Italy - La Roma

The last few days of our holiday had been reserved for Rome. We had about 2 and a half days to enjoy the sights and see all the things tourists are supposed to see in Rome. It would have been lovely to stay on and get the ‘feel’ of the Italian capital but I really think summer may be the time to do that and we will return one day and enjoy Rome in the sunshine. Our last day was spent in the wind with a chill factor of about 0 degrees – plenty of walking to keep warm and still needed a brandy to take the chill off!

So what did we see in Rome?

• The Colosseum
• The Area di Tito and the Palatino
• The Pantheon
• Palazzo Venetia
• The Spanish Steps
• Circo Massimo
• Walked along the Tiber
• Castel Sant Angelo
• Piazza del Popolo
• Mausoleo Augusto
• Piazza del Repubblica

and much more…we visited a couple of churches, we strolled through parks and corsos... we also hopped a bus that had a commentary in English and saw many of the sights from the top of an open double-decker bus.

The highlight was the Vatican and the Basilica San Pietro. There was a life size (in fact probably larger than life) nativity scene in St Peter’s Square and despite the queue of about an hour to gain entry the Basilica was magnificent and worth the wait. I have to say that all churches, mosques and monuments I have ever seen just pale into insignificance when compared to the Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican City.

The Christmas music played over the loudspeakers was beautiful and made us both a little homesick and reminded us that this year Christmas was without family and friends. We missed them all very much.

So for all our friends and family and many colleagues and chums from across the years we wish you a Happy New Year and hope that all you want for 2008 occurs for you. We will still be here for Christmas this year and there will be no Christmas break for us as the Muslim Calendar changes and Eid Al Adha does not coincide with Christmas this year. We look forward to a mid year break in June/July and will be planning on seeing as many of you as possible when we are visiting home. In the meantime there are more adventures planned for us so keep your eye on this spot! Happy New Year everyone.