Rome

We left the busy Munich Hauptbanhof (train station) yesterday evening and had another train adventure. The first train was delayed because of damage to the front car (we think), and therefore we only had five minutes two catch our second train at midnight. It was tense, but we made it.

Munich Haupbanhof

 

We arrived in Rome at 9:20 this morning (Sunday). We were greeted with warm sunshine. We gladly left our bags and heavy coats at the hotel and headed off to see the sights.

We had a great tour of the Coliseum and the Forum. We learned that the lions were kept in darkness underneath the stage, so when they were raised up into the direct sunlight on moving platforms, they were blinded by the light and were at a disadvantage. That way, not so many expensively trained gladiators got eaten by lions.

The outside of the Coliseum. The shows were free, and people sat according to social rank. Entrances were marked with red Roman numerals above the arches.

Arch design that allowed the Romans to build such a strong structure.

 

You can see underneath the arena area here. Also, the white blocks in the background are the original marble that once covered the structure. The seats were marble and there was a red canvas awning that protected the audience from the sun.

 

Better view of the rooms below the arena stage where the lions and gladiators waited to fight.

I think what struck me the most in the ruins of the Forum were the scattered blocks of marble and statues that gave a glimpse into the grandeur of the original structure.

We finished off the day with a visit to the Trevi fountain and some much-loved gelato.

Neptune and two horses--one docile and one out of control--representing the unpredictable nature of the sea.

Many favors of gelato were sampled . . .

Some people went back for seconds!

 

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