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Post by markindurham on Nov 2, 2013 10:53:48 GMT -5
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Post by markindurham on Nov 2, 2013 10:56:36 GMT -5
It's like we're on the trip with you! I love Florence and Rome. Did you go into the Sistine Chapel? We had to queue for ages but it was worth the wait. Did you go to the Crypt of the Capuchin monks in Rome (near Piazza Barberini)? Weirdest place I've ever been - it contains thousands of bones of monks, piled high and some of the bones are made into patterns and lanterns. I'm pleased you like it so far, Maggie  No, we saw the queues for the Sistine Chapel, & there was no shade, & our time on foot was limited, but we do intend going back to Rome & doing the city properly Ditto the Crypt - it's on the 'to do' list, for sure |
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Post by Dex on Nov 2, 2013 18:19:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the tour Mark. Enjoyed it!
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Post by markindurham on Nov 2, 2013 18:52:28 GMT -5
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Post by markindurham on Nov 2, 2013 19:33:57 GMT -5
Finally dropped off at the big underground Coach Station, we headed off, after lunch at a little trattoria  Presenting...      This is Castel Sant'Angelo, a famous museum  Note the hawkers - they were everywhere   So, having 'run the gauntlet', we were safely over the Tiber  only to find more of the buggers...they're behind you... We dropped down to the riverside - I'm quite pleased with this shot  We found this lovely square, where we had a cool drink & enjoyed the peace & quiet away from the main tourist areas   On starting our run back to Fiuggi, we saw one of the shanty camps where the itinerents live...  Kind of spoiled things  We passed the Olympic Stadium  & finally back at Fuiggi - another great day over. Oh, I was given the hat by our driver - he was given it by our guide who did a commentary whilst we drove round Rome, but as he said, he got one every time he came to Rome, so didn't need another one!   |
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Post by maggie on Nov 3, 2013 4:41:21 GMT -5
Such fab pictures ..... makes me want to go back there! Did you throw 3 coins in the Trevi Fountain? I forgot to do that I hope me forgetting doesn't mean I won't be going back to Rome. |
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Post by markindurham on Nov 3, 2013 6:44:22 GMT -5
Such fab pictures ..... makes me want to go back there! Did you throw 3 coins in the Trevi Fountain? I forgot to do that I hope me forgetting doesn't mean I won't be going back to Rome. Nah - didn't get to it on foot, this time. I'm sure it'll understand Further pics to come, but might not be as quick as I'd like, as I'm busy for the next 2 or 3 days with surveys. Will see what I can do. |
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Post by mouse on Nov 3, 2013 9:37:16 GMT -5
I threw three coins...nothing exciting happened..and we sat on the Spanish steps and watched the world go by
the coluseaum gave me the creeps..some places just feel evil and that was one of them...it was really hot day but I was covered in goosebumps and couldn't get warm for ages
and re the Sistine chapel...I saw it pre the clean up and then again after..i preferred it with the centuries of grime...it had much more atmosphere...it just looked rather brash after the clean..imo of course
and we were lucky at st peters there was a full on mass ..so we sat and enjoyed some glorious singing...it was absolutely fantastic.....thankyou mark for bring ing back some very happy memories
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Post by markindurham on Nov 3, 2013 10:00:01 GMT -5
OK, I've got a few moments to spare, so will put up a few images of the last bit of the journey to Sorrento. On the road again from Fiuggi; another warm & sunny day in prospect. This was Friday, having departed Darlington on Sunday at lunchtime. Heading down to the autostrada  then our first view of Monte Cassino, perched on the top of the hill - that's it just to the right of centre of the image  Off the autostrada & negotiating the roads leading to the hill & the climb up  The climb startsall   Looking across at the Polish war cemetery  and made it to the top. As with all religious buildings, respect by covering shoulders by the ladies, & no shorts for the gentlemen, was given. As the saying has it - "when in Rome..." - oh wait, that was yesterday!        The steps up to the chapel itself  Magnificent - and more to come |
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Post by markindurham on Nov 3, 2013 10:23:51 GMT -5
Not the best of pics taken by someone else - more a 'record shot'. Still...  The views are stunning  <img style="max-width:100%;" alt="" src=" !["]() "> The monastery vineyard  And again, the Polish cemetery. It's very much a place of pilgrimage for many Poles. The gravestones are laid out to appear to be a cross, as you can see, when viewed from here  Moving towards the inside   the things seen all around are wonderful - exquisite stonework, pottery etc More steps to go up, so this is sadly not for the less able  More statues in sight  and finally made it to the top   Next set will be inside |
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Post by markindurham on Nov 3, 2013 10:55:17 GMT -5
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Post by maggie on Nov 3, 2013 11:10:52 GMT -5
Wow amazing. Did you go to the Pantheon? It is the most preserved Roman building which ain't bad considering it was built around 120 AD!!
Actually, mouse said she felt the Colosseum was creepy but I felt the same about the Pantheon, don't know why.
Mark, looking at your pictures (and you took more than I did) makes me want to book another holiday there. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Post by markindurham on Nov 3, 2013 11:27:59 GMT -5
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Post by markindurham on Nov 3, 2013 11:35:47 GMT -5
Wow amazing. Did you go to the Pantheon? It is the most preserved Roman building which ain't bad considering it was built around 120 AD!! Actually, mouse said she felt the Colosseum was creepy but I felt the same about the Pantheon, don't know why. Mark, looking at your pictures (and you took more than I did) makes me want to book another holiday there. Thanks so much for sharing. Not this time - but again, it's on the list... I'm pleased you like the pics - I took over 3000 shots during the Turkey & Italy trips. Why not? It pretty much costs nothing these days smiley 1 |
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Post by mouse on Nov 3, 2013 11:44:08 GMT -5
[  The workmanship is stunning now that is what I call shock and awe...no wonder the peasantry were so over awed by things religious...living in some tumbled down shack these churches must have been overwhelming |
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) we continued our drive round Rome
