Our Rome Experience

Bongiorno (Hello)

With our flight over and done with from UB to Beijing to Rome we arrived quite tired. There is a six hour difference between UB and Rome so we felt every minute of it.

Rome Day One
Our first day started out with breakfast on the third floor of the Bolivar Hotel. We could see the tops of the buildings and thought “We are not in UB anymore” and our excitement grew to make a start to the day. We decided to start our exploring of the city by foot and it wasn’t very long that we realised where the street signs were on the side of the buildings. Smart cars (small cars) whizzed by and the streets narrow and small were like rabbit warrens that went in every direction.

Picture: Hotel Bolivar

We stumbled onto our first stop which was the Trevi Fountain. WOW the detail of this amazing piece of artwork took my breath away. I had seen it in the movies but until your standing there you don’t get a sense of the location and surroundings I always thought this fountain was on a main road but in reality is tucked away. Paige and I threw coins in and Ben took a bit of convincing but came around in the end.

Picture: The Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s largest and most famous fountain. An extravagant baroque work designed by Nicola salvi in 1732, it depicts Neptune’s chariot being led by Tritons with sea horses, one wild one docile, representing the moods of the sea. The water comes from one of the city’s earliest aqueducts. Trevi refers to the tre vie (three roads) that converge at the fountain. To toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain is to ensure that one day you’ll return to the Eternal City. By the same token, a second coin will have you falling in love with an Italian and the third marrying him or her. Once a week a team from the Rome’s electricity company hovers up the coins and sends them to Caritas, an Italian charity where volunteers weigh, clean and sorts the coins unto currencies. Coins have been found from up to 58 different countries. On an average day about 1,500 euro is thrown into the fountain.

Picture:Bernadette & Paige throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain

We wondered the streets following the map. The buildings were amazing, “food” for our eyes. The history this city holds we found amazing. The city just oozes a sense of style only found here in Rome I am sure. The Italian language spoken in the Street was kind of music to my ears that seem to awake my hearing after being numbed by the sound of Mongolian for so long.

Picture: Three Smart Cars

Palazzo di Montecitorio
Since 1871 this baroque palazzo has been the home of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Italian parliament (the upper house is the Senate in Palazzo Madama). Standing on the piazza to which it lends its name, the palazzo was built in 1653 by Bernini, expanded by Carlo Fontana in the late 17th century and given a larger façade by Art nouveau (known as ‘Liberty’ in Rome) architect Ernesto Basile in 1918. Prior to Italian unification it was the seat of the papal courts.

Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)
Built in 1725 with French money but designed by an Italian and named after the Spanish Embassy nearby, the Spanish steps were constructed to connect the piazza with the eminent folk who lived above it. The fountain at the foot of the steps, known as the Barcaccia loosely translated as the old tub dates backs to 1627.

Picture: Paige standing on the Spanish Steps

The weather didn’t stay sunny for too long as we had to buy a couple of umbrellas to keep dry as the heavens opened up. It was interesting to see the locals take cover as close to the buildings as possible and just stop in their tracks hoping not to get wet.

Pantheon
The Pantheon has been standing for some 2000 years. In its current form it dates to around AD 120 when Emperor Hadrian built over Marcus Agrippa’s original temple (27 BC). The Pantheon has been a Christian church since 608, Hadrian’s temple was dedicated to the classical gods, hence the name Pantheon, a derivation of the Greek words pan (all) and theos (god).

Picture: The Pantheon

Trying to take in the age of this building was just simply hard to do, what a nice church and even though, like a lot of the really old buildings in this city the original intent of this building has changed over time.

Palazzo Madama
Palazzo Madama has been the seat of the Senate, the upper house of the Italian parliament, since 1871. Originally it was the 16th century townhouse of Giovanni de’ Medici, who later became Pope Leo X. It’s named after ‘Madama Margaret of Parma, the illegitimate daughter of Charles V, who lived here from 1559 to 1567.

Picture: Palazzo Madama

Area Sacro
In which stand the remains of four Republic-era temples. These ruins were revealed during construction work in the 1920’s and although off limits to wandering humans are home to a thriving population of stray cats and a cat sanctuary.

Picture: Area Sacro

As we stood in a public area of the main street looking down upon the Area Sacro I thought it must had been a bugger finding these ruins as the plans for this area must have changed since the digging begun. I am sure this isn’t the first time this had occurred in this very old city.
With a day full of discovering Rome and its history we decided a good Italian meal was in order. Across from our hotel was a quant little restaurant that we thought we would try. As people had told us the menu is set out in an appetisers section, first and second course sections. Not to sure on the portion sizes we ordered appetisers and a first course each and later went back for a main meal.

Picture: Bernadette & Paige eatting lunch at cafe

Rome Day Two

We decided to take an early stroll to reach the Colosseum as the hotel wasn’t too far away. We have found the hotel location was is walking distance to almost all the sites worth seeing. Even though it was early the crowds where growing by the minute and we opted to join an English speaking tour which was about to start. As the tour group made their way up to the higher levels, walking out to the open area I wondered what it must have been like back in the “hay day”. The roar of the crowds, the sights and the smells that must have been in the air would have been only a man about to fight for his life could only comprehend. The structure which stands today is pretty impressive even with the wear and tear that shows. The history behind it is simply hard to take in. Once again having seen the Colosseum on TV doesn’t compare to standing in its presence.

Picture: Bernadette Ben & Paige outside of the Colosseum

Colosseum
Built by Emperor Vespasian in the grounds of Nero’s palatial Domus Aurea complex, the Colosseum was inaugurated in AD 80.
It was here that the gladiators met in mortal combat and condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions. The combatants who where prisoners of war, slaves or volunteers were paired off to ensured the greatest spectacle. Thus, one would have a heavy sword and shield and the other almost naked would carry a net or trident. The Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphi theatre, the 50,000 capacity stadium was not Rome’s biggest, the Circo Massimo could hold up to 250,000 people and the name Colosseum when introduced in medieval times, was not reference to its size but to the Colosso di Nerone, a giant statue of Nero that stood near by.

After awhile we left the tour group to explore this structure on our own, we felt the tour guild was taking a bit too long with explanations and telling too many stories about the same subject, “the animals”, yes we got it, animals came out and attacked the gladiators or where slain. Yes, they trained hard, yes, there was blood blah blah blah.


Arco di Costantino (Arch of Constantine)
Built in AD 312 to commemorate Constantine’s bloody victory over his imperial rival Maxentius at the battle of Ponte Milvio. It was largely cobbled together with fragments pinched from other sculptures.

Piazza Navona
This area has long been a hive of Roman life. For 300 years it was the city’s main market area and today attracts buskers, artists and sellers of wares. It was originally used for Roman games, the name Navona is a corruption of Greek word ‘agon’ meaning public games and was flood every year to stage mock naval battles.

The square was a hive of activity, tourists everywhere. We walked through the square and soaked up the atmosphere. Paige was really interested in the buskers who where singing. Our stomachs where grumbling so we headed off to find something to eat.

Later than evening we stumbled on a German restaurant that served pasta so we thought we would give it a go. The food was really tasty and enjoyable. The waiter was a character, pushy yet camp all rolled into one. The classic comment was when the waiter saw Paige having a sip of Ben’s beer he asked “Does she drink beer” to which we answered “yes, she does” he then responded in a shocking yet funny tone like a real camp hairdresser “Oh my god”. Ben and I burst into laugher; it was a moment that we will remember.

Picture: View from the river

Rome Day Three

It was an early start to the day as we had booked a tour to go to the Vatican City. We had heard the lines where quite long to get in so we thought we would take a tour and in doing this we would by pass the waiting. With the security checks out the way and done with we where guided through one of the
Vatican Museums. The artworks that lined the walls and roofs of the halls we were in awe. The tour guild went to great lengths to explain the history of the items that lined the way and what the art work we would be seeing in the Sistine Chapel was all about. There seemed to be many rules as we entered the Sistine Chapel, no talking, no taking photos and no sitting on the steps. The chapel was dimly lit but the art work by Michelangelo was just astounding. As I looked up I couldn’t believe it took him four years to complete laying on his back, and the roof so far up. Just the climb up the scaffolding each day would have been a killer to do and the paint getting in his eyes whiling laying there painting would have drove anyone else crazy, he must have been dedicated to the task. I am sure his dedication would have earned him a place in heaven if there is such a place. I wonder what he was thinking when he finally finished “I could go a beer”. Ben thinks it wouldn’t have touched the sides.

Vatican City
The world’s smallest sovereign state, the Vatican City covers an area of less than 1sq km. The Vatican gained its independence in 1929 after 68 years as part of the Kingdom of Italy. St Peter’s Basilica was built in the 4th century. More than 1000 years later the church had fallen into disrepair it took more than 150 years to complete the new basilica, now the second largest in the world.
There is a vast collection of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home of the two world’s most famous works of art, Michelangelo’s Genesis and the Giudizio Universale (Last Judgement). The chapel was originally built in 1484.

We made our way through to St Peter’s Basilica with the tour group and were amazed at the size and the magnitude of the inside of this building. As we walked around I was overwhelmed with how the church, back in the time this building was built, could have been so full of self importance to build this basilica. The money it would have cost is just makes me angry that there would have been people staving somewhere in the world and that one Pope or another thought “well lets just spend the money because I am going to need some to be laid to rest”. I am sure there would be many who would disagree with me but I am entitled to my own opinion. We headed down to where the Popes laid to rest and we where told out of respect we where to remain silence. As we walked through I watched a number of people praying and their reactions, I just didn’t get it, some had tears rolling down their faces and I felt sorry for their sorrow and could understand losing someone close to me but a man I had never met I don’t think I would ever understand as I am not a Catholic and I was left wondering if they had met the last Pope. We made our way up to the outside level and across St Peters square. I think in reflection to our visit to the Vatican Ben and I enjoyed the art work, architecture and history of the Vatican but the religious side we are still a little baffled.

Coming to visit Rome we can say we have really enjoyed our time here. We enjoyed the food, the coffee; even though it never seemed hot enough, also the history and the feeling of being in a city that is around about 2750 years old. We like the cosmopolitan feel about it that seems to flow through the cracks. We would like to return one day and travel though other parts of Italy exploring the country so maybe according to the legend of throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain we’ve guaranteed this. Glad we all threw coins in.

Picture: Changing of the guard

Picture: Paige standing with two Policemen

The Last Blog From Mongolia

We came, we saw and experienced Mongolia, the good parts and bad. Would we do it again? Definately........................

This blog is our last from Mongolia as we are about to head onto our next location in a different country. For those people who don't know we are moving to Hanoi in Vietnam. Ben has accepted a new position as Chief Geologist with Ban Phuc Nickel.

The last couple of weeks we have been saying our goodbyes to our friends here. We have been so lucky to have made some great friends, Mongolia would of been such a harder place to live with out our friends. Both Ben and I had farewell dinners which was lovely and we where so spoiled as we where given some lovely going away gifts.

Picture: Boroo Spousal Group Ladies at Bernadette's farewell dinner

Picture: The Geology Department and Friends at Ben's farewell dinner

Vietnam will mark our third country of living away from Australia. We are excited about the move. I think I have been really laid back I feel like a "old hand at moving". I don't really have any expectations on what to expect when we arrive in Hanoi. We visited there on holidays about two years ago so we kind of know what we are in for but like any place when you live somewhere other than holidaying it is a different experience.

Before we arrive in Hanoi we will be taking a bit of a break stopping in Rome and London for a holiday. We are all excited about these stops, Paige is looking forward to seeing where the Queen lives. Ben and I are looking forward to seeing some amazing sites and getting stuck into so yummy food, Ben can't wait to taste all the beers. I know it will be a time to reflect on our time in Mongolia and a time to get ourselves ready for the next installments of living in a different country but I am sure what ever happens we will take it as it comes.

Pictures: Warrior Costume given to Paige by the Geology Department

May the skies of Mongolia remain blue and the sunshine warm the hearts of the Mongolian people.

All Dressed Up

Mongolian people always look to their history and one thing that there is in UB are many photo places you can get dressed up in a traditional Mongolian costume.

I thought it would be fun to get all dressed up as an everlasting memory of our time here in Mongolia. Undra, her son and her mother with Oyunbold joined Ben, Paige and myself in taking some photos. My friend Michelle and I went to a different place and also had a photo taken together.

The Shooting Range

When we first arrived in Mongolia, we’d heard about this place where you can go and shoot an AK-47. It wasn’t until last weekend that we finally got around to doing it. We’d heard from friends of ours (David and Tracy) who had been our on the previous weekend that it was pretty good, that we though “Why Not?” We organized with some more friends and out we went.
The place was called the Hujir Bulan Shooting range. It’s about a ½ hour drive out of UB towards Gachuurt and we arrived about an hour before opening by mistake so to use up a bit of time we climbed all over and into an old Mongolian/Russian T-55 tank and BMP armoured personnel carrier.

Paige inside one of the tanks

The boys & Paige standing in front of the shooting range sign

The guns arrive

In typical style, the guys arrived late for opening, turning up in an old Russian military van with ammo and gun boxes in the back. We followed them into the office and were blown away by the selection of possible firearms available to use. The process is to fill in a sheet with your names and details and what weapons you want to shoot and how many bullets you want to use.

Some of the guns that where available

Ben elected to go for the AK-47 (of course), the PPSh submachine gun, the PKM light machine gun and to top it off the RPG-7 rocket launcher (bwah ha ha ha!). I selected the AK-47, the RPK, the Tokarev pistol and the RPG-7. After parting with quite a bit of money, we waited outside for the others to fill in their paperwork and the guys to bring out the guns.
We followed the guys out to a fenced off shooting range. They then prepared the guns, set out the targets and away we went. This was not a “free for all” but a carefully coordinated and supervised activity (that bits for you Mums). Each shooter was called up one at a time and supervised through the shooting using weapons on semi and fully automatic modes.

The men bring out the guns

Bernadette shooting a Tokarev pistol

Bernadette pointing to the head shot on her target

Ben shooting a PPSh

The raw power of these guns was frightening at first. I didn’t know what to expect and let out a small shriek much to the amusement of the spectators. I think having a go at shooting these guns hit home that there are children solders in countries that are made to kill people and that having a gun in your hand is like playing god you can take a life by pulling a trigger.
After we’d fired all the guns it was time for the rocket launcher. This was a little daunting as you have a bit of an idea of the destructive power of these things. The guys pulled out the rockets and assembled them and we went through the safety briefing which included the correct stance, how to arm and fire, why you need to keep your mouth open and most importantly aim up because if you fire the rocket into the ground at your feet you’ll die.
Murray, our Canadian friend went first. We all stood well away from him as he fired, missing the target about 100m away. The rocket hit the ground short of the target and ricocheted into the hill behind it before exploding. Wow, we were stunned. The noise, the shockwave! Amazing.
Ben was next. He went through the safety drill and on Murray’s advice aimed a little higher. Wooosh, the shockwave goes right through you leaving you partly stunned. Ben’s rocket also hit the ground short of the target bouncing into the hill and exploding. I think it was an experience for Ben that he will never forget.

Three steps to Ben shooting the RPG-7 rocket launcher

I was next, but decided to decline. It was a bit intimidating and I didn’t feel confident, I felt I couldn’t get my balance and the thought of pointing the rocket to close to the ground was enough that I decided it was best to walk away and our friend Dave have a turn. He took Ben’s advice and aimed even higher. His rocket punched right through the target and we all cheered. Nice shootin’ Tex! Finally Danny’s partner Doogi (sorry if I get the spelling wrong) had a go. She seemed to take an eternity before firing and we thought she was going to chicken out, but she finally fired. Hers fell short too, exploding in a big cloud of dust.
That was it for the day. Still buzzing from our experience we went out for dinner, re-living the day. Wow. What an experience! Something we’ll probably never get a chance to do again. Where else but Mongolia?