Rome, history and rugger

Since booking flights etc to Rome and the tickets for the Italy v Scotland game, my anticipation has been palpable. 

The trip was another part of Elaine’s 50th birthday celebrations and it has been wonderous!

   
Arriving on Thursday afternoon at our hotel , Kevin and I went for a trip into the city to find our bearings and acclimatize ourselves to the transport system etc. 

    
    
    
 
On Friday we met up with Elaine, Jane, Mark and Matt and spent 3 hours in the colosseum and surroundings. 

    
    
    
    
    
  
 
The weather was amazing and the guide was exceptional in providing information that really brought the whole tour to life. You could imagine the animals, gladiators and the crowds there it was awesome now so full would have been amazing! 

Kevin and I then made our way to the Vatican for another 3 hour tour, and I was hoping for so much. I was in awe at the Sistine Chapel and the riches that you behold in the museums. Unfortunately a poor experience from our guide made for us wanting to leave earlier than planned. Time was tight so we missed St Peter’s Basilica – so that leaves me with no choice but to return! 

   
    
    
    
    
    
 
We all met up for dinner and a taxi to our hotel was order of the day due to aching feet!

Saturday-game day! The long awaited game of rugby was here. We made our way to the stadia olympico in good time. We met under mussolini’s obelisk. A trip over the Tiber and an uninspiring lunch was consumed. We followed a sea of supporters to the ground and took our seats, after soaking up the atmosphere, the kilts and the good humour of the crowd. 

    
    
    
 
Our seats were excellent and we were the right side for the anthems and also for the first two Scottish tries! A Scottish team win was what our hearts wanted-and what we got! Sergio Parisse, the Italian captain, was clearly disappointed with how the match progressed. 

   
    
   
We then began the journey back to the centre. A very tight squeeze in a tram, followed by bus and on foot to trastevere. We arranged somewhere to eat and all met up for our last supper. 

Food was good , alcohol flowed and these few days have been so enjoyable. Once again spending time with Elaine and Jane and, who they refer to affectionately, as the boys. Seeing Elaine so happy and experiencing her cheekiness is delightful! 

   
   
A fantastic memory for us all and I hope we can do this again in the future! 😎😎🏉