Day Twelve: Rome and Vatican City

While we could wait for the group and head to the Colosseum at 9, we decided to try and beat the crowds by leaving the hotel around 8.30. We battled with peak hour traffic to catch three trains before arriving at the Colosseum in one piece. There we learnt our first lesson for the day; do not agree to photos with Roman soldiers before you know their price. While the funny and welcoming man approached us with cries of “Barbie” and “Skippy” we were not too pleased with having to pay 10 Euro each for four photos on our own cameras. Thus was our first experience with being ripped off.

Regardless, the Colosseum was spectacular. The bottom is overgrown with different plants left by exotic animals that were brought to show. The outside of it is enormous, but the walls are so thick that once you get inside the stadium is not too overwhelming. It was a surreal experience to finally be inside one of the historic buildings in Rome, especially on the day that marks the Contiki halfway point.

Next up we walked to the Victor Emmanuel Monument and went right up the top where we saw panorama views of the city of Roma. It was a brilliant day, perhaps too brilliant as the sun blinded some of the Eastern views. Next we walked to the Mouth of Truth, which will supposedly bite your hand off if you tell a lie while placing your hand inside. Justine was going to test the theory, but the lines of people watching made it a bit difficult. We walked through the Circo Massimo where old chariot races are held, before making our way to the Vatican City.

After fighting hordes of street vendors we made it into Saint Peters Square and subsequently, another country. We then headed back to Italy for some pizza for lunch, before meeting our tour guide outside the Vatican walls. For the smallest country, the Vatican has some tight security around its museum entrance, with all of us having to go through metal detectors and bag screenings before being allowed inside. It was like a mini airport!

We spent two hours going through the Vatican museum, seeing original Roman statues and Greek copies. There were mosaics everywhere, tapestries and lots of naked men (statues thankfully). Then it was into the Sistine Chapel to view the Last Judgment and ceiling by Michel Angelo, and the walls by a collection of Italian painters. It was smaller than we expected, but considering that every inch is covered with an intricate painting, I think the painters would be pleased it’s not too large. Especially considering we went to St Peters Basilica, the largest church in the world, right after. We saw one of Michel Angelo’s Pieta’s, and I brushed St Peters foot.

Once we left Vatican City to return to Italy we caught the Metro back to the Colosseum where Meg began her non-tour. We walked back up to the Victor Emmanuel monument, before heading over to the Trevi fountain where we both threw a single coin over our left shoulder to help us fall in love. Then it was up to the Spanish steps, which were literally just some steps, and then to the Pantheon and its astounding décor and architecture.

Finally ready for dinner, we settled in a restaurant before realizing it didn’t have what we wanted, and making a run for it. A few shops down and we were settled outside another restaurant where the waiter made us order in Italian! Justine had Bruschetta and a Margarita pizza and I had Spaghetti Carbonara. We then braved the Roman roads by catching a taxi, who insisted he keep up to the people ahead of us. Now THAT was an experience.