Period Rome, baby.

[FamilyWiggs]

Off to Rome later today with the gene puddles and SWMBO.

Know the city fairly well, but not been for 15 years or so.

Anyone like to offer suggestions, especially for the boys (9&12).

We're there for four full days.

Thanks.

 

[Feltwell]

Peiord?

 

[FamilyWiggs]

I don't know what you mean!

 

[Alex]

Bit of fresco restoration maybe :wink:

 

[LadyArowana]

There used to be an outdoor cinema with English movies in the Piazza Popolo in the evening, not sure if it continues this late into August though.

Icecream, more icecream, oh and did I mention icecream. Have a great trip.

 

[robgil]

Why not just go where the Romans go? I dont mean to literally invade everything from North Africa to Central Russia, although when in Rome....
The invasion , occupation then systematic slavery of every nation from here to Moscow might be fun for the kids.

 

[LadyArowana]

Not sure if this is something that the smaller Wiggs would like, or even the adult Wiggs, but the ossuary is interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_della_Concezione_dei_Cappuccini

 

[middi]

Apart from the obvious such as the colosseum, the " via appia" ( appian way ), delicious icecream etc.., you could take the children to visit the
" Villa Adriana" in Tivoli ( the same emperor Adrians wall was named after). The enormous scale of how the " real" powerfull and rich lived would defy belief, it includes a lake compound where he practiced naval warfare, private charriot race circuit and it's own gladiatorial arena.

Middi

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Thanks all. I was thinking of a half day later in the week there Middi. Thanks. Either that or Cerveteri as I'm interested in the Etruscans.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Well, we had a great time, but I perhaps overestimated just how much hardcore sightseeing 9 and 12 year old feet can do!

We did all the major sights - forums, colosseums, squares, fountains and homes of imaginary friends.

The best day by far was the day we hired bikes and cycled 16 miles along the old Appian Way in 35 degree sunshine. If we passed ten people that afternoon, I'd be surprised. It was magical.and the history just lies at your feet.

We didn't get to Tivoli though Middi, we did get to some sulphur springs about half way, when we discovered the waterpark for the kids was closed... But not til we were halfway there on the bus. But in true Italian style, tutte le nonne on the bus rallied round noisily to provide suggestions of where to go instead! We still smell like old egg sandwiches though from the sulphur...

If anyone ever wants details of a delightful apartment to stay in in a lovely quiet street halfway between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, then pm me. Perfectly located and appointed and much cheaper than a hotel.

 

[middi]

Glad you had a good time FW

( I take it that the wheels on your bicycles didnt get stuck in those deep roman cart wheel " ruts" still very prominent in the old appian way 30 cm deep flagstones, I know that Spartacus and his slaves crosses are definetely no there anymore )

Middi

 

[FamilyWiggs]

We saw the ruts Middi.

We even saw some authentic Roman council workers, carefully lifting a section about 10m long with a mini digger and resetting it! They seemed to be very particular about the sections they were lifting and resetting... restricting their delicate conservation activities only to sections that were in the shade! 8)

 

[JoceAndChris]

Oh, it sounds amazing. Glad you had a wonderful time Robin and I'm just do impressed you took the kids there for a proper dose of ( fun) culture. Rome's a magical place, we got engaged in the Piazza Navona and can't wait to revisit.

 

[Alex]

I am jealous, it sounds wonderful, one day ..................... but I need to visit places a bit nearer home first. Snowdon, Anglesey, Portmeirion. I only visited Aberaeron for the first time last year, went again about 3 weeks ago and the weather was beautiful both times.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

You need the visit the Lleyn peninsula... And go right to the end. Aberdaron.

Enchanting.

Joce... They loved it; especially all the Dad-Facts* that bring it all to life! It helps that they're adventurous eaters and love Italian cuisine especially if it involves mushrooms, gorgonzola or clams. And the trick seems to be to build a kids day in towards the end.... Usually a blasted water park :roll:

* other more accurate information is available. 8)

 

[LadyArowana]

It helps that they're adventurous eaters and love Italian cuisine especially if it involves mushrooms, gorgonzola or clams.

Interesting ice-creams you have been trying, hope they came with wafers and chocolate sauce :shock: