Travels in Ancient Rome

In the US, we often think of time in terms of our own country and its 236 year history. All it takes is one trip to Europe, in particular Rome, to completely change your time scale for the age of things. Even compared to Pre-Columbian America, Rome is ancient. Consider the following; by the time the Inca's began building Machu Pichu, the Roman Empire had been in ruins for over a thousand years.

Last winter we spent a few whirlwind days in Rome hitting the highlights. Some of the most enchanting spots were the remnants of the ancient Roman empire still standing after 2 millennia.

Not really needing a caption at all, the Colosseum is still an imposing structure 2000 years later.

Inside the Colosseum of Rome.  Taking this photograph convinced me that black and white photography would be an art worth mastering.

Standing in the Colosseum really made me want to re-watch the movie Gladiator, in that movie they used a relatively accurate CGI version of the Colosseum as it was when it was in use.

Looking out a window of the Colosseum. I could almost imagine I was looking out into ancient Rome, maybe because the angle prevented me from seeing the awful traffic circle that now encircles the entire structure.

Nearby stands the Roman Forum, which is the most extensive collection of Ancient Roman structures still standing within the city.

One night, while walking back from dinner, we accidentally stumbled upon part of the Roman Forum. Magical.

Pons Aemilius, or at least what's left of it. The oldest standing bridge in Rome, built in the 2nd century BC. It was mostly destroyed by a flood in 1598.

One of the churches we visited in Rome had a fascinating collection of ancient Roman graffiti, notices, signs and other inscriptions collected from the ruins of the old city.

The Pantheon in Rome.  Built in 126 AD, it is still the worlds largest un-reinforced concrete dome. 

The amazing Roman Pantheon would probably be a lot more famous if it wasn't for the similarly named Parthenon in Athens and the identically named Pantheon in Paris, which have made the whole thing a bit confusing.

Tracy in the Roman Colosseum, standing in a spot which is much safer now than it was 2000 years ago. 

Rome is such an amazing city, so full of history that you can't help but stumble into it as you wander the streets. We packed so much into our time in Italy last winter that I think we still have a couple of posts to go including the Via Appia and the Vatican.

fairy pools and spinners part I

"What was your favorite part the trip?"  This is a question I am often asked.  When a trip is boiled down to the cause of the most happiness, excitement, peace, relaxation- or whatever was intended to be gained...the answer is found.  Regarding our recent trips this month to Kauai and the Big Island, I have a favorite for each.

You may remember awhile back we described our hike to Kalalau Beach - 11 miles along the NaPali coast (and showed a video of a particularly scary section of the trail).  Part I described its beauty, and Part II described its danger.  We were lucky enough to return and share the fun with a set of parents just a few weeks ago.  This time around we camped 6 miles into the trail at Hanakoa Valley and explored from there.  Hanakoa Valley is interesting and far enough away from the day trippers to be enjoyable.

You may or may not know about a group of spirited individuals who attempt living off-the-grid in the Kalalau Valley up the "hippie highway" trying to hide from rangers in a secluded farming community on National Park grounds.  It is fun to mingle with them at camp and/or run into them when they are hiking in or out for more supplies.  One of the residents saw us finding our way on a hike up Hanakoa Valley to the waterfall and told us to make sure and enjoy the fairy pool.  Pause...Did she just say fairy pool??  Yep, she did.  All giggles aside, it was a really awesome pool and my favorite part of being on Kauai this time around.

Finding the trail can be tricky.  The park rangers tied pink ribbons inconsistently spaced along the trail to help you find the falls.  The trail isn't maintained or obvious.   

Here we are arriving at the falls.  I think you only see the bottom portion - 300 or 400 feet.  I'm on the right climbing the rocks to get to the so-called fairy pool.  My mother-in-law and father-in-law are making their debut appearances on This Adventurous Life.  Aloha!

Here is my father-in-law making us nervous while hanging out near the area where rocks were falling off the cliff face.  This picture gives you a good sense of scale.

The surrounding beauty and seclusion were unparalleled.  Here I am soaking one ankle in the pool to test for leeches.  I swear I was only partially serious, and since I was sitting there taking in the expansive views anyways-might as well dangle my foot in the water for a bit....  My very scientific leech knowledge comes from the leech scene in Stand By Me.  C'mon, don't you remember??

After about 5-10 minutes of sneaking glances down at my foot for black splotches....

We jumped in with abandon and enjoyed being truly present in the moment.
It was a fairy pool after all.  =)

After a quick attempt at uncovering the original meaning of the term "fairy pool", it seems multiple cultures have ancient myths or legends where fairies bathe in clear water pooling near waterfalls.  Definitely, too much time was spent googling those terms. 

Refreshing and awesome, it was.  This was definitely my favorite experience on Kauai this time around.  Memories of all four of us relaxing, bird watching, jumping in and swimming at Hanakoa Falls will be cherished.

Hopefully Cayle and I will get to Zimbabwe and swim in the Devil's pool also!  (Moms, just don't look.)

Flashback Friday: A train ride to Pompeii

Take an early morning train from Roma to Napoli.  It is about 3 hours from the central train station in Rome to Piazza Garibaldi in Naples.  Purchase tickets for the Circumvesuviana while in the train station in Naples and then head downstairs to catch the next train.  They leave very frequently.  Get off the train at Pompeii Scavi, which puts you less than a quarter mile from the entrance.  Obviously, wear good walking shoes.  I am always amazed when we do a day trip and see a scowling woman wearing heels or visibly ruined intricate sandals while walking around an archeological site.  Don't be that lady.  Reverse the order of things for your return paying attention to the last times train depart your locations.

BBC has a detailed article about the disaster of Pompeii.  In AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted burying the town of Pompeii under 13 to 30 feet of volcanic ash raining down for over six hours.  Historical accounts of the eruption show the town was completely unprepared.  People and animals were killed either by the heat or suffocation, and the city was essentially stopped in time.  Pompeii is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site receiving over 2,500,000 visitors each year.

You can see the structure of columns as they existed under the beautiful facades.  It was very cold and rainy when we visited, which added to the mystical atmosphere.  (My attire was not warm enough, forcing me to purchase a cheesy Italia soccer zip up outside the entrance and experience the price gouging-blah!)

The original copper statue of the dancing Faun is held in the National Museum in Naples.  I am thankful for the replica in its place helping us to see what it was really like at the House of the Faun, which was built in the 2nd Century BC.

The volcanic ash preserved Pompeii to an unbelievable extent.  Original paint colors are seen in this courtyard.

Modern day architecture and interiors would never stand up to the quality of centuries old construction seen here.  I could not believe they let us walk on these amazing mosaic floors.  Cayle and I were basically tip toeing around on some of them, I'm sure looking ridiculous.

Modern day familiarity with Russian River Brews Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder received their names from the first hand accounts recorded by Pliny the Younger of the Vesuvius eruption from his position across the bay.  Pliny the Elder, his uncle, died while trying to rescue victims in Pompeii.  Pliny's letter gives the most detailed account of the event.  Pliny the Younger has been labeled the best beer in the world.

Pompeii is an easy day trip from Rome.  You feel an enormous presence surrounding you, and feel entirely connected to to the history of humanity.  You don't want to miss it.  If the weather had been nicer we would have picnicked out in a courtyard.  If you have time, visit the National Museum in Naples where many of the larger, detailed mosaics and sculptures are preserved from Pompeii.  Fill your belly with some delicious pizza while you are at it, and only then jump back on the train for your return to Rome.

Here is a blog created by and for people who have worked on the archeological excavation and reconstruction of Pompeii if you want more information: Blogging Pompeii

Started the Year off in Rome

We have some catching up to do, putting it mildly.  We haven't yet shared how we started off 2012.  We typically don't consider Europe when we travel because, you know, you can "do" it with kids.  One of our main travel philosophies is to take advantage of our young, healthy, energetic, kidless status...a philosophy we have REALLY strayed from this year, and happily.  (but we are planning to make up for it in 2013!)  

January 1, 2012 we landed in Rome to power through the city in typical tourist fashion visiting all of the amazing art, architecture, and historical sites we were tested on years ago in art history courses.  Here is a preview of our time in the capital.  Please do come back soon for specifics on this trip and stories of the many additional trips we have yet to share with you from this year.

.... enjoyed delicious food

....and shot away with our new cameras

Founded in 753 BC with its fountains, aqueducts, bridges, statues, and columns, Rome continues to be saturated with legendary beauty.  We were happy to go in the "off-season" because we can't imagine the dense crowds that befall on the city in the summer.  This is the Arch of Constantine as seen from the Colosseum.  The Arch of Constantine was the finish line for the 1960 Summer Olympics marathon event.  

....meandered through the slim streets of the city.  

Rome's history is incredible!  Roman architecture was first starting to be restored before the USA was even a figment of thought.  

Like I said, we have a lot of catching up to do including posts on specific experiences we had in Rome.   So, do come back soon because we will more consistently be sharing our travels with you!