Trip Report – {Rome 4 Nov 2008}
We awoke to the murmur of early morning shower pattering against the windows, we were so tempted to sleep in and hit that snooze button for the umpteenth time. However, Pompeii, one of the major highlights of our Rome trip, was calling our names.
We raced towards the subway station, drenched in the rain and barely made it for our scheduled train. We rode towards the city of Naples and boarded another train that took us straight to the ruins.
The regional Circumvesuviana train ride towards the ancient Pompeii site was an experience in itself.
We had to hold on tight to our belongings (hence no pictures inside the train) as there were suspicious characters and child beggars roaming the aisles, as the train traveled away from the city and towards a more derelict countryside.
After just a short 10 minute walk, we arrived at the tourist centre of the ancient city of Pompeii. We purchased day passes for 2, each at 11Euros and headed towards Porta Marina, the entrance to the ruins of Pompeii…..
Pompeii used to be a bustling city, rife with prostitution and politics, and also, a favourite amongst Romans for summer holiday getaways.
All of the city’s roads were polygonal blocks made from the lava of Mt Vesuvius….
On a warm day in AD79, Pompeii was entirely destroyed, and approximately 2,000 people were buried during a long catastrophic eruption of Mt Vesuvius over 2 days.
The volcano collapsed higher roof-lines and buried the entire city of Pompeii under 60ft of ash and pumice, and was lost for nearly 1,700 years before its re-discovery in 1748.
A heart chilling plaster cast of a Pompeii civilian in a prayer position…
One of the water fountains….
Us at the Arch of Caligola at the main intersection of the city…
A house/villa…
Columns of the Pompeii Forum..
An old amphitheater…
The entire day was downcast with dramatic clouds overhanging from the sky.
This is a picture of Leo with Mt Vesuvius in the background…
We left Pompeii absolutely in awe at the destruction left by the quiet Mt Vesuvius, overlooking the entire excavation site. Even though the whole town was wiped so many years ago, with nothing left but ruins, artifacts and charred remains, it was a hopeful sight to behold that some things did survive, and Life, still goes on…
The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate. It is the sand of the Colosseum…
Gracchus, Gladiator (Movie)
Trip Report – {Rome 3 Nov 2008}
The second day of our Roman adventure was prefaced by a surprise proposal, subsequently right after, we headed straight for breakfast. The breakfast room was well stocked with pastries, cereals, coffee, hot and cold foods, but the best thing about it??
Having breakfast al fresco at the rooftop terrace overlooking the Trevi Fountain!
Monument Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II
We took the subway all the way to Stazione Termini and then a long stroll towards ancient Rome.
On the way to the Colosseum, we dropped by grand Monument Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II. Vittorio was a unified Italy’s first king, and boy, was the monument befitting for one. Made entirely out of pure white marble, under the glorious Roman sun, it was glaringly white and highly conspicuous amongst its generally brownish surroundings.
Capitoline Hill, Palatine Hill & the Roman Forums
In ancient times, Capitoline Hill used to be the political nerve of Rome. Now it houses the Capitoline Museum, and also a perfectly proportioned square, Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo.
A replica of Marcus Aurelius’ equestrian statue in the middle of the piazza.
The forum once served as a city square and central hub where the people of Rome gathered for faith and justice and was considered to be the center of the Republic Empire.
Now, it lies in ruins.
Colosseum
At last…
Ever since Ridley Scott’s unforgettable film Gladiator hit the silver screens back in 2000, the Colosseum occupied a significant place in my heart. To finally be able to stand in its stupendous presence was definitely a heart-stirring moment.
Even though it is partially damaged due to stone robbers and earthquakes over the years, amidst the troupes of tourists, the Colosseum still stands tall on its compact grounds. There was a certain calm that gently enveloped the ancient amphitheater, part eerie, part surreal.
View of the hypogeum. A series of underground tunnels used to house animals and slaves for gladiatorial games.
We found a quiet little corner away from the curious tourists, with the most perfect lighting against the most dramatic backdrop, we mounted our camera precariously on a huge rock and sneaked this snap…
Modern day gladiators roamed the gates of the Colosseum, instead of fighting wild animals like the days of old, they now pose for pictures with awe struck tourists for several euros.
As much as ancient Rome tries to assimilate with its modern day counterpart; the magnificent Colosseum, the old ruins, the iconic architecture, all right in the middle of the city, will always serve as a reminder to the locals, tourists and the rest of the world alike, of the once invincible imperial glory of Rome.
After an extremely long day and many miles of ancient grounds under our weary feet, we decided to bid ancient Rome a fair goodbye; as the sun set on yet another beautiful Roman day.
