The Colosseo

Great to be back blogging again! Thank you to my online visitors who continued to leave messages for the past three weeks. To show further my appreciation, I am taking you with us today for a visit to The Colosseo =)

We landed Fiumicino Airport (also called Aeroporto Leanordo Da Vinci) early morning of April 25. We were met by my province mate, Glenda who has been working in Italy for quiet awhile now. Truth is I was soo nervous before embarking for the holiday. We've never been out of Dubai for the past four years - which makes one complacent - and after reading those tourist advisory on thieves and pickpockets, I was not so sure if we made the right choice of destination). The only thing calming my nerves was that Glenda will be there to guide us.

The passport control area was stringent as expected. But the baggage claim was different at all. Nobody checked if passengers claimed their rightful luggage =). By this time, we noticed that nobody spoke the English language. You ask them for directions, they will reply in Italian. When we finally saw Glenda at the arrival area, we gave up speaking to the airport staff. Glenda confirmed, only 1 in 10 Italian speak the English language =)

Along with other tourists, we boarded a private taxi going to central Rome which is about 30 kms away .Charge: 15 Euro per person. We could have taken the train but hubby was in a hurry to see The Colosseo. Besides, we were on travel with a toddler and a cab was the quickest and most reasonable for us.

After checking in at the charming Hotel Priscilla (thank goodness, the staff knew basic English), we tidied up for a scheduled visit to Borghese Gallery before proceeding to the Roman Coliseum. Enjoy the photos!

Also called the Flavian amphitheater, Italy's iconic structure nevel fails to impress for its elegant, enduring bulk, and its disturbing former function as a theater of slaughter.

Inside as well, you will see displays of reconstructed Gladiator armors.


The famous Arch Of Constatine. It is located between the Colosseo and Palatine Hill. The masive arch was erected to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius.

Daddy and Andreas goofing around with Gladiators outside.

The Roman Forum as seen from the Colosseo. While it is not one of the best preserved archaeological site of Ancient Rome, The Forum was the nerve center of the most powerful Western civilization in history for a thousand years. This is where political decisions were made, speeches delivered, and markets took place.

Our 4th Wedding Anniversary at the Eternal City.

Visiting The Colosseo, Palatine Hill, and The Roman Forum costs 11 Euro per person. You can also get a Roman Archaeological Card which is good for three days if you are staying longer in Rome.

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