IT01 - Roma!

Rome. The Eternal City.

Claire and I went on a short break from an offer in the Daily Telegraph.

We flew into an airport way to the south of the city and then actually had to pay for their bus into the city. It dropped us off alongside Termini station.

Already forewarned with Claire's Dad being robbed by a cab driver a few weeks before, we were equipped with stash wallets inside our jeans. Luckily the thieves were elsewhere when we arrived.

Our hotel was not far away and within walking distance.  For the next few days we were on foot most of the time with the occasional bus or team trip.

"Typrewriter" and Trevi Fountain 

We ate locally most evenings at the same restaurant where there were few tourists or at least English tourists.  Great value and very friendly staff and locals.

The only fly in the ointment was as we waited for the bus back to Ciampino a lady had her handbag stolen. I guess we were lucky given the amount of street crime!!

The city is small enough to walk around but the fear of some light fingered bastard dipping your bag or pocket was always there.

The other con are the gladiators by the Colloseum.  Surround you, put their gear on you then try to charge ridiculous money for it. We got caught. In the end the "f*** off" and a few lire was enough to escape them.

Bottom pic is Vatican

Spanish Steps

Forum

Some steps and Trevi

Colosseum and Gladiator conmen