31-05-18

Rome, Italy / 3 nights

The main thing I admire Rome for is how untouched parts of the city have remained over so many years. All of the old ruins are still well preserved, and it feels as if the city remains in the past. It’s remarkable. From experiencing our previous destinations, it’s safe to say Rome is one-of-a-kind and unlike anywhere I have visited before. You feel like you have been transported back in time and experiencing Romes history for its pure form; minus the gladiators and chariots.

The first thing I have to rave about is our hotel room! We stayed in the Colosseum Palace Star Hotel and I think it’s quite obvious in the title as to why the room was so astonishing! As soon as you walk into the room you cannot help but draw your eyes to the window where you will feel like you can almost kiss the Colosseum! It’s not everyday you can take a shower whilst look at such an iconic masterpiece! Additionally, if this doesn’t sell the hotel anymore, breakfast is served in the room right in front of the window. I can guarantee you this is the best breakfast view you will get in Rome whilst still being in your dressing gown.

Side note: if you do stay at the Colosseum Palace Star, do not be alarmed when you arrive at the address to see what looks like a prison block. We both had mini panic attacks as we thought we had been scammed by the online photos. Do not fear, it has a much more beautiful inside than out.

There really is no greater feeling than when you first see the Colosseum. We strolled 50 yards from leaving our hotel and there it stood in all its glory. It’s almost as if time stops for a few moments and we both stood in awe. To think this remarkable figure of history is almost 2000 years old is absolutely incredible.

You hear so many stories about all of the insane and crazy acts which took place in the Colosseum and I don’t think they really sink in until your stood in the arena and trying to imagine it. It almost makes it hard to believe whilst listening to the audio guide, which I highly recommend paying the extra €5 for as it really does paint the scene.

This was probably another major plus for staying in our accommodation: the location. If we hadn’t have stayed within throwing distance of the Colosseum we certainly wouldn’t have spent as much time there. For example, we were a 30 minute relaxed walk away from the Trevi Fountain and because of this we only ended up seeing it once. Where as we ended up seeing the Colosseum about 5 times a day as well as once the sun had set when it is lit up and at its most beautiful.

Whilst writing this I’m starting to realise that Rome was full of so many memory making moments for us both as adoring travellers. As I am about to tell you that on our second full day in Rome, we witnessed The Pope give a speech and blessing to St Peters Square and this was all by luck and chance! If you want the best chance of seeing him then try and head to Vatican City on a Wednesday morning @ 10am. We later realised that it is on Wednesday The Pope gives a ‘general audience’ if he isn’t already tied down with other Pope duties.

We then followed this by going into the Vatican Museum and experiencing the Sistine Chapel. For an ex art student and art geek this was a huuugggee moment for me as Michelangelo is practically the God of all paintbrushes!

Huge tip: buy your tickets to the museum through a tour guide company as they help you skip a 2 miles line! The majority of the companies just get you into the museum, give you your museum ticket and then let you free. I say this as I’m not a fan of being in a tour and not being able to go at my own pace and route. We used a company called Musement and they were perfect!

My last main enjoyment of Rome would have to be Circus Maximus. 2000 years ago this large pit was a huge arena for chariot racing! The outline of the track still remains as well as a small portion of old ruins of the stands of the arena. Another brilliant spot if you love history and being totally overwhelmed by it.

Of course it wouldn’t be one of my blog posts if I didn’t recommend where is best to eat! It can be difficult finding local areas in Rome as there are so many landmarks dotted around the city meaning ‘tourist hubs’. The best and most unpopulated location we found was on the other side of Rome’s river (Fiume Tevere). You an easily get there by tram or a cheap Uber. If you head towards the square which goes by the name of Piazza Di Santa Maria you will find so many great side street restaurants filled with large Italian families indulging in carbs. I can’t think of a better way to eat!?

I always say if I could have any superpower it would be to turn back time and stand in amongst historic landmarks in order to watch what happened. I haven’t wanted to use this power more than what I have in Rome.

The highlight of our time in Rome? Our last night, we came back from dinner, dumped all of our belongings in our room and went and walked the whole outside of the Colosseum. It is a true spectacle. There are only about 10 other tourists doing the same compared to the thousands during the day. This also means it is silent and there is something about staring at such a marvel in complete silence which really does take your breath away. We both sat on a ledge and stared for what seemed like hours in such disbelief we had made it here and what a grand moment in our trip it was. Nothing feels better than a, ‘pinch me’ moment.

Peace and love,

Yasmin x