Roma and Vatican City!

I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier

I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist, Like it doesn't exist

I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night, feel my tears as they dry

I'm gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier.

- Chandelier, Sia

All roads lead to Rome so it's unavoidable that this is where I find myself as my European journey begins to come to an end. Leaving Milan behind Tamara and I head to the heart of ancient history! 

Where else do you start in Rome than at the Colosseum...

It is such an impressive arena, especially considering it was built of concrete and stone between 70-80AD. While marvelling and exploring the centre of ancient entertainment, we were informed the word arena stems from the Latin word for sand. As the Colosseum floor was originally covered in sand to soak up the blood from animals and warriors. So you can think of that the next time your moshing in your local arena.

I was also amazed by the ancient graffiti, where audience members would engrave a scene from the show they were watching into their seat. 

So much harder than getting a pen and writing 'I was here 89AD'. 

Afterwards we went for a walk to locate the beautiful, refreshing and famous Trevi Fountain. 

Breathtaking? 

Not so much! It was under construction! 

I was ok (had of seen it before) but Tamara was not happy! 

So we went for a walk along the Tiber river

and smiles were back... 

well kind of smiles! 

The next day we headed to Vatican City...

See the AMAZING Sistine Chapel (not the sixteenth chapel, after 2 years in Europe still learning. Less and less ignorant everyday, LIVING THE DREAM) 

After staring, with my mouth wide open and thinking am I really here, at Michael Angelo's most famous work we headed over to climb St. Peter's Basilica.  

To see the astonishing view of Vatican City. 

And then after we conquered the Basilica we went inside. 

After our morning in Vatican City we travelled through hot, sticky Rome to see the rest of the historical sites! 

The Pantheon... 

 Ruling with Augustus!

La Bocca Della Veritia...

Stepping 

      up on the

                Spanish Steps!

The Roman Forum... 

The Altare Della Patria built for the unifier of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. 

Though, quite controversial in Italy. Referred to by locals as 'The Wedding Cake', 'The Typewriter' and 'The National Urinal'. 

So much loved yea?!?!? 

Plus Rome had great food, great drinks and great people to explore it with!!! 

Baci, 

        Joey! 

Milano

Versace, Versace, 

Medusa head on me like I'm 'Luminati

                                         I know that you like it, Versace, 

my neck and my wrist is so sloppy

Versace, Versace, I love it,

 Versace the top of my Audi

My plug, he John Gotti, he give me the ducks, 

I know that they're mighty

                                                                        - Migos, Versace

“Umm, I think it’s this way”

                         “Where are we?”

“Where do we want to go?”

                                     “I got it, no, no I don’t”

“Let’s go back to there and work it out”

                                      “Let’s ask at the hotel”

“Excellent, Gracia!”

                                    “Where is the park”

“Let’s ask him?”

                                                            “How did we get it so wrong”

“Ok, I found it”  

“The walking tour left 20 minutes ago”

Milan – we were left to fend for ourselves, but we conquered it!

We began with our own walking tour – this meant walking which ever way looked pretty and making up a story to go with the site.

Like the invaders who were covered with quick drying cement by the Milan citizens and then left as a warning to all other invaders. 

As we continued our walk around the city we explored the beautiful streets and the crazy random art. We LOVED it!

During our time in Milano they was an expo about Feeding The Planet – Food for Life.

I was looking for my double...the fat man filled with chocolate and pasta but he didn't exist. 

The Milan architecture was stunning. It was a nice day just walking around and seeing the sites.

That night we went out an enjoyed cocktails

 antipasto 

and 4 different types of pasta:

 bolognaise,   pistachio, 

cheese ravioli and sea-food. 

It was all so delicious and such a good introduction to Italian cuisine!

It was a wonderful day in Milan. 

The perfect amount of time to see everything and do everything.

I really enjoyed the city and had a great friend and shopping partner in Tamara too!   

Two big Italiano kisses for you – X X,

                                                               Joey!