Rome
July 2004
Once again time for
a SSB-trip. This time we had not adapted however obviously the goal to the
season. Rome in the summer. It was brutally hot, but the city also beautiful.
This year, we went again to one of Europe's large cities. Now Rome was one the agenda
for this year, after London and Vienna the passed years. The "everlasting city" at the
River Tiber was absolutely fascinating. Rome reminded me of an enormous open air
museum. We selected a living, city with lots of history. On Friday evening we
flew into Rome. The train took us to the city center. Then we had some problems
in orientation in this huge city. Actually some problems in choosing the right
side of the tracks and so the right direction for the way to the hotel. Twice we underran the
tracks of the station, before we got Dutch help, and she pointed the way surely.
Why does nobody speak English?? in Italy? The hotel
was located in the old city center, only 5 minutes
away from the underground, which simplified the tour through the city.
The first evening was finished with a Pizza and beer in a Ristorante
around the corner. BTW beer, 6.00 € for a large beer is heavy, not a good dea... In addition, Rome is not cheap.
On the following day we made a walk to the Colosseum. There it was, nearly
2000 years old. Unbelievable in what a good shape it is after such a long time. We explored
the arena with the Audioguide. Impressing that you can still see the names of
the senators on the marble-seats in the first row. Diagonally
opposite is the the Domus Aurea located, a palace of emperor Nero. The following
emperor decided that the palace had to disappear and so he gave the order to
cover this building from envy
with 6m earth. That's the reason why it is conserevd so good. There are walks in
the underground, which reminds to the gloss of the old. I was impressed, because
partially old ceiling paintings still exist. This was the heart of the Roman
Empire. Ingeniously! With 35° in the shade
we had our first italian Espresso and considered seriously whether we should
leave the air-conditioned area or not... Not far is the Forum Romanum.
Many ruins, in addition, some well preseverd temples and forums. Moreover we
climbed onthe Palatin hill. Here Romulus and
Remus had been washed ashore. Disappointing was the view of the Circus
Maximus. You can suspect that it's there, no ruins only a dirty road in a distance. On Campidoglio we admired Marc Aurel on its horse, before
we went
back into the hotel... In the evening we enjoyed cooler air at the Trevi
Fountain
after an opulent dinner. Finally we enjoyed the amazing atmosphere at the Spanish
Stairs. Many
young people, tendency and live-music made the evening unforgettable.
On Sunday it poured very heavy. The rose-salesmen changed their
assortment to umbnrellas and we applied optimistically direction city center.
But at the transfer stop of the streetcar we "moved into" a
telephone-box to be covered. Afterwards we entered a street-cafe, in hope that
the weather would improve again. But we failed. So we decided to go beack to the
hotel, showered hot and slept for a while. At 5pm everything was fien again and the
weather cleared up. We continued our investigation route. Piazza Navona,
Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon inspired us. The Pantheon is a domed structure, which stands nearly
2000 years - you cannot imagine that someone could build something like this in
so early days... In
the evening we had dinner at Piazza del Popolo. With a view
of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum by night, we closed this day. Unfortunately
they use meagerly lights, but nevertheless fascinatingly.
Monday was church's day. We visited the Pope.
Unfortunately he was in vacation, anyhow, we wanted to see where he lives. And I
had genuinly luck. The trousers should be long, and I wore a short with 3/4 legs
- so I thought covered knees were ok. For women yes... They let me in. But
another "Security" told me, that this is not allowed - Anyway, I was
in. BTW for what do I pay church
tax??? We mounted the Peter's Cathedral and enjoyed the view over the city at the
River Tiber, before we took the stairs to the cooler cathedral. The size
impressed. Up to 60.000 prayers find place here. Insanity. With the
afternoon coffee we got some other rain, but it only was a short shower. In ten
evening we was on the way to a small Restaurant in the Viy Gulia, because Thomas
got a tip. Unfortunately this restaurant was closed and we looked out for a
alternative. Some cross streets we found a native native restaurant, without any
tourists. The dinner was
affordable and very good. All spoke Italian and it was a special atmosphere. On the
way home we stopped at the Campidoglio with a last view to the Forum Romanum. On
the roof terrace of the hotel we let the evening end with a cosy glass red wine.
Over the roofs of Rome...
Tuesday was departure day. Thus we drove to the park Borghese and began with a
relaxed morning. Far over the Piazze del Popolo, we enjoyed the prospect
of one of the Rome's hills. Then further on to Via Condotti, which admire noble fashion
shops and boutiques... We strolled and bought many times ice-cream.
Particularly Thomas and Tanja were ice kings; -) In the evening we drove to the
airport. But the flight, announced for 9.35pm o'clock was now 1.35am -
4 hours of delay. The mood sank to zero. Moreover there the airport closed
at 22pm the gates and there was was nothing... We got a coupon for dinner, but the meal was poor. We slept on the floor, before
we finally took off against 1.30am direction Germany. Summing up, this
small problem could not cloud this vacation. The city was
fascinating. Rome is incredible. We'll return, for sure.
The grouip that travveled this year: Melanie Schauties, Tanja Wellenkrueger, Thomas
Kuschel, Michael Otto, Kai Jakob Elshoff and I. It was again funny with you and
we made certain metres. Rome is wonderful!
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| Colosseum | Forum Romanum | Piazza Navona |
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| Peter's Place | "Holy Gate" | View over Rome |
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| Spanish Stairs | Pantheon | Melanie, Michael, me, Thomas, Tanja and Kai |
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