Rome day one!

I have had trouble organising some of the photos on the blog. They don't load in the place I want them too so sometimes (like yesterday) they are all out of order. But I'm sure you clever people can work it out!!

Great nights sleep. The bed is huge!! Will load some photos :) Great breakfast, everything you could want and more except the coffee was cold. Another bidet!! The shower is fixed on the ceiling and comes stright down. The water can be redirected to a smaller hand held shower head. Not sure why.

Haven't seen a hairdresser today. I desperately need a hairtcut. Might just cut the fringe myself and let the rest grow!

So, off on the Metro this morning. A bit nervous about pickpockets but no problems. Went to the Spanish steps (just what we needed, more steps) They were lovely though and good views. Then walked to Trevi Fountain, crowded,  with tourists,but lovely, then walked to the Pantheon which is stunning. I can't believe we are allowed to walk on the marble floor which dates from 120AD. So clever, a huge dome which is 6 metres thick at the base and 2 metres thick at the top. Has a 9 metre diametre round opening which is always open. The rain is collected and drained through holes in the floor.

Then we walked to Piazza Navona with three fountains and numerous palaces. Then we walked to Largo de Torre Argentina which has the ruins of 4 temples and also houses a sanctuary for stray cats! Then we walked to Piazza Venezia which is a huge monument to the unknown soldier. The sculptures are so big that 21 men dined inside the belly of the horse before it was sealed!

So, lots of walking today! Have the Vatican tour in the morning. Being picked up here at 7.45am so need to get going a bit earlier.

The weather has been much warmer today and we have relaxed on the balcony with a couple of glasses of wine. We talked to the neighbours who are from England.  Everywhere we go there are english speaking people to chat to which is lovely.

I meant to put on the blog that I haven't had any cold sores since I have been away, But behold, guess what this morning. Damn. If any of you suffer with these you will know what a nuisance they are. I have bought some medication so hope it will not be too bad.

Have heard about the oil spill at Papamoa. What a dreadful thing to happen. I hope the weather will be as helpful as possible.

Will load some photos now.

A person pretending to be a statue, Don't know how they stand for hours in the heat!

Not sure what animal this huge roll of meat come from, hopefully not the stray cats!

The Victor Emmanuel Monument at the Piazza Venezia

You can always tell the tourists holding on tight to their bags!

View over Rome, just one amazing thing after another

This is what feet look like after a days walking in Rome, and yes he did have sandals on.

This photo is supposed to show the size of the bed. Took 10 mins to get Kevin in the right place. Move this way 6 inches, not not that way, this way :)