Just Walking
I recall years ago when the line from a Nike advert was picked up so quick by the public.. Just Do It! So after a 2-3 days of rest I decided to get up and fight the shaking knees. Oh yes...
With enough energy, my eyes were more adept to my surroundings. The cobbled streets around the area looked old and a little bit rundown, but the vibe compensated it with life. Italian music sounded more familiar this time and the scent of pizza and pasta made my taste buds crave. But I was on a mission. To make up for lost time.
I found my way to Termini Station and headed for the Colosseum. Prior research told me it was best to buy the tickets at The Forum which was the next door neighbor. A strategy to avoid the long queues most especially in the summer months. You can also purchase the ticket online and get to line up at the fast lane. Or, another option was to go there a little bit late in the afternoon. I opted for the latter.
The queue was manageable but a lot of people were complaining already. Because I was still under the weather, I decided to flow with the crowd until I get my ticket. The fee was 12 Euros for adults, valid for 2 days and gives you access to the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatino. Not bad right?
The Colosseum
To be honest, before I got on the train, I was thinking to myself, "geez, another overrated place to go to where swarms of tourists would just annoy me." But, when I got out of the station and walked a few steps.... the facade before me was dumbfounding. Okay, so I was impressed.
This structure was initially constructed back in 72 AD during the Flavian Dynasty, era of Emperor Vespasian. The amazing elliptical design measures 188m by 156m with a height of 48m. Interestingly enough, it can accommodate 55,000 spectators. On the hundredth day, games were held by the next Emperor Titus, to inaugurate the building in 80AD, when it was completed. It has been said that approximately 9000 animals were slaughtered. I wasn't really sure if it was because of the games or if they were eaten. The portion of the building that now exhibits a crevice where debris must have fallen, is a living testament to the earthquake that befell the structure in 847. The marble cladding were later then used for buildings like St. Peter's Basilica and Palazzo Farnese.
I found it a little bit daunting when I entered, swarms of tourists flowed between arches, with so many efforts to have their faces in almost every photo. There were groups with guides and some who just wandered around touching the structures. At first I couldn't appreciate the grandeur. So I told myself, I'd better see this from a different angle or else I would have just wasted the money and effort to be there.
I later on found a more quiet spot down the hallway of arches, a little bit far away from the crowd. I soaked in the view and imagined the place centuries ago when gladiators fought their battles. Indeed, Romans were more fierce than Greek. It was then that it dawned on me how history proved such statements.
After reading through the writings they've put up, I decided to have one last look from the inside and then move on to the Forum, next door neighbor. As I got out of the Colosseum, I found a small hill to the right and walked up to get a good shot of the walls from the outside. I imagined roman robes flaring against the wind as they stood tall, mesmerized by this great structure. I took a break and bought myself bread for lunch from one of the street stalls.
The Forum & Palatino
Right beside the Colosseum stands the Palatine Hill and the Forum. Both with great significance to the Roman empire and the history of what was once a great nation.
The Roman Forum was said to be the main central area of the city, that goes without saying, this must have served as the birthplace of the ancient Roman empire. It served as the place to go to for religious activities, commerce, business, cult, prostitution and administration of justice. Weird if you look at the mix. The whole stretch of the street walks you along the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta, Arch of Titus, and the church of San Luca e Martina.
The structures were pretty amazing. Going through the different buildings just made me realize that Roman architecture looked so much grander than the Greeks. But to be honest, I still have a soft heart for Greece, so I'd say I still vote that they're much better :)
The Palatine Hall is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It is said to be the origin of the word "palace". Based on excavations, they said people started to live there around 1000 BC. The whole stretch of gardens and structures were once said to be the location of a cave according to Roman mythology. It goes with the story about 2 brothers Romolus and Remus. After an argument, Romolus killed his brother and that's how they said the name "ROME" came about.
I walked around and explored the grounds. I passed by an excavation site with an ongoing dig. At some point I remember being fascinated by archeology but the career path wasn't at all promising so I ditched the idea. I lingered for a while and observed how they meticulously brushed the soil away, in case they came across a find. A few other tourists stayed and watched.
At some point I stopped and found a bench that overlooked the Forum. The intricately designed domes and
roofs were amazing to look. But despite the grandeur, for me, it just confirmed the idea that Roman society back in the days were all about building big and artsy, as if it was the living proof of their huge ego. Oops, I hope this doesn't come across as antsy.
It was around 5 pm when I finished the walk around The Forum. I got out of the area and crossed the street where I found some more archeological sites that didn't seem to matter to passersby. It was the free site and open to anyone. I guess the history wasn't that significant which was why it didn't occur to people to absorb its presence.
I stopped for a while to have an ice cream. The heat was slowing me down and the humidity was making me crazy. I chose a spot and watched people pass by, wondering what they were thinking as they looked around. I was having the dilemma in choosing between the talked about Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain. I ended up opting for the Trevi Fountain.
I walked through quaint alley ways that was filled with Pasta restaurants and other eateries. The lively vibe towards the evening was getting noisier as the people started to settle down at their fave restos, some maybe feeding the curious palettes.
Just right at the corner of Mcdonalds (yeah go figure, italian mcdonalds), I stopped to watch an artist work on a requested design by a lady. It was amazing how he used spray paint, cardboards and even the lid of a tin garbage can to get the shapes he wanted. The end-result was impressive but more so, the way he conceptualized it. He only charged 10 Euros for his artwork, not bad. I would say he should have charged more than that. The lady walked away smiling ear to ear.
I eventually got to Trevi Fountain. It is one the most famous fountain in the world, with a Baroque design by Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci. It was only refurbished by 1998 and in January 2013 the fashion company Fendi promised to sponsor the restoration for 20 months.
What I wasn't aware was the "coin throwing" thingie. So they say throw a coin right hand over left shoulder,
and make a wish. But nah, I didnt bother going back there just to do that. Despite the grandeur of the artistry in front of me, I wasn't happy with the crowds. Couples were just smooching away, taking so many photos in front of the fountain. It was stopping me from getting a good shot. So I didn't bother staying that long anymore. This was one of those situations when I'd say "Seen it, tick, i'm gone". I know it sounded really bad. But at that point, I was just pissed off.
I planned something different for the following day. A place far away from the busy crowd.
I found my way to Termini Station and headed for the Colosseum. Prior research told me it was best to buy the tickets at The Forum which was the next door neighbor. A strategy to avoid the long queues most especially in the summer months. You can also purchase the ticket online and get to line up at the fast lane. Or, another option was to go there a little bit late in the afternoon. I opted for the latter.The queue was manageable but a lot of people were complaining already. Because I was still under the weather, I decided to flow with the crowd until I get my ticket. The fee was 12 Euros for adults, valid for 2 days and gives you access to the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatino. Not bad right?
The Colosseum
To be honest, before I got on the train, I was thinking to myself, "geez, another overrated place to go to where swarms of tourists would just annoy me." But, when I got out of the station and walked a few steps.... the facade before me was dumbfounding. Okay, so I was impressed.
This structure was initially constructed back in 72 AD during the Flavian Dynasty, era of Emperor Vespasian. The amazing elliptical design measures 188m by 156m with a height of 48m. Interestingly enough, it can accommodate 55,000 spectators. On the hundredth day, games were held by the next Emperor Titus, to inaugurate the building in 80AD, when it was completed. It has been said that approximately 9000 animals were slaughtered. I wasn't really sure if it was because of the games or if they were eaten. The portion of the building that now exhibits a crevice where debris must have fallen, is a living testament to the earthquake that befell the structure in 847. The marble cladding were later then used for buildings like St. Peter's Basilica and Palazzo Farnese.I found it a little bit daunting when I entered, swarms of tourists flowed between arches, with so many efforts to have their faces in almost every photo. There were groups with guides and some who just wandered around touching the structures. At first I couldn't appreciate the grandeur. So I told myself, I'd better see this from a different angle or else I would have just wasted the money and effort to be there.
 |
| A lot of these along the streets |
After reading through the writings they've put up, I decided to have one last look from the inside and then move on to the Forum, next door neighbor. As I got out of the Colosseum, I found a small hill to the right and walked up to get a good shot of the walls from the outside. I imagined roman robes flaring against the wind as they stood tall, mesmerized by this great structure. I took a break and bought myself bread for lunch from one of the street stalls.
The Forum & Palatino
Right beside the Colosseum stands the Palatine Hill and the Forum. Both with great significance to the Roman empire and the history of what was once a great nation.
The Roman Forum was said to be the main central area of the city, that goes without saying, this must have served as the birthplace of the ancient Roman empire. It served as the place to go to for religious activities, commerce, business, cult, prostitution and administration of justice. Weird if you look at the mix. The whole stretch of the street walks you along the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta, Arch of Titus, and the church of San Luca e Martina.
The structures were pretty amazing. Going through the different buildings just made me realize that Roman architecture looked so much grander than the Greeks. But to be honest, I still have a soft heart for Greece, so I'd say I still vote that they're much better :)
I walked around and explored the grounds. I passed by an excavation site with an ongoing dig. At some point I remember being fascinated by archeology but the career path wasn't at all promising so I ditched the idea. I lingered for a while and observed how they meticulously brushed the soil away, in case they came across a find. A few other tourists stayed and watched.
At some point I stopped and found a bench that overlooked the Forum. The intricately designed domes and
 |
| random artsy building |
It was around 5 pm when I finished the walk around The Forum. I got out of the area and crossed the street where I found some more archeological sites that didn't seem to matter to passersby. It was the free site and open to anyone. I guess the history wasn't that significant which was why it didn't occur to people to absorb its presence.
I stopped for a while to have an ice cream. The heat was slowing me down and the humidity was making me crazy. I chose a spot and watched people pass by, wondering what they were thinking as they looked around. I was having the dilemma in choosing between the talked about Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain. I ended up opting for the Trevi Fountain.
Just right at the corner of Mcdonalds (yeah go figure, italian mcdonalds), I stopped to watch an artist work on a requested design by a lady. It was amazing how he used spray paint, cardboards and even the lid of a tin garbage can to get the shapes he wanted. The end-result was impressive but more so, the way he conceptualized it. He only charged 10 Euros for his artwork, not bad. I would say he should have charged more than that. The lady walked away smiling ear to ear.
I eventually got to Trevi Fountain. It is one the most famous fountain in the world, with a Baroque design by Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci. It was only refurbished by 1998 and in January 2013 the fashion company Fendi promised to sponsor the restoration for 20 months.
What I wasn't aware was the "coin throwing" thingie. So they say throw a coin right hand over left shoulder,
and make a wish. But nah, I didnt bother going back there just to do that. Despite the grandeur of the artistry in front of me, I wasn't happy with the crowds. Couples were just smooching away, taking so many photos in front of the fountain. It was stopping me from getting a good shot. So I didn't bother staying that long anymore. This was one of those situations when I'd say "Seen it, tick, i'm gone". I know it sounded really bad. But at that point, I was just pissed off.
I planned something different for the following day. A place far away from the busy crowd.
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