Goodbye to Croatia and an early start as we start toward the journey home. A stop in Rome for a few days first. It's only a 45 min flight from Dubrovnik to Rome - we arrive at 9.30am, but it takes longer than that for our bags to arrive on the conveyor belt.
We are staying at La Clarisse - Trastevere on the other side of the River Tevere- more commonly known as theTiber River - lovely spot and handy to all the tourist spots. Bags dropped in room and a bit off a freshen up and we're off to see the sights, but not before a bite to eat for lunch - no breakfast due to early start.
The lovely colours of the buildings.
River Tevere - Tiber River
The remains of the old bridge.
Our waiter at lunch - looks very smart - just an apron! Very clever! Nice pizza too and red wine - it was after 11am!
Circus Maximus - amazing to think there was Chariot Racing here many moons ago!
On the far side the Palatine Hill - and the remains of the Imperial Palaces which overlooked the Circus Maximus.
The site is still very much a live archaeological site, with digging still taking place.
Looking down from the end where the chariots would have entered the arena. Restoration and stabilisation taking place of the dig so far.
The cobbled roads that surround the Circus Maximus and other streets around the Roman Forum.
Sam wanted to bring one of the cobbles home in his bag.
The Roman Forum began as a market place, but became the economic, political and religious hub, town square and centre of all Rome.The Roman Forum is very much a live archaeological site with digging continuing also. It's like being in an open air museum. There are so many pieces of history everywhere you look.
Looking over the Roman Forum. It covers a huge area.
The Temple of Saturn
The Arch of Septimus Severus
The detail inside the Arch
The Column of Phocas
The Temple of Castor and Pollux - The Gemini Twins - my star sign
The Temple of Vesta
Temple of Antonius and Faustina
Temple of Romulus Doors
There is just so much more digging to be done!
The Arch of Titus
Next stop the Colosseum, not before we top up with more water. It is so hot we seem to be guzzling litres! Today entry to a lot of the tourist spots is free so there are heaps of people about.
What an amazing building. Five stories of seating holding up to 55,000 people, all seated according to rank. Awesome piece of architecture. There are 80 arched entrances. Makes you wonder how they constructed something like this with very few tools. Absolutely incredible!
The flooring has been reconstructed, which had many trapdoors in it leading to the spaces below which held both men and a variety of animals ready to combat.
A small piece of the remaining seating.
The Arch of Constantine built in AD315 to mark the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at Pons Milvius. Stands 25m high.
A well deserved drink stop on the way home. It has been melting weather today and got to keep the fluid intake up. Cool little bar - free apertivos with our drinks even better!
