Italy Part III: Rome Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill

Taking the train to Rome, we ended up in the Airbnb around midnight.  After turning on all the AC and fans, cooling down and relaxing, we went to bed around 2am.  The most animated discussion of the night was the poopy smell.  Apparently the septic system in Rome is... just as old as Rome.  The bathroom doors had to be shut at all times.  In addition, the bathroom locks were... as old as Rome.  After a few of us were locked in (adult and children) we decided to go "sock on handle".  If the sock is on the handle, there's someone in the bathroom.  :)  

Rome was so cool, we had so many great experiences in three days.  Day 1 was mostly with the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill.  We had a private tour and had special access to the underground.  Our tour guide was amazing.  She was a double PhD and knew EVERYTHING. She was extremely patient and very helpful.  It was steaming hot but no complaints because the week after, it was 20 degrees warmer, around 110 degrees!!

We stayed in Monti and this was a cute pizza place down the street.  Treiste

On the walk to the Colosseum, an University 

Walking up to the Colosseum

 

The lines... not us

 

So beautiful

Before it was the Colosseum, it was the Flavian amphitheater

horse!

the underground

 

starting to get warm

 

About 90 minutes in

 

Spotting a frog

 

Doing ok

two hours into a four hour tour

we make it up to the outer area 

 

 

 

tiger!

view from an arch

everywhere you turn, its beautiful

 

Palatine Hill

 

Roman Forum

3 hours in

should we make the trek up?  sure

 

Bradley finds all the birdies

 

break

we made it up

the view did not disappoint 

 

Cheeeeese

 

Another birdie

Berger boys

Our tour guide

walking back 

It was an awesome day.  We walked for four hours but it was a great time.  The Colosseum was so much cooler to see in person.  Although it was a hot day, we had a wonderful experience.