Where Do I Begin....?

Hmm...which destination shall I begin with? They're all so varied, and all so interesting in their own rights. Might as well start with the most recent! And that would be.....ITALY!!! I have always wanted to visit Europe and see its sights, and it was indeed a dream come true. I chose Italy as our first European country (UK does not count, somehow!) as it was where the true great civilisation started - the Roman Empire. The entire country is steeped with history and tradition. We visited 4 cities - Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Each city was as different as they were the same. Besides the binding language and food, each city had its own culture, identity, architecture, and quirks.

I shall begin with Rome, the Eternal City. One of the first great civilisations.

 

Colosseum

It was everything I'd imagine, and more! To see the real thing - Colosseum, the Forums, the brick roads. I can just imagine the Roman Empire soldiers riding their horse-drawn carriages entering the city, or the foot soldiers running along the brick roads. And the marble! Oh, the marble. Italy really has marble in abundance. The walls of the forums are so high and everything was plainly made from marble - the walls, the steps, the floors.

The Roman Forums

Vittorio Emmanuelle Monument