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I love history. Can't get enough of it, thus the Romans have always been one of my fascinations. It is however, only recently, that I have come across a gem of a book called "Route 66 AD" by Tony Perrottet, an expat-Aussie now living in New York. His knowledge is prodigious and his interest wide. No boring history book this, it is about travel as experienced by the Greeks, the Romans and Tony and his long-suffering partner Les, around 7 months pregnant during their trip. Before you go to Italy, Greece or Egypt, it would pay you to enjoy this volume; it will be enlightening both as a book to read and for research for your trip.
Whilst reading his book I came across the reference to Agrippa's fabulous "world" map (although he died before it was complete) that had been erected on the Vipsania Colonnade. For those who can remember, imagine a drive-in movie screen with a map of the known world inscribed upon it, then recall that you have never seen as much as a street map before because they hardly existed. Thousands of people were here for the unveiling, animals were being sacrificed to the symphony of nearby aqueduct-fed silver fountains; choirs sang inspiring anthems beside food stalls as people gazed upon the marvel that had been drawn up by an elite corps of surveyors despatched to all corners of their empire.
It indicated a curved world (the Greek scientist Eratosthenes proved this in the 3rd century BC) as they knew it though it only had three continents.
Agrippa had scored the decisive naval battle over Anthony and Cleopatra on behalf of Rome's first emperor, Caesar Augustus, and Augustus had a smaller version of the map made of pure gold with the major towns indicated by precious gems.
All very evocative and one of a hundred fascinating tales you'll find in this book. Leave a Comment
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Visiting Italy?
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Italy is always crowded and always touristy .
May - September is peek season. So April and October could be the best time to visit Italy before hot weather , prices are inflated , country swarms with tourist ..
P.S Even though I was there in October 2002 , it was full of traveller , I have heard much more English rather then Italian .
Since there is not much place for a budget option , it could be booked out in peak season such as HI Youth Hostels . You had better make booking in advance . Leave a Comment
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You'll see all the typical scenes that you would associate with the Alps across all those countries. Chalets, cows, skiing, funny costumes. The ruins in the distance are the granite huts my Dad used to stay in when they grazed their animals at high pasture. I'm very happy to say we've rebuilt some of them and the last is in the works.
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There are so many formal gardens and spectacular fountains.
SEE MORE OF VILLA D' ESTE ON TIVOLI on the link below
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The gardens and fountains in Villa d'Este are exceptional. Not only are they large, but like the one in the picture they are filled with topiary in shapes of animals or faces. Leave a Comment
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A surprise awaits you at every turn in the road as you drive through Campina along the Mediterranian. You'll find Sorrento clinging to the cliffs high above the Bay of Naples. It has an exquisite climate, beautiful beaches, boutiques, museums and galleries, and is a favorite of the jet set.
SEE MORE ON MY SORRENTO PAGE!
The road to Sorrento seemed too narrow for the bus. When I looked out the bus window, all I could see was the water about 100 feet below - this was even scarier than a cab ride in Rome. Leave a Comment
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A visit to Rome is an adventure, its busy, bustling, and baffling, but worth every moment you can spend there. A cab ride will keep your hear pounding - but better to ride than drive.
SEE MORE OF ROME ON MY ROME PAGE!
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To actually see the city of Rome that has been featured in so many of my favorite movies and to throw "Three Coins in the Fountain". Leave a Comment
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Climb the mountains of the Dolomite Chain. The Dolomiti Di Brenta is Amazing! It's so nice in the evening when the rock glows pink in the sunset!
Here's a view from our back yard in Italy. What's that above my head?…why it's an Alp.
It's true, when most people think of the Alps, they don't think of Italy. But the Alps sprawl across several countries….among them are Italy, France, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and Switzerland. What you might know as the Matterhorn (as much in Italy as in Switzerland) is called, Il Cervino in Italian. Mont Blanc is, to some of us, Il Monte Bianco.
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Drive up the hills to Giardino de Boboli above Florence and view the scene of the Arno River, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and all the beautiful buildings, it's a famous vista and it's breathtaking.
SEE MORE ON MY FLORENCE PAGE!
The Uffzi museum was exciting for me, it's filled with so many art treasures, the most recognizable being "The Birth Venus" by Botticelli. Leave a Comment
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Incredible cathedrals like the famous duomo in Milan that holds 40,000 people.
Seeing this gothic duomo with its crowned spires that seems to dominate the city.
Also seeing the glassed domed Victor Emmanuel Galleria, the first shopping mall. There are the signs of the zodiac in mosaic on the floor of the Galleria and it's customary to spin on the Taurus the Bull's _ _ _ _ _ .
Read more about this on my Milan page! Leave a Comment
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Lake Como is in the Lombardy Italian Lakes region. It's very beautiful, with the pre-Alps (that's what they call the mountains before you see the Alps) in the background.
SEE MORE OF COMO IN MY TRAVELOG!
Lake Como is such a wonderful surprise - unforgettable. Leave a Comment
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on January 28, 2004
on April 11, 2003
on November 8, 2002
on December 13, 2003
