Rome: The Colosseum, Roman Forum and dinner in Trastevere

Because we did most of the sights the day before, today was more of a take your time and enjoy day. We started off going to the Colosseum, the largest ever built ampitheatre during the Roman Empire. Let me just say that queues into attractions in Rome is hell. The lines are wide, so people can easily push in and get in front of you. It happened to us a couple of times. When you get closer to the ticket booth, there's people pushing and shoving. Hate it!  Don't know why it can't be done in an orderly fashion! I would say we were in line for tickets for about 20-25 minutes. Definitely felt like longer! When you got in though, it was like you could breathe as everyone is spread out. The remains of the colosseum is amazing. They have of course done some restoration but they would have to seeing how old it is!

Selfie time! Outside the Colosseum...

And inside!

We continued to see the Roman Forum (which is luckily part of the same ticket to the colosseum) which had the ruins of several important buildings in Rome.) Lee was gobsmacked because he said that it looked exactly like Assassin's Creed (for anyone that plays the game!) He was pointing things out and I was like 'oh yeah'. So interesting how ruins that old still exist or are still intact! We were there for ages as it was hot, and there was a lot of walking to do!

The Arch of Constantine

Arch of Constantine & the Colosseum together

The Arch of Titus which was also meant to inspire the Arc de Triomphe

Overview of the Roman Forum

Left: Temple of Castor & Pollux. Right: The Vestal temple

With the Basilica in the background

The temple of Saturn

Arch of Septimius Severus

Next stop, Trastevere which was a nice quaint neighbourhood near where we were staying. You could walk in the little alleyways and it will be full of people, eating, gazing, selling things. It looked like a typical Italian neighbourhood with the vines running down on the buildings. We had dinner in a nice and not overpriced restaurant, compared to what you would pay near tourist attractions!

Trastevere street art

Love the growing vines!

Cosy and quaint neighbourhood

It was a great day, the weather was great, though a bit too hot for me but it was better than rain, and we managed to see what we wanted to see.

We headed back home as we were tired and had to pack for the next day.

Rome was a wonderful place. You just have to be street smart with pickpockets and gypsies!

Next stop, Florence!

Until then,

-V