Day 35 Colosseum & Roman forum

Today I treated myself to a slow day. I saw most of what I planned to see the other day so the only places on my list were the Colosseum and the Roman forum. I slept until 9am! I bought tickets online then headed pout about 10am. Since I already had a ticket I went straight through security and into the Colosseum, no lining up at all! It's massive. I guess the visitors all stood to watch events when it was a functioning venue as there were no seats. Tourists can access 2 levels and special groups can access the underground parts and 2 upper levels. It is very well preserved. It was cool. 

 

Next I headed across the road to the Roman forum as tickets included access to this place as well. I had to queue for security here but it was only short. I knew nothing about this place, I went as it was free :) it is a huge place. First I went up a hill to see the palaces up there. There isn't a lot left of many of these ruins. Certainly not enough that I would have called them palaces. Then I went to a lookout to oversee the ruins. It was soooo windy! The view was great though. 

I went down to the ground level and walked around for a whole. Some of these are in good condition, others are falling apart. I saw the place where Ceasar was cremated and a temple built on the site and the temple of Saturn. 

Afterwards I went out into the street and walked around. I discovered I was at the Piazza Venezia which I was at the other day. All the sights in Rome are so close together! The building at the Piazza is huge! I like the horses and chariot sculptures on top. I find a highly rated Italian restaurant on Google and decided to head there. Unfortunately they were 'full' inside & out (many empty tables.....) so I walked around and found somewhere cheaper & would accept me. I had a strange yellow carbonara. The lady told me it is because they use scrambled eggs...it was pretty average and not like any carbonara I've had before. I did have a caprese salad as well though and it was very good. I went to an alcohol shop and got some small bottles of local made liquor including 2 types of limoncello. Then I got myself another gelato (nutella and strawberry this time) before heading back to my hostel. 

Tomorrow I have a very early flight to Baarcelona so I spent the rest of the afternoon repacking (silly 20kg suitcase limits!) and chilling. Soon I'm going to get my free dinner. I have to admit I haven't been overly impressed with the Italian food here. I think it is very hit and miss as to where you go. Oh well. No pasta when I get home so getting my fix in now, crap or not.