the weather was such a refreshing change from Leeds. It was a cool 15C when we touched down and quickly rose to about 18C at midday. Its been the first time I've opened any window since I left Singapore in September 2012. :hello2:

We booked an apartment through the net. It was cheap for Rome standards (26€/night) considering it was Easter week- not the cheapest, but we needed 2 toilets as we had 8 in the group. Reasonably big as well.



one of the rooms. it was 4 to a room, with a separate pull out sofa not inside.



kitchen.

The apartment had a few problems unfortunately, chief of which was a 90L hot water boiler capacity, which meant after the first 5 or 6 showers, there was no hot water left. Not sure why these Europeans love hot water boiler systems rather than instant hot water like in UK or Singapore. Had the same problem in Budapest previously.

But enough about the apartment!

Directly outside the apartment there is a Roman tap, which is ubiquitous



Later, we found out there was a special "Roman" way to drink from these taps, which is proudly demonstrated by yours truly here:




you have to block the bottom outlet and there'll be another hole at the top which will make the water flow as such. Its more hygienic as one will not have to touch any part of the tap with one's mouth, which may have been shared by dogs and etc. :wink:

Lunch was at a forgettable tourist trap. We then went on a free guided tour of rome, who meet at the Spanish Steps at 5.30PM every day. Of course, it's not really "free", they ask for tips at the end. I usually give about 5€ but I notice the Americans normally give more. It was quite good except that it started to pour midway through the tour, not UK type of rain but Singapore type thunderstorm. Not fun...

Crossing the road in Rome is very much like crossing the road in JB... loads of little scooters paying scant attention to the road signals, treating them as suggestions, cars who honk at every opportunity... thankfully our Roman guide told us the rule for crossing the roads is "Go for it!" the vehicles will stop. :wink:

Dinner was recommended by the guide at a place called L'archetto, which had over 100 types of pasta on their menu. It's authentic I suppose, with a restaurant full of Italians. Quite good but honestly!! not that much better than what I can cook!





after dinner was the other thing Italy is famous for... Gelato!!!
Went to a shop called Venchi, also near Spanish steps and they made the most awesome gelato one could have! 2,50€ gets one 3 flavours in a medium cone or cup. So heavenly.



From Top to Bottom: Pistachio, Cappuccino and Nocciola flavours