When in Rome (October 2017)

This was second Rome visit for Vitaliy and I so we were considered Rome “experts”. Our first trip was in 2013 but we could still remember most of the “need to know about Rome” like it was just a few months ago.This city can be overwhelming, especially for a first time visitors. This time we were looking forward to spending two full days here and taking it at a lot slower pace than we did the first time.

After the scenic 3 hours train ride from Venice we arrived at the Termini train station. Thankfully, there was no public transportation strike this time!! We had experienced it first hand on the arrival of our first Rome trip. Longest taxi lines I have ever seen in my life and, of course, overpriced taxi service. We seemed to be the only people disappointed with it as everyone around acted like nothing has happened. It was a week day as far as I can recall but the station was at a stop. Later on we found out that strikes were very common part of the culture.

Housing in Rome is expensive. We chose to stay in Vatican city. It is just a few metro stops away from the center of Rome. After checking in to our rental which was located few minutes by foot from the St. Peter’s Basilica, we still had the evening to explore the Vatican.

Vitaliy took the chance to go to a soccer game in Rome. The rest of us enjoyed the evening with a very beautiful sunset in the ancient city or should I say country!?! By the way, Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world not only by its area but by population as well.

Ivan, Lyuba, Ashley (in the stroller), and I had a great walk along the Tiber river (heading east from the St. Peter’s Square to the Castel Sant’Angelo). The promenade walk virtually takes me back to my readings about the Early Church persecution in the Roman Empire. One of those days I would love to read the The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers again.

On our first full day in Rome, we took the subway to the Colosseum, and bought our admission tickets at the Palatine Hill entrance. The line there is nothing compare to the line at the Colosseum. It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance (on-line), especially if visiting during pick seasons. We didn’t bother to buy tickets sooner this time. It was October and going to the Palatine Hill entrance (tip we learned from our last trip) made it painless. The Palatine Hill is my favorite of all the three major attractions: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. We were in no rush. The combo-tickets (including all three sites I just mentioned) were good for 2 days. We chose to start with the Palatine Hill as it has some nature, great view points, and a shade when there is a need for it.

The bird on the picture below had no problem posing for observers of this great viewpoint.

Our “birdy” had no issues keeping herself busy in the ancient surroundings. There was enough space for the crowds of tourists, our birdy flying around, and even the stroller we took along. More reasons to enjoy this historical area.

View of the Roman Forum from the Palatine Hill.

Our angel wanted to play the Zacchaeus story on one of the trees. It is the story she wanted to hear numerous times a day for quite a while last year. She still asks me to read it from the Bible these days but we are down to two-three times at a time instead of what felt like at least twenty. 😉

And, the famous Colosseum. We saved exploring the inside for the following day.

Our lunch stop was at the Cafe-Cafe, little cafe across the road from the back of the Colosseum.

After the lunch break, we headed for a walk through the historic Rome. From Colosseum to Piazza Venezia, then to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and finally Spanish Steps.

Trevi fountain had many visitors as usual. This is definitely one of the places to be extra cautious about pickpocketing.

 
Ashley was sure spoiled and had whom to go to when she wouldn’t accept a “no” for an answer from mommy and daddy for one of her wishes.

Happiness is when you see the same sheep you own far away from home. 🙂 On our walk through the busy evening Rome streets, Ashley spotted the same toy she has at home.

Now, the Spanish steps. Another astonishing sunset. This area gets crowded as well. We didn’t go up the steps this time as we were ready to head home for the day. Vitaliy and I haven’t forgotten our pleasant dinner experience in one of the restaurants on top of the Spanish steps during our first visit. It is a must have experience with delicious Italian food and impressive views.

We started our last day adventure by taking the subway to Rome’s center. Instead of getting out by the Colosseum we got off by the Villa Borghese park. This was a chance to enjoy the part of the city we haven’t been to before. The park had perfect treats for Ashley, some carousels and a horse as a bonus. She couldn’t be happier while we enjoyed park’s nature and sitting on a bench.

Viewpoint in the park has gorgeous views of the Piazza Popolo. From there we walked to the Piazza Popolo, then to the Colosseum through via Del Corso, the main street of the historic Rome.

This was the only day during our two weeks trip with rain in the forecast but it barely drizzled. I was ready for our famous Pacific Northwest rain but apparently it didn’t happen. 😉

Now, the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built. Association I have with this place gives me chills but also reminds me to pray for those who live in the parts of the world where people are prosecuted for believing in The One who created them. Unfortunately, prosecution was a part of the history of this structure. It’s heartbreaking to even think about the belligerent gladiatorial contests or the christian persecution that was part of society’s entertainment back in those ancient days.

Evil was always evil and didn’t become any better nowadays. All the terrorist attacks and political hater that we have been witnessing these days. It’s tragic what human beings can do when they turn away from The Source of Love, harden their hearts, and rebel to go their own ways.

The Bible reminds us that “a man reaps what he sows” Galatians 6:7. This reminder always urges me to don’t give up on doing the right, the good, and to be merciful. To seek and be filled with the love from the ultimate source, which is God. It might not seem the easy or the popular way to go but at the end there will always be more love, more good, and more right. Who would say no to love, good, or right?!

Last pictures before heading to the apartment, last minute packing, and resting before the flight back home in the morning.

Getting the energy out before getting on the plane. So thankful for the airport playgrounds.

Until next time 🙂