Rome, Italy, February 2013

27 th Feb
Once again Lorraine and I find ourselves flying to destinations new, with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. We flew out from Dublin Airport with Ryanair to Rome (CIA) airport.
We were greeted with a chauffeur which we had prearranged over the Internet and were swiftly taken to our apartment. Again relief as they were excellent and as they were chosen again by surfing the web, you always have this small doubt in the back of your mind, but they were in fact perfect. Fantastic location just 300 yards from St. Peters square. We could almost have heard the Pope snoring had he not just moved out to his other residence.
The world press had been starting to gather and make camp which was impressive of its self. There was a palpable feeling of expectation in the air.
Having been able to walk around the square and get a feel for the place and enjoy what would have been a lovely summers night, we headed back for an early start in the morning.


28 th Feb
The highlight of our trip was to be a guided tour of the Vatican and other important churches in Rome. So my first priority was to find out we're the meeting point was and how long it would take to get there. As it happens it was easy and we could be there in 15 mins from our apartment.
When in a city for the first it's a good idea to take a sight seeing bus trip to help get your bearings and see were the main places of interest are. So that's what we did, we actually bought a €25 pass which would cover our transport needs for the entire trip including the open top bus and Metro.
We hopped off the bus at the Spanish steps and investigated a beautiful white marble building which is the national remembrance monument and is guarded by two guards continually. Rome is a city full of ruins and architectural sites. Vast amounts of Rome are underground due to silting from the river. The marble and other previous stones and metals have all been reclaimed and used by successive Popes to build the various churches around the city.
We headed back for an early dinner close to the apartment. So early in fact that the chief hadn't turned in yet, so we had to wait a while on our meal.
We spent some more time again at St. Peters square and then walked back for an early night in preparation for a busy day on Friday.


01 March
This was our big day and we walked round to the meeting place in good time. As it turns out Lorraine and I had a guide to ourselves. Straight in, no queues, and a personal guide. Francesca would give us a great insight into the various Popes, history and politics of Rome The art and opulence of the Vatican is breath taking, full of history and significance. Names such as Michael Angelo, Raphael, Bernini, roll off the tongue, masterpiece after masterpiece, room after room. But it just seemed so far removed from the simple lifestyle of Christ all those years ago and his simple message.
Our morning tour ended with a visit to St. Peters Basilica. I hope my photos can convey something of what it's like, because I just don't have the words. I don't agree with the vast amounts of money that have been ploughed into this building, but as a piece of architecture it is simply stunning.
We then had some free time before meeting our afternoon guide at 1.45pm
Again Lorraine and I had a guide to ourselves and private transport, to take us to the three other sites spread about the City. Peter had an American accent but Italian was his first language. He was very easy to understand and most helpful at answering our questions.
When the cardinals go into conclave they will be locked in the Sistine chapel until they elect a new Pope. This may take a day or last for weeks. When the candidate is finally chosen he becomes the bishop of Rome. It is only when he takes his seat that he becomes Pope pontiff Maximus. Many people think St. Peters is the most important church in Rome but in fact the seat of power is the Popes chair.
Peter talked us through the protocol before moving on to the other churches of interest. Peter was also able to give us a few pointers regarding how much to pay for things and some much needed advice about the zebra crossings.
We returned to our apartment around 6.00pm totally exhausted. Went straight to bed and slept for at least two hours.
Just to make sure we would sleep all night we headed out for a walk and had supper at the exotic McDonalds.


02 March
To day we had a more gentle start and headed to the colosseum. We paid for a last minute tour, the tour included the colosseum and the historical site adjacent. This site was the origin of the great roman empire. To be honest we were disappointed by the colosseum nice to see but not something to rush back to.
The second part of the tour was a lovely Stroll through the beginnings of Rome, the Palintino. Our guide this time was Elaine, born in Scotland and raised in Canada, again very easy to listen to.
We finished off the afternoon just walking in the lovely sunshine and then navigated our way back to the Trevi Fountain, down the steps past the presidents Palace.
We found a nice restraint and had steak and chips, the fountain was very crowded and I think we preferred it during day light.


03 March
Today we had to be up and checked out by 10.00am. The apartments have a room for keeping luggage and that gave us the freedom of another full day in Rome.
We were very close to the Castle St. Angelo, used in the dan Brown book, Angels and Demons so just a few minutes walk and we find a hive of activity, artists, stalls musicians. Also the guide yesterday told us the weather forecast was very good and she wasn't wrong.
We walked keeping the river on our right to Rome's biggest Jewish synagogue. Just as wee arrived there was a little activity and we witnessed the end of a Jewish wedding. There seemed to be a police presence outside, but we later learned that the PLO had once mounted a terrorist attack and a young boy was killed and many other people injured. We paid to go into the museum and then had a guided tour of the synagogue. This building had a magnificent interior and was a statement the Jews were here to stay.
Just as we were leaving the open top bus pulled up as if by magic and we boarded and headed on our way. On such a beautiful day we were drawn again to the Trevi fountain. We had lunch near by and I got my opportunity to have a good Pizza and a glass of wine. So on to the fountain and some ice cream. We knew our way to the metro and hitched a ride hope to retrieve or luggage. The pick up for the airport arrived on time and I sighed a sigh of relief as we were on our way to the Airport heading for home.
Conclusion
We enjoyed our visit very much, but we didn't fall in love with Rome, unlike Paris. It was physically very demanding and I am glad we booked a few days off to recover. It was also expensive but now that we are familiar with the city, we could go back a lot cheaper. We don't now need to do the tours nor the pickup at the Airport.
I would go back in a heart beat just to take photographs, so much to capture. I always find travel photography a challenge with limited equipment so to go specifically to take photos would be a blast. In fact I would love to go for a weekend.
Our apartment was brilliant, Trianon Borgo Pio, Rome, highly recommended.
I think we will return to Rome but probably to the country, somewhere like Naples. We tossed a few coins in the Trevi fountain so legend has it our return is guaranteed.

Here is a link to loads of other photos if you interested.

Here

http://johnlewisphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Rome-2013/28324108_d6HvPV#!i=2397599528&k=wxZhVbT

Bert.

Mans best friend is a dog, or so the saying goes and for good reason. They give you their unconditional love. They are always glad to see you. They are a good listener and thy never answer you back.

Bert was a good friend and part of the family, but he was getting older faster than us. He had a big heart but his back end was giving him trouble.

I had been thinking since before Christmas about Berts future, has his time come, but he always made a miraculous recovery and the thought was shelved again to be visited later.

However when we came back from Rome, it was evident that he was in trouble, and the decision I had been playing out in my head so many times finally had to be made.

The time to say goodbye to our loyal friend had finally come.

The kids got their chance to say good bye as did many others, and judging by their reaction, Bert had really found a place in so many people's hearts.

We made the necessary arrangements and last Monday night Lorraine and I borrowed Jonathan's van and took him to the vets. I had dreaded this time for so long and yet I knew it was right. I think it is important how we look after our old and I was adamant that the time had to be right for bert.

Bert passed away in my arms and his pains were gone.

Ironically later that night, his wee mate Sandy from next door was knocked down by a car. The two of them had been buddies for over 10 years.

This week as I have arrived home from work, there has been, no welcome bark, no tail wagging.
No Bert or Sandy

Just the feeling that someone special special was no longer there. I hate that feeling, it's happened to many times now.