A Bernini Bridge

Radhika and I went for a stroll and got a little sidetracked on our way to see St Peters Basillica in the evening. We diverted to cross over Pont Sant'Angelo which is lined with statues sculpted by Bernini.

Coming across the bridge, a view of the castle in the background.

A better shot of some of the statues.

A view of the Tiber river and St Peters in the background.

Not on the bridge but somehow this winged statue made this post. Probably because I don't want you to be overwhelmed in the 'Statues' post. I know, it is a bit of an obsession.

Radika checks out the bumblebees. I love how they aren't just content to put up a cement railing. It's got to be decorative.

A view from the castle down to the bridge. Now I wonder why they didn't build the bridge in Modesto to look like this?

A view of St Peters Basillica as the sun sets.

These pictures really don't convey the atmosphere but this is a little cafe on the top of the castle. It's a lovely little oasis with stunning views.

Why not relax here and gaze at St Peters? Exactly.

 

Champions of Cyclosport

Taking a little break from Rome, I thought I'd share some party party photos from a recent fundraiser I got to attend.

Good friends from the tri club - Julia, me, Jerry and Jane. Needless to say, I had been sick for a while and decided that alcohol kills germs so might have overdone it a bit on the champagne. Which means, I over do it on the lovin'. Here Jerry is the center of attention from the girls.

Next, I'm all smiles as I get a photo with Geraint Thomas. Did I mention that this fundraiser featured some pretty experienced cyclists? Yep, Tour de France and white jersey winner, he was nice enough to take a photo with us.

Not content to just take a photo with a man who rides with Lance Armstrong, I decide to give him some pointers on how to ride up a hill. Yep. I am clearly giving advice to a pro cyclist. I blame my fever for making me mental.

The BTS ladies were happy to show off their finery with none other than Mark Cavendish. Me, Jane, Katy ( who took off her shoes so she wouldn't be so tall), Julia and Christina get some quality time. For those of you who don't know who this man is, he won a record number of sprint stages at the Tour de France. Also know as the Manx Missile as he is from the Isle of Man but that is less interesting.

Since I have to rest my weary feet I take photo with Paul. Although it looks like all Jane and I did was chase celebs (not quite true, but very close), I also did rest. :o)  Big thanks to Paul for bringing me as his date as I wouldn't have been here if not for his spending his bonus money on some dress up fun.

Did I mention Jane and I were a bit celebrity chasing. Seriously this wasn't my intention at all! I just got a little carried away. And may have spilled a glass of champagne on David Millar's sister. Don't tell anyone though. (Although she was really nice about it. Really nice)

Did someone say David Millar?? Oh yeah, that's me and him. It was a little weird as I just read his book - which is very good by the way. How often do you meet someone and can say 'I read your book'? A little insider information, this was his first night away from his newborn boy. David's mom was called in to babysit for the new parents. See, I wasn't just star gazing. I was making conversation. Well, technically it was with his wife Nicole Millar but close enough. A fun night out and another brush with cycling greatness. It would be nice if it rubbed off on me now..

Rome on Foot

I thought I would continue with some sights around Rome. We certainly power walked throughout the city and captured some lovely photos.

Who needs a Stair Master when you have to walk up these? I had to stop and rest on the second step. Yes, I am THAT out of shape.

I couldn't resist this photo as we stopped for a beverage.

The Parthenon. I think it says 'Agrippa Slept Here'

Even the ancient Romans enjoyed skylights.

One of my favorite street views. Love, love, love these passage ways. Especially when you can stop and people watch with a glass of wine.

If there were cars instead of people down there it might remind you a bit of Clark Griswald.



Finally, one of my favorite reasons to be in Italy...gelato. The best gelato place ever. Yum Yum Yum. The atmosphere didn't hurt either.

Vatican Museums

Okay, so this post is driving me a bit insane. I can't get the pictures right so I am giving up. Apologies in advance for the out of sequence and color change. I used my camera, my blackberry and Radhika's camera to try and pull this together.... so Radhika and I spent our Friday night on a tour of the Vatican museums. As the sun set we approached the corner of the 6 story wall.

Did you know the Vatican has it's own radio station? Of course it does. Doesn't every country?

You had to look EVERYWHERE in the museums. There was amazing stuff every time you turned your head. Just looking at the ceiling put you in awe.


One of my favorite places ever is the map room. I couldn't get the photos in the right order and I couldn't caption everything (grr!) so forgive the out of sequence. Anyway, one huge hallway is filled with painted maps since you didn't exactly have GPS back in the olden days....

Very detailed and accurate. Impressive for being so old.

Along with admiring the ceiling, the floors were equally impressive.

Even more impressive is the number of people in the musuem at this hour. I know friends who queued for 3 hours just to get in (it took us about 10 minutes) and then it was packed. Definitely a Friday night visit is the way to go....



The Coliseum

In an attempt to show off some of my photos better, I'm trying to change up the blog for a better display. If this doesn't work, I'll revert back and see what I can do.

I'm finally getting the Rome pictures sorted and it's no easy task! Lots of good ones to choose from so I will apologize in advance for the over kill of all things Roman. Following up on Roman ruins, the Coliseum. Every time I look at these pictures I seriously want to go watch Gladiator.

I really enjoyed the displays that showed how they got people and animals from below the arena floor out on to the playing field. You'll have to imagine the lions, tigers, bears and gladiators all in their own areas just ready for their appearance. Too bad they rarely got to go back down.

Just proof that I actually went and didn't scan in a bunch of post cards. I didn't anticipate how hot and sunny it was going to be so had to invest in a street side hat to keep the skin from turning pink. Well worth my 5 euros.  

Like I said, lots of photos to get through. You'll almost feel as if you are at the neighbors house watching home movies of their vacations......