More ancient times , the colliseum and the wedding cake.

Today we went back to visit inside the colliseum and look around the massive modern monstrosity nicknamed the Wedding cake. It serves as the tomb of the unknown soldier but was considered the most monsterous waste of billions of dollars by various politions in this century.

3 more days in Rome to explore!!!

After leaving the tour we headed to our new hotel in the burbs of Rome. Interesting and a tiny bit scary with people savaging in garbage bins and a huge mix of nationalities. But the hotel was nice and once we worked out then tram system ,we used it daily to explore the city more extensively. We went inside the coliseum and through he archeological digs , plus the hop on and hop off bus for easier access around the vast city. We were exhausted. Love the weird signs and the house covered with greenery down a small street.

Roma again!!

So we arrived back in Rome with just enough time to visit the Trevi fountain and throw some coins for luck before going for our farewell dinner at the exclusive grand Marriott hotel on their rooftop terrace. A beautiful way to end the day watching the sun set across Rome and they even put on fireworks- just for us!!! Lol!

Assisi - very different these days

I was so looking forward to seeing Assisi again after the last visit 29 years ago, and before the earthquake that collapsed part of the Capella. I was happy and sad at the same time as the whole town has been made into a tourist mecca but not in a nice way- but that's my opinion anyway- as everything about it now is directly against the beliefs of st Francis - I'm sure he would be turning over in his tomb. Actually the day we were there the president of Italy was going to speak as it was st Francis's anniversary, so there were loads of military, high end clergy and security as well. Sad as when I was there last it was still a place for visitors but it was like a medieval town, a much simpler way of life and not so much tourist paraphernalia lining every inch of the town. I was also saddened to hear that the monastery I stayed in last time ,had been taken from the Franciscan monks by the Benedictine order. So sad it was a wonderful experience with them.

Farewell Tuscany, as we head for Umbria and Assisi

Sadly we left our hotel on the last part of our tour to head to Assisi and back to Rome.
On the way to Assisi we stopped for coffee at a beautiful lake in Umbria. A massive lake almost 120 or so kms around, that was fought over by the Vatican and the local cities for control of its vast supply of fresh water and seafood.
Also photo op with our trafalgar guide Patricia she stayed camera shy during most of the trip!

Our last day in Tuscany - alto Monticantini

Today we had a rest day and went up to Monticantini Alto , the local mountain accessible by tram car , called a funicular . It was a muggy day but the views were breathtaking and the tram ride was fun!
Also saw wild cyclamen growing everywhere!