Then came Rome, ugh....
Rome is beautiful and important it has important historical monuments, and I dont feel right by trying to discourage people from going there. My words are only my opinion and I dont want to sway anyone. The only happy thing about Rome is I can say I saw most of it, and now never have to go back there again.
I learned alot as well, especially about Michealangelo who I aquired a new found respect for. (more details about that later when I have more time)
Rome in a nutshell is about power, whether is about the empires that rules it or the vaitcan state that lies there now. I got to view most of the vatican by way of guided tour. As I said, I learned a lot.
Growing up Roman Catholic I had many conflicts with the way of the catholic church, I still consider myself a Christian and can appreciate Catholics who want to pay hommage to their history.
Rome is full of tourists that tend to be more rude, this is do to Italian authorities being lenient. My friend Gary C once told me, whatever you permit you promote and I see how that has impacted Rome. (just so true)
Many vandals and people who disturb the peace or dont follow basic road rules. If you can avoid driving in Rome you remove one major headache from the equation.
Due to the rude tourists , brings forth rude locals who have a hard time dealing with loud demanding people. Mind you I see this in service areas, I did run into some very nice people from Rome as well...not int he service area.
So thats basically all I have to say about Rome, again I'm not trying to sway opinions but express my personal experience. I just find there are so many beautiful places in Italy that bring me much more pleasureable experiences. Rome is not a place to relax, its over priced and under quality for what Italy is capable, but if you're motivited by the history and monuments then you can probably endure it.
I will leave you with some pictures of the Umbria area, which turned out to a real treat. some towns were really medieval towns...I mean almost the same as a thousand yeard ago., the tough obblestone and the hard steep climbing made it all worth it.
the people were very nice, and real...Visiting this region, was one of the best experiences in my entire life. I visited Asissi, Terni, Orvietto, Spoleto, Perugia, Gubbio (pictures for Gubbio comming up)
I also want to thank the personal emails I have recieved from friends and the kind comments on the photographs (personally I dont see it as my best work, I made some mistakes but fatigue played a role)... some have asked me to right more detail. I would have, but time really was difficult. Visiting 5 villages and 2 Towns in 3 days and doing rome in 3 days is not easy. I am actually suprised I saw all that I did...the hills were not easy and I walked 20-25 kms a day. you'd think I'd lose some weight but with all the food and drink I had to try , well...they kind of cancelled each other out...haha
All in all I am having a fantastic time, and I am more than delighted to take some of you on this journey with me.
