SIGHTSEEING ROMA

"Trevi fountain - legend has it that a foreigner who tosses a coin into the fountain ensures his return to Rome. The fountain which is set against a huge building is neatly decorated with statues and rocks. The fountain was built by Nicola Salvi (1735). At the centre, the statue of the ocean god stands on a shell shaped chariot pulled by winged horses."

Once breakfast was over, it was serious time for sightseeing Rome. Even though I had seen some of Rome back in 2004, I was quite hyped up to spend some time on my own here rather than being joined to a tour group. In fact the whole purpose of spending a few days in Rome was to relax, wine and dine. Well I don’t know so much about the wining and dining as it’s quite expensive.

Pulling out the maps the first site for the day was decided on being the Trevi Fountain. However along the way we managed to spot a church to which we stood outside and shoved our cameras in for a few shots.

After a short stroll we were standing in front of the Trevi Fountain. One of the major highlights in Rome.



The place was packed to the bone with tourist all trying to capture a picture here and there. I suppose this was the perfect place for pick pockers. You really have to be on the look out for those here. Never let down your guard.



Tourist were going crazy taking photos of the fountain and of course we joined in on that. We even asked a few people to take our photo in front of the Trevi Fountain. For some stupid reason people kept insisting of just taking our photo with barely any of the fountain. What is wrong with people these days? Don’t they know how to take a photo? The same thing happened a few years ago in New York. Every time we got someone to take a photo of us in front of the Statue of Liberty, we would be in the photo without the statue. These people should be shot!



I saw random people throwing coins into the fountain. It didn’t really occur to me to throw money in at the time but I remembered throwing a few coins in 2004. Apparently the theory is that if you throw coins into the fountain it ensures you return to Rome. Well I suppose the theory worked then! It's only been 3 years and I'm back.

Next stop was the Pantheon. However I had to stop on the way to admire the hidden Roman streets first...

Some where along the way we spotted this Italian cop. It kills me the way they stand. It's like they are posing for the front page of a fashion magazine. You gotta love the Italians.

We arrived at the Pantheon to be blown away by the amazing architecture.

"The Pantheon - it was built by Agrippa in 27 B.C. Dedicated to the gods of the Julian family. The portico has 16 monolithic granite columns."

Inside view of the Pantheon:

We walked out of the Pantheon to settle on the first spot we found on the ground. There was so much to see and take in that we were so overwhelmed already. We sat here for a while and then realized a sign indicating that no food, drinks, cameras or mobiles were allowed inside. Hmm interesting. I think 99% of the people ignored that including us.

We started walking randomly in hope of discovering the Monumento Vittoria Emanule II. This is when we discovered the perfect stage for Cherry’s kidney sacrifices. Of course we filmed it on our documentary video of “Living in Rome”.

Below picture - Cherry's new stage for cutting up kidneys:

All the excitement of Cherry cutting up Kidneys lead to a coffee break. However along the way I had to stop to take another picture of a typical Roman Street.

Hyped up from the coffee we eventually make it to the Monumento Vittoria Emanule – The Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

We saw this place from across the street and was immediately fascinated by it. Unfortunately like the Spanish Steps this place was under construction as well. It seems like the whole of Rome is under construction at the moment!

"Vittorio Emanuele II Monument - worked on the king for 20 years on the equestrian statue of the king, after the death of the artist. here also lies the tomb of the unknown soldier. Designed by Giuseppe Sacconi (1885-1911)."

We slowly make our way across the hectic Rome traffic to grab photo’s from every angle we possible can before entering inside the gates for a more close up look. The minute we entered inside the gates we heard a guard blowing on his whistle. For a minute I thought he was blowing it at us. He was blowing it at some random guy who was sitting on the stairs. Apparently you are not allowed to sit on the stairs. I don’t know what that is about. These Italians have funny rules LOL

Below picture - The tomb of the unknown soldier:

The Monumento Vittiria Emanuele was breath taking and too overwhelming. It’s just so amazing that Rome has such a high outstanding architecture. There's way too much to take in.

We decided to wander out of the gates towards the right to sit on the grass near the fountain. attached to The Monumento Vittiria Emanuele. Were not half way through the day and I’m already exhausted. Is it time for coffee again?