The grandiose centre of the Roman Empire stems from the Roman Forum.
Located in central Roma, this is a must see place when in Roma.
I didn’t have time to fully explore the space (it was closing as I arrived) but I got a fantastic insight to the sophistication of the Roman Civilisation from the hill surrounding the Forum, known as Palatine Hill.
The monuments still standing are incredible!
Built nearly 2000 years ago in Caesar’s rein the buildings give a great insight to the confidence this empire had.
Not only confidence but the pioneers of architecture.
The columns, the arches, and layout still being used by many engineers today.
I am stunned at the incredible details and stories scribed on the great arches.
On Palatine Hill is a great art gallery and many water falls and sculptures.
There is something very special here… make sure you put it on your map. Even if to have a red vino on Palatine Hill watching the sun set over Roma. You can do night tours here which I imagine would be spectacular. Check out more here.
I am wooed into the this restaurant perched on the corner of Piazza Campo De Fiori by Zac.
Located on the edge of Campo de Fiori there is plenty to watch and day dream at.
There are a steady stream of restaurant guests, coming, refuelling and marching back into the hustle and bustle of central Roma.
There is a really great vibe around these markets. They are more a tourist market but serving a lot of fresh food produce, flowers and wines.
The piazza is very typical of Roman courtyards. The action is in the middle, with a circumference of shops, typically cucinas and restaurants.
The cobble stoned pavement gives an uneven edge that reminds you with each step of the hundreds of years of people walking the same steps as you. I love it. Tactile and real.
I chose to sit for awhile, film the chefs out the back and paint.
The guys in the kitchen are awesome and treat me to the insider passions of an Italian restaurant.
Even better they make me a dish that isn’t on the menu.
It is a seafood extravaganza, including a whole fish which is served to my table sealed in foil. The pasta, being central Roma, is amazing and melts in my mouth.
I have a wonderful couple of hours at this restaurant. The location is good, the pricing similar to anywhere else in central room and the seafood delicious.
I stumbled across it the first night I was in town and Maurizio, the owner, is a gregarious and friendly soul. Greeting everyone, making them feel welcome, pouring their wines, he is the perfect host and his bar becomes like a home.
The pizzaria and bar is close to everything but very close to the Pantheon. You can sit back away from the hustle and bustle and watch life go by.
The staff are all wonderful and enjoy working for the boss.
Attentative and friendly there is a reason why many Roman’s have made this their drinking hole.
You can wander in and grab a pizza and vino, or eat a main meal.
The vines are amazing, especially the red, which is made by Maurizio’s friend. I found it wonderfully fruity and light, not bitter nor heavy. It was a little to easy to drink, but that’s ok, because you are with friends.
In fact, I started hearing the “Friends”theme when I would walk to the cucina. Fun, times, good people and great wine!
Thanks guys, I look forward to seeing you all again when I come back to Roma.
The bus gives you a good lay out of the land, and takes you to key points.
The audio (in many different languages explains the history of the Monagese, the Monach, the grand prix and takes you to heaps of fun venues.
I have been to Monte Carlo a few times but this is the first time to the Musee l’ Oceanigraphy. You know thinking I had seen all the aquariums in the world!
This was amazing.
Patting sharks
Patting sharks.
Incredible coral reef fish.
A turtle called Rani.
The jelly fish display is wonderful.
You can visit the Musee and Palace by foot by simply walking up the hill, or stopping off on the on and off bus.
I love the walk up to the palace, it weaves along the dramatic coast line and brings you closer to the wonderful area that it really is.
Today I am keen to do one thing – give Prince Albert one of my paintings, but visiting the musee and palace become a wonderful distraction and experience.
The Palace (home of the Grimaldis) is a world famous landmark. For over 500 years the family have lived in the castle which is also a palace. You can take a tour through the palace and see where Louis the King lived and how they experienced life. I was quite overwhelmed with the grandeuse of the palace, the gifts other countries had given to the family over the years and the fact it is still functional today.
Still used for entertaining and formal ocassions you walk along the marble tiles where many world dignaturies have walked, brushing along the curtains as they do. It brings home to me that we are all one species, one people.
I am informed to contact the soldiers, to pass my modest gift to Prince Albert. They take me to his body guards who sign me in and then graciously take me gift. The assure me that Princes Charlene and Prince Albert will receive my paintings and note.A note that read simply as a piece of gratitude. Monaco is one of the safest places in the world, with CCTV on every corner, the whole town is under surveillance. As a women, I appreciate the safety it offers.
After visiting the palace I wander to the Oceanicgeographic not really expecting much to be honest. I few weeks ago I had been to Seaworld on the Gold Coast, which is somewhere I have been going to for years with the kids. Seaworld has a wonderful aquarium and interactive pools with animals that I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be impressed. Well, I didn’t have any expectations.I was blown away!
Turn out the musee is very interactive – you can pat sharks, get close to large tanks and the jelly fish display is surreal.
I discovered many fish I had never seen before, was excited by the jelly fish display and got to talk with Rani the turtle (yes I talk with turtles)!.
It is a wonderful aquarium and museum and I think any visit to Monaco, especially if you have 2 days should include a visit.
And to my painting for Prince Albert – I am waiting an email from him, saying he has received it. I would dearly love to draw the royal family, or draw one of their favorite scenes and have it hung in Monte Carlo. Or maybe i will be their naturopath if not artist.
Fancy SIX fantastic Nights in Italy Exploring Amazing Food, Culture and History?
Last minute I have decided to share my trip exploring Italy starting in 3 weeks.
DATES: starts Wednesday 6th October and finishes Monday 10th October
It includes 6 nights accommodation, 3 lunches, 3 meals and all tour costs.
NB: Alcohol, shopping, tips, flights, insurance and others (see under booking page) are at your expense.
Italy is a country full of passionate people. Being part Italian I resonate well with the culture and people and am very proud of the food, the arts and history and would love to share it with you.
It is the BEST place to fall in love with food, to create a positive relationship with life and happiness and learn why I DO NOT believe in dieting. I want to show you the real currency of food.
On this 6 night trip of a life time these are the highlights:
1.Visiting the The Vatican and seeing the famous Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling.
2. Touring the Colosseum and hearing about the gladiator fights of yesteryear.
3. Visiting the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain and Pantheon.
4. Night tour of Rome, sampling local delights and wines
5. Full day visit to Umbria, exploring the hill top village of , a cooking class and wine tour
6. Full day trip to Ponza Island with a day cruise, blue grottos and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea
7. Visit the ancient underground Catacombs
8. Discover Egypt in Rome in a 2000 year old pyramid that is only open twice a month
9. Walk on the old Appian Way.
10. Experience the Three Tenors, inside the walls of St Paul’s an opera experience you will never forget
We will experience Italy through half and full day tours with some time on your own to explore the many piazzas at your own pace, or to sit with a cappuccino and watch the incredible fashion walk past.
I love Italy and particularly Rome.
It is an ancient history and has so many wonders to explore as well as being one of the fashion capitols of the world.
This is the program so far (subject to change but will involve these elements).
Wednesday 5th October
We arrive and check into our comfortable hotel. This will be base which is central and close to all the sights.
We kick start the retreat at 4pm for a welcome drink, then head off for our light night tour through Rome.
Exploring side streets and piazzas we discover incredible restaurants, bars and sample local foods. The Trevi fountain and Spanish Steps are beautiful at night, as is the Pantheon all lit up. You will realise by bedtime that you are in one of the most amazing cities in the world.
Thursday 6th October
Today is a serious day of Rome immersion.
Every time I go, it spins me out how many landmarks and wold events took place in Rome. From the Colosseum and gladiator fights in Julius Caesar’s Rein, to the Roman Catholic Church influence and home base in The Vatican.
Rome will inspire you through history – it is simply overwhelming at times.
The art works in the Vatican make it one of the richest museums in the wold and the tour around the Colosseum take you back 2000 years to a land that really did exist. Being amongst the well preserved ruins you can nearly hear the cheer of the crowds.
In the afternoon there is a some time off to do a spot of shopping before we meet for our “Food Tour” of Rome.
We will be guided by a local to all the secret eating places, sample many local foods and wash them down with delicious wines.
Friday 7th October
We head off nice and early to visit the incredible country side region of Umbria.
We have a full day visiting a working farm which produces wines, olives and foods. We visit a few towns, including the sensational hill top village of Santo Umbria and visiting. On this day we get too cook some of the produce we gather from the farm, sample local wines and see a more relaxed side of Italy.
Tonight is free for you to discover your own trattoria or revisit one from the night before.
Saturday 8th October
Twice a month, the 2000 year old pyramid (that not many people know about) is open to the public. This will be a first for me so I am extremely excited.
In fact today is all a little bit, “off the normal tourist” map with some activities that I hope you love.
After the pyramid, we will walk on the famous Appian Way. Built in 312 BC it was a strategic road for the Roman Army.
Time permitting we will visit the catacombs, which gives a stunning insight into ancient Roman life. The Romans were actually quite short and seeing these well preserved catacombs is fascinating. If you have ever read the Holy Grail by Dan Brown, or other books about Rome, the Catacombs are a must.
Tonight we are treated to a Opera inside the walls of St Peters.
Recapturing the magic of Pavarotti and the three tenors, tonights voices will be accompanied with a string quartet.
Sunday 8th October
Today we have a sleep in…. you can experience a mass first hand if you like as our morning starts a little later.
Today we explore the lesser known ruins of Ostia down near Lido Beach.
The well preserved town gives a true insight to the Roman Empire and is easier to access than Pompeii.
The afternoon will be relaxed back in Rome to visit museums, art galleries, or to simply sit in a piazza and watch life go by. Dinner is at your leisure.
Monday 9th October
Today is a full day starting with a short drive, then ferry to local island Ponza. Less busy than the other Amalfi islands but just as pretty (if not more) we have the whole day to explore the island, swim through grottos, cruise on a boat and drink wine and eat local pasta.This is what the mediterranean is all about and for a day we will lap it all up. Optional snorkeling on this day (which I will definitely be doing).
Our tour and retreat ends back in Rome tonight. We can head out for a final drink or you can relax after a wonderful day on the Med.
This trip is perfect for people who want to find passion again! You will get to hang out with me for six days and over that time we will break through any fears, issues that may be holding you back in life.
Come on a trip of a life time with me and yes, while last minute this promises to be an amazing trip.
