Paris-Italy: 27 Dec (12 Dec 2011- 2 Jan 2012)

12 oC. Rome.

That morning we headed for Rome was a rush. RER B, the train that connected us to the Orly Airport from Paris, was not connected during that hour of the morning. At 8am, we were still at the Gare Du Nord figuring out an alternative route to catch our 10.25am flight. In normal circumstances, 8am would have been more than enough time. However, given the previous held up at CDG and the ever so often hold ups from train break downs and strikes, it seemed pretty risky still getting stuck in Paris at that time. By train, it would have taken us an hour to reach and 8am with no trains would have meant we were so screwed. Luckily for us, and Alv's quick fingers on the iPhone, he found a connecting Orlybus that took us directly to the terminal and within a much shorter time than the train. So by 8.40am, we were at Orly and in time.

Our B&B in Rome, Rome Accommodations, was excellent, location and service wise. The room was really nice with brick ceilings and the front desk lady was nice. Breakfast was served to the bedroom- cereals, bread, yoghurt, hot coffee, hot milk and croissant. Fresh towels were given and bed was made daily. It was really nice and comfortable.

The first place we headed for in Rome was the Colosseum. And from there, we walked to the other parts of what was remaining of the once Roman Empire. With every few steps on the cobbled stoned floor, there were artifacts and remains from the old city that were mostly sculptures and roman wordings. Pretty. The basilicas in Rome were different from those in Paris. They were mostly done up with sculptures and paintings. Detailed, intricate ones. The most memorable one was the one at the Vatican city-the basilica and the Sistine chapel. Both of these were of a different league to the Notre Dame and the Sacré Coeur. Walking into the Vatican museum was like walking the Louvre. Pity our lack of time to spend in it.

When in Rome, do what the Romans do. So we ate Gelato ice creams in front of the Trevi Fountain (finally) in the cold and ate pizzas (Pizza Ciro) and pasta. The pasta shop in particular gave us such a good impression that we had to have it as our last meal in Rome. Chewy spaghetti.

2 nights in Rome and lots of cobbled stone walking and Rome Metros. Metro in Rome looks better than Paris' in terms of cleanliness and Italian service staff were so much better.

For now, I think I'm pretty done with Rome.