Rome - Day 2

Breakfast was available from 7 - 10.30 each day but I don't think we made it much before 9 on any of the days we were there but that wasn't because we were still sleeping. The mornings were cooler and provided a good chance to go up on the roof to read or to checkout some of the local sights. The croissants, salads, rolls and drinks were plentiful and meant we weren't hungry until the evening. The hotel got gluten free food for Glen which meant he could have cereal or toast.

The first morning we walked the few yards to the tabacchi or tobacconist to buy the tram tickets to Argentina, a district in the south west of the city. We had unlimited use of the trams for a week for 16 euros each which was excellent value. The trams themselves were regular and air conditioned and took just a few minutes to get to the city, taking us across the Tiber.

While Glen and Joe stayed at the hotel, Glen had taken his laptop whilst Joe read a lot, Alison and I went into Rome proper for the first time. It was so hot but we walked for some time taking in the sights and sounds of the city. One of the first things we noticed was the presence of a police blockade and uniformed police, many armed. They look smart but there seem to be dozens of differing types or ranks judging by the multitude of uniforms worn. The reason for their presence; a demonstration by pharmacists dressed in their white coats and all. The police must have been equal in number to the demonstrators who hapened to march past the first monument to catch our eye.

You'll see from the photos why it caught our eye. It was massive. Known as the monument to Victor Emmanuel the Second, it also serves as the Italian home of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Building started at the end of the 19th century although not completed for many years. The monument is to the King of Italy following unification under his mantle, assisted by Garribaldi. Something I dimly remember from school history.

The site is surrounded by traffic and at the back there are the ruins of the forum with the Coliseum nearby.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Emmanuel_II_of_Italy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_of_Vittorio_Emanuele_II

Interestingly, the comment about it being too white is one with which I would disagree. I think it is more to do with the fact it stands out but is not that old compared to the other sites in Rome which are more famous historically. Give it a 1000 years and everyone will say it is a fantastic piece of architecture etc.

It impressed me anyway.