what can you see in Rome?

Italy Day 2 - Ancient Rome.

The aim was for an early start but after a full day of travelling, not much sleep the night before (less than 3 hours!), the heat, the fact we are on holiday and the not so small reality that we have four teenagers...we didn't leave until 9am - yes I know hardly a sleep-in but we are in Rome, Rome I say and there is a lot to see!

To the Colosseum is was and to say it didn't disappoint would be an understatement - it was a 'taking your breath away' moment as we emerged from the Metro. First though it was breakfast where the children had their first over filled croissant and we were energised by good coffee.

We explored the Roman Forum as our first foray into ancient Rome and although I had read not to expect too much with the ruins pretty indistinguishable from their original state - we still found them easy to marvel at and wonder at what had been. Latching on to segments of guided talks as they stood near us certainly added to our knowledge but we pretty much got the gist of the magnificence of the time, hard not too...

On to the Colosseum, where we did have a guided tour to the underground and third tier which was perfect. Even in the crowds of August we had space and peace and to learn so much about the place and the events that took place - it was fascinating. Hard to fathom the reality of the time although Sienna with her vivid imagination seemed to hear the animals roar and the gladiators epic battles.

We then made our way to Palazzo Valentini and its multi-media museum that brought to life the excavation that has been taking place to expose the Roman house that once stood there. Through projection and recordings the history was made real and the marvel of life thousands of years ago was ours for a moment. For over 80 minutes we were all entranced as we shared in the discovery that has been made and speculated at what was once...I so recommend.

Fortified by cold drinks - including beers for the adults (which we have decided just make traveling with five children just that little shall we say...easier!) we stared in amazement at the Il Vitoriano (seriously over the top was the family's conclusion) and wandered around the courtyard of the Capitoline Museum. We had wanted to visit especially to see the statue of the She-Wolf but they have recently changed the admission rules and we would now have to pay for the five children, so at €81 for what would have been about 30 minutes of viewing attention left in our children we didn't. Another reason why we will need to come back!

Then it was time to wander 'home' along the shopping street of Via Del Corso where we luxuriated in the evening warmth - good for the body and with the sights we have seen today - good for the soul. We are lucky.

I have decided that the image of Sienna best summed up our day although everything I have seen today has been stunning - but for a little seven year old she has been a trooper. Yes she has found the heat, well hot and the walking, long but she has stuck out the tours, listened and learnt and been receptive to new things, even when scared - my little star. She is also sporting her new Italian sunglasses - thanks street vendors!