didn’t give change so I was running out of options then I headed towards the metro to see if they had any. On the way there, I was startled when a group of Indian sellers suddenly grabbed everything from the floor they were selling and ran off into the metro station. I was wondering what was going on and actually thought they were running away from me but as I looked over my shoulder, the roman police were tailing them as they did not have a license to sell. I thought it was funny the way they suddenly ran off wrapping everything they had in a large dusty rug. I eventually found some toilets but I had to go into McDonalds. As I entered I was shocked with how many people were in there having a McDonalds. I was just thinking that they have a McDonalds at home; why would they come all the way here to have it? I headed back out relieved and took my time looking through the windows of the expensive shops. I couldn’t believe it when I had seen full suits and dresses for 3000-4000 Euros. I was watching some people coming out of the shops and I was just thinking rich arses strutting away actually wishing I was one of them rich arses. I had other things to think of though so I headed down the long Via del Corso which took me straight to Emmanuelle II monument. I looked upon it for a moment before heading to the Mercati di Traiano and all the way back to the Colosseum. I sat for a long while at the Colosseum once again as I knew I would not see it again on this journey.

Colosseum

Time moved on and I could feel burning on my neck because of the sun which made me pick myself up and endue the long walk back to the hotel. I had one last look at the Colosseum before disappearing around the corner and heading to the hotel. The last location I seen was the Terme di Caracalla. I looked upon it thinking about the opera performance I seen the second night I was here. It seemed like a lifetime ago since I watched the performance but still remembering the wonderful feeling I got when I was listening to it. I could see the hotel in my sights and was exhausted by the time I got into my room. I made sure that everything was in place for tomorrows’ departure and then I took a nice long shower which felt great before relaxing on my bed watching the Italian TV holding memories of what I had seen for the last time today.