Day 15 - Rome

(written by Lyn)

For the first time in over two weeks of our time in Europe, we woke up to rain. Considering this is the end of winter we've had a very good run!!

So we done on our wet weather gear and head out to catch the graffitti riddled subway, complete with well hidden money belts. We'd heard so many stories of picpocketers and scammers in the centre of Rome.

And yes they were everywhere! Trying to con us into buying their umbrellas, unused train tickets and guided tours. But us skeptical kiwis put our hand in their face and kept walking. The funny side to this was that we had raincoats and umbrella already yet they still asked if we wanted bigger, better umbrella!!

The rain definitely put a damper on what we both felt was a morbid, depressive city. We did the basics of Rome and chose to head back to our room at about 4pm, tired, wet and cold.

There was definitely an air of sadness as we heard the stories of Jews in slavery building the Roman's many buildings and then being put out to the lions and ripped to shreds for the entertainment of the Romans. Almost like digging their own graves.

Walking through the ruins of this ancient barbaric civilization we were struck by the fact that such a strong empire could be brought down to nothing and God had the final word. Especially as we learnt of the huge earthquakes and volcanic eruptions of Pompeii, A major commercial area of the time. All happening around the same time of this going on.

An interesting learning day, with more to learn tomorrow as we head down to see the ruins of Pompeii.