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Rome: Part 2

The sun was out in full force for my exploration of Ancient Rome - I hit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, and the Spanish Steps today. After a full day, I'm thoroughly exhausted, but I will say that the ruins in Rome are extremely impressive... even more so than Pompeii, in my opinion.

It was interesting seeing the Colosseum, but after the amphitheater in Pompeii, I wasn't as awestruck. When I walked around the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill... that was amazing. It's mind-boggling how they managed to discover all those ancient buildings and the intricate arches! Looking at the Arch of Titus up close showed detailed carvings preserved since 70 A.D. Compared to the single-storey houses in Pompeii, the excavations in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill have partial and complete multi-storey structures! If you love architecture and archaeology, Italy is awaiting...

Besides the hours spent in Ancient Rome, I also decided to check out the shopping district while the stores were open. I tried walking into Burberry and noticed that I was always being watched by security - possibly because they thought I didn't look wealthy enough. One coat I price-checked (just by looking at the tag) cost over €1000! In Prada, I peeked at a price tag for a dress that was €1800. Even with the astronomical prices, I saw that the cashiers were ringing up purchases - so there are deep pockets that haven't been picked!

With my shallow pockets, I tried the so-called best gelato in town at Gelateria Caffè Pasticceria Giolitti - pistachio and hazelnut with whipped cream on top. I have to say, it was much improved compared to yesterday's sampling - there were whole pistachios mixed in the gelato, but the hazelnut in Sorrento still tasted better.

Dinner was also a step up from last night's fare - at Ristorante da Giovanni, I enjoyed a delicious meal of gnocchi with porcini mushrooms. All this Italian pasta is ruining my standards for food back home - I'm not going to be able to eat store-bought stuff anymore! One thing I still have to learn - how to order a single glass of wine... I managed to halve the quantity (from 0.5L to 0.25L) but it was still a bit much. Why is wine cheaper than water??

Comments

BC said…
Wine is the Italian national drink. Italians drink more wine than anyone else in the world.

Some trattorias leave you the whole bottle on the table and only charge you for what you drink. A glass of house wine costs about one euro!

Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do :)
April 12, 2013 12:40 pm
lifeasj said…
I'm trying my best - but not sure I can tolerate so much wine every day! :P
April 12, 2013 12:54 pm
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