Rome - The Old Favourite (and still the one!)

We have just spent two days in Rome, and they are our last on this fabulous adventure. After dropping off the bike and two bags in Luggage Storage at the airport on Friday, we then said goodbye to our car before heading into Rome on the train. Here are just a few of our favourite spots - Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and others...

And this is the sunset view from the little balcony off our room. We got a last minute room change from a very nice receptionist!

Yesterday we arrived at St Peters Square just before 10am and queued for 2 hours during which time we realised we had a deadline of midday before they closed the Basilica for a Families afternoon with the Pope. Our hopes were sinking as the line slowed towards the finishing line (due to all the line jumpers!) but we did make it, although once we were inside it was a whirlwind visit. We had Vatican security sweeping everyone through just a few minutes after we arrived. I'm sure our time there broke all records. We did keep moving although we were some of the very last to leave and got a couple of unique photos of a near empty Basilica.

Today we did the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Queues weren't a problem here because we arrived before it even opened due to daylight saving finishing and us not being aware of it! I had also pre-purchased tickets which helped. I am just amazed at the age and engineering of these structures. Awe-inspiring! 

(Selective photography as a huge chuck of the Colosseum was covered in scaffolding)

Then it was back to the Basilica to climb the dome but the lines were long again, so I bailed and Karl climbed it. I spent the afternoon browsing and photographing all the lovely little details of doors, windows, spires and statues that scream ancient Rome.

So after 7 weeks, we leave tomorrow and we are both very excited to be going home. We have had the most amazing time but have missed our gorgeous family and can't wait to see them!

Here's a few stats:
Days Away: 50
Beds: 18 (plus 4 plane seats)
Kilometres Driven: 8,832
Photos Taken: 9,479
Countries Visited: 7
Caffe Lattes, Caffe Creme, Latte Macchiato and Cappucinos...too many to count!

Thanks for following on. I have loved being challenged with the erratic and ever-changing technology, finding the time to write, edit and upload, and stretching the creativity muscles of doing Just A Faase blog while we have been away.

Love Jane