2. Vacation Travel • Поездки

Roman Holiday (01.2012)

An unexpected, unplanned, non-budgeted trip to Rome courtesy of Visa International.

We had no idea Visa was sponsoring a contest, but we use our [Russian] Visa cards all the time. What a nice, welcome surprise to learn Rustem had won an all-expense paid trip for two to Rome over the Russian New Year holidays. In fact, we almost lost out because I didn't take the call seriously when some marketing agency called while Rustem was out of town on a business trip. They didn't say what the call was about so I just told them to send him an email. That never arrived but, fortunately, they did call back. Four nights at Rome's Savoy commencing January 3rd. The crowds were enormous since Romans were on holiday, too. Still, not a bad holiday present. Thank you Visa International!
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Farnese Gardens wall viewed from Palatine Hill.
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Farnese Gardens wall viewed from Palatine Hill.

RomeRomaRome ItalyItalyРимИталияRuSuRuSu PhotographyRoma Capitale

  • The Colosseum had 80 entrances & could be emptied of spectators in 10 minutes. The entire structure could be covered with a canopy to protect spectators from the sun & heat.
  • Cross in the Colosseum marking the place where the Emperors & Vestal Virgins sat.
  • View through a Colosseum arch.
  • The Colosseum with a view of the subterranean hypogeum where gladiators & wild animals were held before the games began. An elevator system existed to raise them.
  • Gladiators in front of the Colosseum. Most of the Roman gladiators were slaves expected to fight to the death.At the start of the games, they would salute the emperor & say, "We who are about to die, salute you!" <br /> <br /> It's During the hundreds of years the Colosseum was in use, it's estimated that about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals were killed.
  • The Victorious Huntsman. 2nd century A.D. mosaic in the Colosseum.
  • Emperor bust in the Colosseum.
  • Looking across from the Colosseum, Palatine Hill.
  • The Arch of Constantine, built in AD 315.
  • The private stadium Of Domitian on the Palatine Hill.
  • The Roman Forum viewed from Palatine Hill. Clearly seen are the Basilica of Maxentius (large arches) & the Temple of Divus Romulus (domed building in the foreground).
  • View of the Forum & Colosseum from Palatine Hill.
  • Rustem listening to our guide on Palatine Hill.
  • Fountain on Palatine Hill.
  • Still green grasses.
  • Farnese Gardens wall viewed from Palatine Hill.
  • View of the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill.
  • Menorah detail in the Arch of Titus. This 1st Century arch shows Romans carrying the spoils from their victorious takeover of Jerusalem & Masada.
  • The Temple of Divus Romulus (4th Century). The doors are original (bronze) as are the porphyry columns. The Romans loved the purple-colored porphyry as a symbol of royalty. They used so much of it that none remains in the world to be quarried.
  • The Arch of Septimius Severus in the pouring rain.
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