From Downtown Rome to the Via Appia Antica (Part 2)

The drapes in my room were drawn shut, so it was quite dark when i woke up at 9 am. I went over to the window and pulled back the curtains, allowing the sunlight to stream into my room and bring back it's color. Peering out the window, i saw the outside world being warmed up by the sun’s rays.

After breakfast, Datuk Lily drove us to the Tiber River and we parked alongside there. Today, we would be walking around downtown Rome. On the way to the Tiber River, we saw the remains of the aqueducts along the highway, some of which were still standing quite well. Datuk Lily pointed out to us the Palace of Justice, which is over 1000 years old and then the Malaysian embassy, which used to be Mussolini’s mistress’ place. On the opposite side of the road is what used to be Mussolini’s palace. Datuk Lily informed us that there are underground tunnels connecting all these places, all of which were built many years ago. A few minutes later, we saw Caesar’s palace, which is situated opposite the field where the chariot race from Ben-Hur was filmed.

Anyway, after parking by the Tiber River, we walked around the city for about 4 hours, and although it was exhausting, it was certainly worth it. We went to some old churches, most of which are still being used. Then, we walked to this big square area, where there was an old, huge, slightly off white building with statues of horses. Datuk Lily mentioned that this was the place where the Unknown Soldier is buried and there is an eternal flame burning there. We went up into this building, and from there we could see Rome. The view was simply breathtaking and in the distance, i managed to spot the Colosseum.

After leaving this building, we walked along so many streets and piazzas. Some of the streets appeared to be more like alley’s because they are so narrow, and the shops come right up to the road. I have to say though, that i was fascinated with the shops here, as they manage to arrange all their products in such an attractive way. From there, we went to the Trevi Fountain, which is a wishing fountain – one of those places where you drop a coin in and make a wish. I will leave my wish for you to guess. Anyway, the architecture of the fountain was simply gorgeous. We then made our way over to the Spanish Steps. Yes, the Spanish Steps are in Italy. We climbed all the way up to the top, and from here we were once again able to feast our eyes on the beauty of Rome. The street right below these steps is known to be the most expensive street – where all the branded goods at their highest prices are sold.

Hunger overcame us, and we decided to stop at this nice roadside restaurant (there are a lot of these in Italy) for lunch. I ordered lasagna…and oh, it was so delicious. The cheese was melting off the top. Really, i don’t want to attempt putting it into words, because that’s simply not possible. A while later, we started our journey back to where we had parked the car, and then we drove over to the Colosseum. Our visit to the Colosseum was rather brief. Dad and i walked up to the 90 feet structure looming over our heads, and then a historical moment in history took place. I touched the Colosseum. A few pictures later, we left and started back towards where Datuk Lily was waiting for us. On the way out, i stopped to pick up some souvenirs – pebbles from Rome. (Just like me to do something like that!) But really, think about it long enough. What can be more of a souvenir than pebbles from Roman soil? Surely you’re not considering those trinkets they make you pay for!

We left the town and drove back ‘home’ along the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way). This is the main road that leads into Rome-the same road that Roman soldiers marched on hundreds of years ago. Part of this 8 km long road is open to traffic but the rest of it is just used as a walking path. We dropped some stuff off at ‘home’ and then we decided to go for a walk along the Appia Antica…and walk we did. For a whole 2 hours too! Along this road, you begin to see stretches of ancient paving stones, and the smart villas lining the road give way to fields. Ruins dot the verges, some well-preserved and others just piles of stone. As we were walking along, we passed a shepherd with his flock of sheep and that just added so well to the whole atmosphere of ancient Rome.

Such a beautiful day, complete with a spectacular view and a refreshing breeze. On the way ‘home’ after our long, refreshing walk; i stopped to pick some daisies from outside Franco Zeffirelli’s house (movie producer). He is one of Datuk Lily’s neighbors, but apparently barely ever at home, as he’s always off filming some movie or another. By the time we reached ‘home’ it was almost dark outside. I slept like a log that night.

Note: If you are interested in seeing the pictures from my trip, ask me for the pictures and I’ll show you them sometime. Oh, and to those interested in knowing, Part 3 is on the way.