I like these details more than the tourist attractions. I hate the crowds and "being a tourist". Maybe it's having grown up in a touristy town. I just like being a local and shopping and eating where the locals are.
I was thinking this morning that it's so funny how we love patina on old buildings: crumbly paint, a bit of grime, damage; but these things of new building just look terrible. Even the little apartmentwe are staying in has old chipped marble shelves on the bedroom and it looks so good. At home people just hate it when their cesaerstone chips in their kitchens.
We leave for Tuscany tomorrow. After dealing with the huge crowds today in Rome we are quite happy to move on. The first time I came to Rome was in winter and the second time was right after 9-11 so both times Rome was much quieter with no queues. Even St Peters Basilica had a 3 hour queue today. Needless to say we didn't go in as Phil and I have each been beforw several times and the kids will be back and can line up when it's not over 30 degrees :). The piazza is so beautiful though so it's still was worth the visit.
And we have had a lot of fun :)
Fiona xx
Wow.. loving all your photos! I feel like I'm following you lol! I would love to go to Italy one day.. treasure hunting for my store and am looking forward to seeing your photos in Tuscany.
ReplyDeletehave fun!
Thank you for the lovely photos - I agree about doing touristy things. I much rather just become a local and find the places they hang out.
ReplyDeleteLoving your photos. I also like to take snaps of interesting doors, arches and gates.
ReplyDeleteWow.. loving all your photos! I feel like I'm following you lol! I would love to go to Italy one day.. treasure hunting for my store and am looking forward to seeing your photos in Tuscany.
ReplyDeletehave fun!
Lovely holiday with the family, enjoy! from Kerry Lane
ReplyDeleteLove Italy
ReplyDeleteMe too Sandra, so happy
Deleteoh Fiona! if you are in Florence will you look out for the hand painted walls in one of the major buildings in the big square where there are statues or carvings of large men wrestling and grabbing each other crutches and suchlike, the walls have handpainted birds and flowers and such in the florentine way. Like the writing paper. Utterly exquisite. This was a 1990's restoration I believe. I was there 20 years ago and did not get photos and wish ever since I did. You would have to ask a guide as it was big but not a favourite tourist building.
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Janet
Hi Janet it sounds beautiful. We don't have a guide / all self touring but I lived in Florence years ago so know the city so well. I'll keep an eye out for the murals
DeleteI have not been to Rome but have been to France, England and Scotland and loved their "patina" as well!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful isn't it Rose
DeleteHate those crowds, too. I didn’t see them in the travel brochures. Most of the photos must be taken about 6:00am…. Keep taking your photos -
ReplyDeleteDefinitely all at 6am. That's when we are up and out walking to enjoy the best of the day :)
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