Villa d'Este and the Vatican

Today we took the time to travel out to Tivolli to visit the Villa D'Este. It is as amazing as I remembered. Will try and download some photos, ever the optimist. The whole place is stunning. It was built on some Roman ruins which were found recently during some restoration work. Originally it was a summer palace for one of the Cardinals, Lorcia's Borgia's son and nephew to the Pope of the time, around the 1550's. Anyone even thinking of going to Rome should make the effort to go, it is well worth the effort.

Also went to the Vatican as one does when in Rome. There were lots of tourist again, probably the same ones at the Spanish Steps and the Treivi fountain yesterday. The bus ride there was an experience. The cobbled stones on the road had the effect of sort of a cellulite treatment or an odd sort of vibrating massage for the rest of the body.

A word about crossing the road in Rome. There is quite an art to it. Weather you are at a crossing with lights or not the technique is about the same. Basically you take a big breathe, weather you hold it or not is up to you, when you are sure the traffic can see you, looking straight ahead and without pausing or hesitating, walk out on to the crossing and keep going. The cars, buses and scooters will just work their way around you. The first few times are a bit scary but it sort of gets better with practice. Like Paris there are no apparent lane markings and it is basically a free for all. Unlike the Parisians these guys go fast, very fast. They put their brakes, shock absorbers and seat belts to good use.

Time for me to hand over to Clare for now
Cheers Cia

Hi to you all
Well Rome has been lovely - no theft involved, but I don't know if I was having my bum felt up - or someone was unsuccessfully trying to pickpocket me on the bus this morning.
I swear Europeans learn to smoke from birth - just about everyone smokes over here. Thankfully in most countries it is now banned in most shops, restaurants and hotel rooms. Of all the underground railway systems we have travelled the Roman one is the dirtiest.
Yesterday was a hot day, and reverting to England and France, most people were rugged up for a potential cold snap - we were obviously tommy tourists in our shorts and putting sunscreen on.
I am just about pasted out. After pasta for 3 out of 4 meals.
The Spanish steps were nice but not as good as I expected. The Trevi fountain was beautiful - but I had pictured another fountain. The Colosseum was amazing as was the Roman forum - just imagine walking in the footsteps of Julius Caesar!
Today we had a free bus trip to Tivoli as no one seems to check or sell bus tickets.
The Villa d'Este was fantastic and then we went to the Vatican - truly stunning art! Lots of irreverent and pushy ? catholics there.
Up with the sparrows tomorrow to go to Venice for a couple of days.
I now have a new camera - but we have no way of downloading photos at present.
That's all from Roma!
Clare