Travel to Rome Day 1

Germany -> Bratislava, Slovakia -> Budapest, Hungary -> Vienna, Austria -> Zagreb, Croatia -> Dubrovnik, Croatia -> Rome, Italy

The first day in Rome. Guess where did we go first? The Colosseum, of course. Some history now, Colosseum was used by the gladiator (Roman warrior or mmm...executed person? hehehe) as a contest of brawn prowess as the public watch the match. Can we said it's barbaric since people are still watching WWF? It was built around 70-72AD under emperor Vespasian. It was estimated 500,000 people and animals had died here!!! Luckily, I haven't seen any ghosts hehehe. Last thing on my mind. It's partially ruin due to earthquakes and stone robbers.

Regret that we didn't took the many tourist guide outside of colosseum since there was no info whatsoever and apparently, my guide book is totally not completed *sigh* Oh ya, we bought Roma Pass for 23euro which is totally worth it. You get 3 days of free transportation, 2 free visits to 2 sites and map. The other Roma Pass get you free tickets on train also. At colosseum, we used this and just sails through the queue as there are separate queue for Roma Pass holders. Colosseum and the ruins area (Roman Forum) counts as 1 sites.

The outside design is absolutely gorgeus. The inside was awestruck. Can't really imagine it as amphiteather at first since the seats are ruins. But the small museum shows the image of the completed colosseum.

Pic: Me inside Colosseum ground floor overlooking the podium.

Pic: If you see the sticking stones, it's actually the base of the seats where the spectator sits. It's now ruins. The gap hole on lower right hand is the stairs to go to the seats.

Pic: The lower grounds (rooms) where the gladiator and animals was kept before being rise (a rise platforms really) to the podium. The podium was destroyed. You have to imagine that on top of the rooms, there are a large podium/floor covered the whole area.

Pic: The second floor.

Pic: Some newly constructed seats and podium. As sample I guess.

Pic: Some view of the outside.

Pic: My stupid guide book.

This is the Arch of Constantine which is right beside the Colosseum. It was built to commemorate Constantine victory against Maxentius on year 312.

Then, we break for lunch at a restaurant recommended by the guide books hehe. Mine was awful since it's too simple. I'm having a bad food days throughout my visits in Rome. Too many tourist traps restaurant and should research more on good restaurant? The food in Venice is excellent and Italian food in general is excellent actually *sigh*

Pic: This is the ruins area taken from the road on our way to the entrance.

Enjoy some pictures taken during our walk to the entrance to the Roman Forum.

Pic: TV Commercial or film shootings. Who knows?

Arrived yey!. Since my travel guide is hampeh, let me search the net. Let's see... That's all I can find, plus my guide book in boxes somewhere. The Roman Forum is the central settlements, markets, shops and tavern. A very busy place once upon a time.

Pic: The columns on the right is the Rom Forum. The arch is the Arch of Septimius Severus.

Pic: Colums in front of Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

Pic: Inside one of the homes/temples?

Pic: The end, the Arch of Titus

Pic: Children on school trip playing at Arch of Titus area and inside Arch of Titus.

Off for dinner.

Pic: Change diet. Western food. This is Vege burger. Awful. I don't want to be vegan.

Pic: At one of the campo on the way back.