Last day in Rome - The Roman Forum and the Colosseum

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

 Not sure what was going on, but we enjoyed it. Anybody know? This was March 17th, 2014.

 

 Cafe Oppio

  

Want a yummy lunch spot with marvelous views of the Colosseum? Go to Cafe Oppio. 

I hadn't had any breakfast so I got a pizza with hard boiled eggs on top. Yes, it was delicious!

 Just outside and across the street from Cafe Oppio, I think you will find the best elevated view and thus, perfect picture spot, of the Colosseum. The secret is out.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum was actually named the Amphitheater and building began in AD 72. There used to be a GIANT statue called the Colossus Neronis, a 30 m bronze statue that the Emperor Nero had created, that was moved to a place outside the Amphitheater. Some people say that is the origin of the Amphitheater being called the Colosseum.

Can you see the yellow dots on our shirts in the pictures below? We found a tour with an English-speaking tour guide in front of the Colosseum. We asked this time if it was English only. The group was small and the tour guides were really good! I think we paid about 30-40 Euros each (sorry, I've slept since then), and it was worth it!

 

Can you tell that this was on St. Patrick's Day?

The Roman Forum

 

I didn't want to flood you with too many pictures of things you may not know, so here are just a few. This was also part of our tour.

From Left to Right - Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Temple of Romulus, and the Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius.

See previous picture. :)

Steve in front of the Arch of Titus (AD 81)

Booing the hordes of students that where being herded like cattle through there. We didn't stay long. :(

 Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Rome

Good times at The Shamrock Pub.

 The next place we just happened across. We heard the music and went in.

For different cultures, I am giving "the deuce". It's like saying "What's up?" It is not, as in Scotland, flipping you off. :) Just to be clear. hehe

Steve kept snapping pictures nonstop so we just started making faces at him.. HAHA.