DATE: Tuesday 11 July, 1995
PLACE: Rome
WEATHER: Hot
REMARKS: After a hot and restless night the morning is pleasantly
cool - although it is to be the 'calm before the storm' as
it were!
Breakfast is interesting: bread for toast, fresh fruit (apricots),
jams, cheeses, cold meats, rolls, and chocolate filled muffins,
etc. and nice tea, We leave fairly hurriedly without really
planning what to do, or how to get there. A lengthy walk and
questions of a bus-driver have us heading for the Metro. We
navigate the trip to Termini (tickets, payment, turnstiles,
platform numbers and all) and then change lines.
Beggars notwithstanding, we make it. Desiree is very stressed
by the possibility of loosing one of the kids, and the crowds
of potential thieves and pickpockets, and hadn't seen a lot,
but we are at the Coliseum. Main impression: HEAT.
Across the road is the Forum. Again: HEAT, this time with
DUST. We walk through a maze of poorly-signposted paths, relics,
and ruins and other tourists. The buildings amaze because
of their durability and apparent randomness. Yet the scale
impresses. Clearly a vast complex, it's not hard to people
it with imaginary throngs of cheering Romans. Interestingly,
although one or two places, such as the Sacra Vista (or Via
Sacra) and the Triumphal Arch are grandly positioned, other
sites don't give the feel of having been positioned for maximum
visual or scenic effect. Rather the feeling is of proximity
and intimacy - at odds with my pre-conceptions of the sweep
and grandeur of the occasions held therein. I wonder how much
this has been coloured by Hollywood epics?
Roman public transport didn't co-operate and send a bus
to us near the hotel, we weren't keen on the Metro again,
so we take a cab - much more pleasant. Siesta is a damned
fine tradition - shame about the kids wanting to play not
sleep!
Post-siesta: hit the shops! (again). Oh the trials of European
sizing. Jayne and Desiree are shod, Sarah is skirted and topped,
and Desiree outfitted (not without frustration however). The
kids are bearing up remarkably well - Jayne by sleeping in
the stroller!
Laden with booty and Visa dockets we repair to the Hotel Alimandi,
with a gelati and beer stop en route, and take advice for
dinner. Local food in a local ristorante - oh well: 'When
in Rome …!
Charlotte is in strife again. Let's hope it is short-lived
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