Just got our instructions on where to met RR and Mary et al as we start our big driving adventure but more of that later.
Yesterday we had a leisurely start to the day and set off on foot at about 1030 to see the last of our must see's and recapture some of those from 2002 and earlier.
After the rain yesterdy it was mostly sunny and fine and the temps got as high as 29. Much water was drunk!!
We followed the basics of a 2002 LP for a walking tour through historic Rome not far from where we are staying at the Campo di Fiori and included the Largo Torre Argentina, a fantastic building that includes the Italian Centre for American studies, a home bulit n 1468, the Jewish quarter, a few ruins, the old fish market and the Tetro Marcello before moving on to Trajan's column and Forum before heading up to the Piazza del Campidoglio for the view but particularly to see the horseback bronze of Marcus Aurelius again. We then climbed all the way up Victor Emmanuelle - it is so easy to forget the scale of this building - it is magnificent in a gross sort of way.
We then proceeded to the Quirinale but the President was busy and could not see us today. Nice little pad though. Then looked in at the Palazzo Barberini before lunch in a cafe right on the Piazza Barberini. Highlight of the day. A DHL van completely burnt out being towed away - we missed the fire but every type of police was there just to be part of the action mainly directing trafic away from the site. After viewing the fountain and sculpture we walked home via the Piazza Colonna to see that triumphal column again before going through Piazza Navona for a last time - it was very full - and had an ice cream for our efforts at Campo. Fred and Olwyn joined us there for a catch up and a drink in our lounge AND at a local bar before they headed off to the Colosseum.
Put our feet - and other parts of our bodies - up for a while before going out to dinner locally at about 2000. Great meal in a family run restaurant - no menu - 4 courses - set price Menu included heaps of antipasto, pasta, pork with veg and to cap it off some cake and a juice. We were stuffed!! Home and did most of the packing for our departure tomorrow [today]
Hitting the road at 0900 in a shuttle for 4 to the Peugeot depot out near the airport!!!!
Then the fun will really start!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Olwyn and Fred Thursday 3rd June
Heading for the Vatican for our 10.30 booking we decided to set ourselves up with a day pass on the Metro. Our B & B is a convenient few minutes walk from the Termini so we trundled down there and after some observation of how the system worked we plunged into the fray........with success!
Our booking was not for a guided tour, just a queue hopping entry booking, but well worth it, saving us a couple of hours standing in the queue and a couple of good hints from the guide. We started with the Museum. Mmmmm, 2000 rooms.........! Needless to say, the artworks to be viewed only use a fraction of those rooms, but took us all of 2 hours oooohing and aaaaghing over magnificent works and exhibits till we eventually ended up in the acclaimed Sistine Chapel.....wow
From here to St Peters and who should we bump into as soon as we entered (no Culhane, not the Pope) but California Coes!!!! How crazy is that in all of Rome and amongst the hundreds of others trailing around the Vatican!!!!
The grandeur and magnificence of St Peters defies description. I think it's really more than something to view, rather, something to experience! Fred says that to date this is the highlight of his trip. And Emily, yes; the Pieta is breathtaking!
Just as we came out of St Peters, the rain started, so a quick huddle to eat our long overdue lunch, then with brollies in place a very interesting walk past lots of shops selling Vatican and Rome memorablia back to the Metro. We snatched a fab coffee (just 1 euro each!) at an amazing little corner shop which seemed to be a confectionary and specialty goods shop - Freddie bought (by weight) a huge chunk of the creamiest chocolate which we proceeded to munch as we walked.
A quick change of clothes into warmer and more weather proof clothing then back on the Metro and over to Russell and Mary's where Bruce and Diana had already assembled. What a lot of catching up we all had to do and then downstairs to a nearby restaurant who was a little startled to be asked for a table for eight. We assured him we couldeasily fill half an hour at the nearby bar till he could accomodate us. Fred eagerly engage the barmen here and gleaned mcuh "useful"information about Italian beers. Back to the restaurant and a fabulous dinner. Fred went bold with a starter of Carpacchio for our table of four(phew how delish!!), Russell had suckling pig (succulent it looked and smelt), Nick a hearty plate of steak (he'sbuilding up before the start of his summer athletics training), Fred had a very tasty Greek style pasta and me, the beautiful Asparagus Ravioli.
You know how it goes when the Coes get together; so much talking and laughing and suddenly we were running for the last train. Too late, then the station attendant had to run to let us out of the locked underground! Taxi a good option at that stage for us and safely home about midnight.
Our booking was not for a guided tour, just a queue hopping entry booking, but well worth it, saving us a couple of hours standing in the queue and a couple of good hints from the guide. We started with the Museum. Mmmmm, 2000 rooms.........! Needless to say, the artworks to be viewed only use a fraction of those rooms, but took us all of 2 hours oooohing and aaaaghing over magnificent works and exhibits till we eventually ended up in the acclaimed Sistine Chapel.....wow
From here to St Peters and who should we bump into as soon as we entered (no Culhane, not the Pope) but California Coes!!!! How crazy is that in all of Rome and amongst the hundreds of others trailing around the Vatican!!!!
The grandeur and magnificence of St Peters defies description. I think it's really more than something to view, rather, something to experience! Fred says that to date this is the highlight of his trip. And Emily, yes; the Pieta is breathtaking!
Just as we came out of St Peters, the rain started, so a quick huddle to eat our long overdue lunch, then with brollies in place a very interesting walk past lots of shops selling Vatican and Rome memorablia back to the Metro. We snatched a fab coffee (just 1 euro each!) at an amazing little corner shop which seemed to be a confectionary and specialty goods shop - Freddie bought (by weight) a huge chunk of the creamiest chocolate which we proceeded to munch as we walked.
A quick change of clothes into warmer and more weather proof clothing then back on the Metro and over to Russell and Mary's where Bruce and Diana had already assembled. What a lot of catching up we all had to do and then downstairs to a nearby restaurant who was a little startled to be asked for a table for eight. We assured him we couldeasily fill half an hour at the nearby bar till he could accomodate us. Fred eagerly engage the barmen here and gleaned mcuh "useful"information about Italian beers. Back to the restaurant and a fabulous dinner. Fred went bold with a starter of Carpacchio for our table of four(phew how delish!!), Russell had suckling pig (succulent it looked and smelt), Nick a hearty plate of steak (he'sbuilding up before the start of his summer athletics training), Fred had a very tasty Greek style pasta and me, the beautiful Asparagus Ravioli.
You know how it goes when the Coes get together; so much talking and laughing and suddenly we were running for the last train. Too late, then the station attendant had to run to let us out of the locked underground! Taxi a good option at that stage for us and safely home about midnight.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
AKL Coes
Buongiorno
Friday morning here at the Hotel Casa Di Fiori
Yesterday was our first full day in Rome and we set out for what turned out to be a full day.
First we did the local Campo di Fiori flower and veggie market which was very interesting to see all the local fruits now that summer is approaching here.
We then hiked to the Piazza de Popolo and into the Borghese gardens. Beeoootiful!
Did a guided tour of the Villa Medici then managed to get 2 tickets for the Villa Borghese as long as we only stayed in 2 hours. They said it was full but with my good Italian we got in. You should have seen the crowds waiting for the 3pm entry!! Both very interesting and amazing. We had not been there before.
It was raining quite hard as we left the the gardens so out came the poncho's and umbrella. At 3pm we had not had time for lunch so had coffee and panini on a sidewalk cafe built into the Roman walls.
Beer and chips in the Campo before we put our feet up for a while. Then the Fred texts started!!!!! Resulting in us at 6.30pm walking over to Russell and Mary's place for drinks and dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Had a great time and got home at midnight.
Breakfast calls and the need to plan our day
Ciao
Friday morning here at the Hotel Casa Di Fiori
Yesterday was our first full day in Rome and we set out for what turned out to be a full day.
First we did the local Campo di Fiori flower and veggie market which was very interesting to see all the local fruits now that summer is approaching here.
We then hiked to the Piazza de Popolo and into the Borghese gardens. Beeoootiful!
Did a guided tour of the Villa Medici then managed to get 2 tickets for the Villa Borghese as long as we only stayed in 2 hours. They said it was full but with my good Italian we got in. You should have seen the crowds waiting for the 3pm entry!! Both very interesting and amazing. We had not been there before.
It was raining quite hard as we left the the gardens so out came the poncho's and umbrella. At 3pm we had not had time for lunch so had coffee and panini on a sidewalk cafe built into the Roman walls.
Beer and chips in the Campo before we put our feet up for a while. Then the Fred texts started!!!!! Resulting in us at 6.30pm walking over to Russell and Mary's place for drinks and dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Had a great time and got home at midnight.
Breakfast calls and the need to plan our day
Ciao
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Prblems Uploading Pics
Sorry everyone, we've taken a few pics of interesting bits and pieces but for some weird reason I can't upload them. Have done so before so am pretty annoyed that something is being a problem at the moment. Never mind; hopefully I'll get it sorted soon.
X to all Olwyn
X to all Olwyn
Olwyn and Fred Tuesday 1st June
Tuesday 1st June; First day in Rome
The first night after flying half round the world is always interesting as many of you will know much better than me, but I think we scored very well. Our very kind hostess Isa had given us the quietest room in her establishment and even with the windows thrown wide open in the traditional Roman manner to let the cool night air circulate, the middle of the night seemed quieter than Cawthron Crescent!! (maybe our home neighbourhood is deteriorating!). I had some opportunity to consider this and snatch at all the other thoughts whizzing about after waking intermittently from 3.00. But, firmly telling myself to ignore the pigeons cooing on the sills, the seagulls squawking and the swallows chasing and calling as they whirled above the courtyard below our room as day broke with sparkling freshness and clarity at 5.00, I I continued to stack away good sleep till the sun burst into our East facing room and the 7.00 a.m. church bell tolled (thankfully they mute the tolling 9.00 pm till morning!)
We were both well refreshed (the monster king sized bed and lovely fresh, airy room had certainly helped) and the breakfast Isa brought us very good – a huge cup of tea (though we did use our own Dilmah teabags!), a packet of juice (peach was the flavour today and very delish), chocolate croissant, yoghurt and cake (to any grandchildren reading this; chocolate croissant and cake for breakfast is not going to be introduced at your place; though perhaps we should have one sleepover with a Rome brekkie……………?)
Our plan for the day was to orientate ourselves with a HOHO (Hop on Hop off) bus tour, so first thing Isa took us to the buy a ticket and away we went. Our first bus wasn’t open topped, so we hopped off at the second stop (the awesome Piazza Venezia) to explore and catch the next bus. On the next bus we managed to score seats in the raised back row with the best view on offer; can you imagine how stoked Freddie was with that little coup! Amazing driving around the historic area of the City with the ruins of Largo Argentina dating back to the 3rd Century BC, the Colosseum, Circo Maxima, then along beside the Tiber and across to the Vatican and back. Following the river we drove past the bridge across to Castel Saint Angelo and on to the magnificent Piazza del Popolo where we jumped off the bus to grab lunch before heading through the gardens of the Villa Borghese looking for the Classical Gallery for which we'd been upsold entry. After one wrong turn followed by a bad steer from an enquiry, I swear we managed to circumnavigate and criss cross the entire area before, hot, bothered and considerably less composed (and less kindly disposed!) we stumbled upon our destination later than the entry time on our ticket. Thankfully the very understanding woman just smiled and said something along the lines of "no worries, away you go". Phew!
And what a priceless upsell that was. The Bernini sculptures (and other amazing artworks) were just breathtaking and with a great audio guide to enlighten us we were enthralled for a couple of hours. My favourites were an almost translucent marble sculpture of Borghese's wife Pauline as Venus the Conqueror (I wanted to take a photo to show you Pauline, but it was a no photos place) and the strong but delicate depiction of Apollo and Daphne.
Back to the bus tour which we decided to finish by jumping off near enough to walk across the Tiber to the Trastavere sector of Rome which is more "everyday residential" with family owned restaurants catering for neighbourhood dining with authentic Roman cuisine. We had great fun wandering up and down lanes checking out menus till we made a choice of a place which looked busy and buzzing. We've found it interesting communicating with folk who quite often are making a great effort to use a second language for our benefit while we have only our one language to offer. In way of explanation, Fred has constantly worn a black and white NZ cap with silver fern on (thanks so much Phil!!). As we entered the ristoranti we were suddenly the centre of some very loud and jovial attention with much cajoling to sing a song or do a haka!!! It seems this restaurant is where one of the tour bus companies brings their patrons and provides entertainment in the way of a very competent guitar strumming singer; the group dining included a bunch of Aussies! What a fun night and all the better when the next bus tour group were all Italians!! The meal was great too - Pasta and Porcini mushrooms for me and charred lamb for Fred which was delicious with a cup of good strong Italian coffee to finish.
The first night after flying half round the world is always interesting as many of you will know much better than me, but I think we scored very well. Our very kind hostess Isa had given us the quietest room in her establishment and even with the windows thrown wide open in the traditional Roman manner to let the cool night air circulate, the middle of the night seemed quieter than Cawthron Crescent!! (maybe our home neighbourhood is deteriorating!). I had some opportunity to consider this and snatch at all the other thoughts whizzing about after waking intermittently from 3.00. But, firmly telling myself to ignore the pigeons cooing on the sills, the seagulls squawking and the swallows chasing and calling as they whirled above the courtyard below our room as day broke with sparkling freshness and clarity at 5.00, I I continued to stack away good sleep till the sun burst into our East facing room and the 7.00 a.m. church bell tolled (thankfully they mute the tolling 9.00 pm till morning!)
We were both well refreshed (the monster king sized bed and lovely fresh, airy room had certainly helped) and the breakfast Isa brought us very good – a huge cup of tea (though we did use our own Dilmah teabags!), a packet of juice (peach was the flavour today and very delish), chocolate croissant, yoghurt and cake (to any grandchildren reading this; chocolate croissant and cake for breakfast is not going to be introduced at your place; though perhaps we should have one sleepover with a Rome brekkie……………?)
Our plan for the day was to orientate ourselves with a HOHO (Hop on Hop off) bus tour, so first thing Isa took us to the buy a ticket and away we went. Our first bus wasn’t open topped, so we hopped off at the second stop (the awesome Piazza Venezia) to explore and catch the next bus. On the next bus we managed to score seats in the raised back row with the best view on offer; can you imagine how stoked Freddie was with that little coup! Amazing driving around the historic area of the City with the ruins of Largo Argentina dating back to the 3rd Century BC, the Colosseum, Circo Maxima, then along beside the Tiber and across to the Vatican and back. Following the river we drove past the bridge across to Castel Saint Angelo and on to the magnificent Piazza del Popolo where we jumped off the bus to grab lunch before heading through the gardens of the Villa Borghese looking for the Classical Gallery for which we'd been upsold entry. After one wrong turn followed by a bad steer from an enquiry, I swear we managed to circumnavigate and criss cross the entire area before, hot, bothered and considerably less composed (and less kindly disposed!) we stumbled upon our destination later than the entry time on our ticket. Thankfully the very understanding woman just smiled and said something along the lines of "no worries, away you go". Phew!
And what a priceless upsell that was. The Bernini sculptures (and other amazing artworks) were just breathtaking and with a great audio guide to enlighten us we were enthralled for a couple of hours. My favourites were an almost translucent marble sculpture of Borghese's wife Pauline as Venus the Conqueror (I wanted to take a photo to show you Pauline, but it was a no photos place) and the strong but delicate depiction of Apollo and Daphne.
Back to the bus tour which we decided to finish by jumping off near enough to walk across the Tiber to the Trastavere sector of Rome which is more "everyday residential" with family owned restaurants catering for neighbourhood dining with authentic Roman cuisine. We had great fun wandering up and down lanes checking out menus till we made a choice of a place which looked busy and buzzing. We've found it interesting communicating with folk who quite often are making a great effort to use a second language for our benefit while we have only our one language to offer. In way of explanation, Fred has constantly worn a black and white NZ cap with silver fern on (thanks so much Phil!!). As we entered the ristoranti we were suddenly the centre of some very loud and jovial attention with much cajoling to sing a song or do a haka!!! It seems this restaurant is where one of the tour bus companies brings their patrons and provides entertainment in the way of a very competent guitar strumming singer; the group dining included a bunch of Aussies! What a fun night and all the better when the next bus tour group were all Italians!! The meal was great too - Pasta and Porcini mushrooms for me and charred lamb for Fred which was delicious with a cup of good strong Italian coffee to finish.
Calling Russell and Mary
Olwyn here Mary,
So sorry I didn't get your post till this morning (Thursday 3rd). That phone number you're using for Fred is right and Bruce is getting us on that - just with a + as prefix. Fred has been trying to connect with you as well but it keeps telling hime his call to you is disallowed. He's tried right now on my phone to +6509214090 but no luck there either - I'm +0272746162
We have a pass for the Vatican for 10.00 today but no fixed plans after that, though we still have some sights we want to see.
I'll email you right now too.
So sorry I didn't get your post till this morning (Thursday 3rd). That phone number you're using for Fred is right and Bruce is getting us on that - just with a + as prefix. Fred has been trying to connect with you as well but it keeps telling hime his call to you is disallowed. He's tried right now on my phone to +6509214090 but no luck there either - I'm +0272746162
We have a pass for the Vatican for 10.00 today but no fixed plans after that, though we still have some sights we want to see.
I'll email you right now too.
SFO Coes here! Paging all other Coes in Rome. We were hoping to meet up for gelato tonight (6/2). We found a good place last night that would be fun.
Fred and Olywn: We can't reach you on the good old Estonian phone number. We have: 372-573-14516. Are we missing something? There seems to be one number too many there.
Fred and Olywn: We can't reach you on the good old Estonian phone number. We have: 372-573-14516. Are we missing something? There seems to be one number too many there.
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