Roaming about in Rome |

Rome. Home of the ancient ruins, the famous sights and the heart of the Italian heat wave. 

My memories of Rome involved walking around with a 2-litre water bottle in 40+ degrees heat, trying not to faint in the hot air as we admired the Colosseum and fought through the crowds at the Trevi Fountain.

Luckily there were plenty of gelato shops to keep us cool, if only momentarily. We walked to all the main spots including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and  the Colosseum and also past the ancient ruins, before catching the train (called the "people mover") and heading back to yet another campsite. This one also had a pool and restaurant and a bar that was big enough to host a toga party for 3 Topdeck tours. We made togas from our bedsheets and had an awesome time twirling each other around to make those toga wraps. Look at all the different toga styles we came up with! 

We also stayed in bungalows with weird bunk beds that I kept bumping my head on. Also I tripped backwards into my suitcase and fell right into the wall; and the shower never stayed the same temperature for more than two seconds and we were so far out from town that we either had to taxi or make a 2-hour trip via public transport but hey, at least the toga party made it all worth it!

Melting in the heat inside the Colosseum -.-

Before arriving in Rome, we stopped off for lunch in a mountain town called Orvieto, and took in the breathtaking architecture of their local duomo. Below are a few detailed shots of the architecture.

Travel tips: 

• Guard your bag like a hawk, especially if you're on the "people mover" and you see buskers on the train. 
• Bring a water bottle with you and you can fill it up at one of several water fountains near the main tourist spots.
• For food, walk around and find somewhere away from the main tourist sights. We went to Rosa Rosae which was in a smaller street near the Pantheon; even though the waiter had trouble with English, he was still very professional and their swordfish carpaccio was amazing! 
• Walking around in Rome can get quite dusty so maybe steer away from light coloured clothes. 
• Go inside the Colosseum, it's worth it. 
• Rome is so full of history so if you're a big reader, read up on the famous Roman sights before visiting them to gain more appreciation of the places. 

Next stop: Venice!
xoxo