When In Rome.......

Rome is one of the premier tourism destinations in the world, welcoming some seven to ten million visitors each year. 

This is not only because that empire stood supreme for over 2 thousand years as slowly

what was a small Latin city eventually dominated most of the Mediterranean but also because all their ancient rulers appear to have had such a love for the arts, magnificent architecture and a burning desire to build impressive structures in which to worship their various gods over those centuries.

We the modern people, should be eternally grateful that so much time and effort has been taken by successive Italian governments and world bodies like UNESCO to uncover and preserve the magnificent treasures and establish so many museums  for the education and enjoyment of all of us.

Cars take over  some sidewalks in Rome

Unfortunately though, because of the heavy traffic into the city plus the a permanent population hovering just under three million people, the local authorities seem unable to cope, so the city is quite dirty and covered in graffiti and the absence of parking areas (despite the large numbers of scooters in use and some of the smallest cars you will see in any city) has led to some sidewalks being used for parking, thus leaving pedestrians limited spaces to maneuver.

I had been to Rome once before, but that was such a long time ago, that I had forgotten how magnificent those ancient structures were and the wealth of treasures that had been preserved in one city for the world

 to enjoy.

The beautiful river Tiber

We  had arrived in Rome this time after sailing in to the port of Civitavecchia, the third busiest port in Europe and from the area came into view it was like going back into history.

Then it was time for an comprehensive but a little exhausting. bus and walking tour but I would not have missed it for anything as walking around the streets and admiring the ancient treasures felt at times as if one was actually there in the glory days!

In fact, I dare say that as I stood in the magnificent Colosseum, which in 2007 was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world by the New 7 Wonders Foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland, you could almost feel the  horror and imagine the screams that must have echoed as the Roman elite watched  in enjoyment as lions attacked and tore apart their slaves in what was a brutal  but popular form of entertainment at the time.

However, this Colosseum which has an oval shape  is over two thousand years old with a most impressive design and architecture.

The Colosseum

While most of the archaeological  treasures are black with age, it was quite interesting to learn that they had all been made from the white marble which is found in such vast quantities in the Italian hills.

Then there is the River Tiber. 

I remember as a child hearing about this  great  river, the third largest river in Italy, on whose banks legend has it, Rome was established in around 753 Bc.

That river also played such an important role in developing trade and commerce for the city and during the Punic wars, that actually seeing it brought back all the exciting stories I had heard. And learning and seeing the evidence of how modern these ancient people had been in their thinking that they had actually developed things like running water and a well established sewage system so  many centuries ago.

Then there is the Vatican and St. Peter's Square.

I still remember it vividly from the last visit but my greatest regret was that on this trip I was unable to go inside the Sistine chapel,  for the lines were too long and there was no where to shelter from the rain which was coming down in torrents.

I say my greatest regret, for I remember clearly that inside that chapel lies one of the most magnificent visual experiences one could enjoy.

 For the ceiling there will remain one of the most renowned artistic masterpieces for centuries to come and one cannot even conceive the great challenge that it must have been for the great Michelangelo as he lay on his back on the scaffolding from 1508 to 1512 to try and recreate through art, the creation of the world as the Catholic church preaches it.

Thank heavens I did get  the opportunity to go inside years ago on my first visit, although I have no photographs and cannot remember if it is because photographs were prohibited or it was just because it was the olden days, and I had run out of film! I had however actually hoped I would have gotten the opportunity to capture it on film this time, but no such luck.

St. Peter's Square

One place I had always wanted to go in Rome was the Trevi fountain which is probably the most famous fountain in the world and one which played such a huge role in one of my favorite old films "Three coins in the fountain."

As fate would have it though, although I did visit the site, I couldn't throw my coins in or even get a good look, for  it was being refurbished.
 Despite this one disappointment however and not being able to get into the Sistine chapel, this visit to Rome was an absolutely amazing experience and something I really hope I can do again for in my book, this city is the architectural and artistic centre of the world. 

JOAN WILLIAMS,  moderator of Joan Williams on Line  broadcast on POWER 106, describes herself as an unapologetic addict to the Jamaican outdoors. A foundation member of FUN AND THRILLS ADVENTURE CLUB, she explores the island at any given opportunity cycling, hiking or swimming with that group, family, Jah 3 and anyone else who will have her. In 1995, she published the popular TOUR JAMAICA and the 4^th edition is now an ebook available at;

http://www.amazon.com/Tour-Jamaica-Joan-Williams-ebook/dp/B00EJWCSHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389464644&sr=8-1&keywords=tour+jamaica+by+joan+williams

Contact; gratestj@gmail.com