The view the other way at the exit from the gift shop in the Vatican.  Entertaining to see all the little faces, cameras and GoPro's sticking out over the edge.  I think I prefer the view downwards but this is still very nice and decorative.

Upon exiting the Vatican, you come across this spiral staircase.  Although I had heard something about it beforehand, its beauty does surprise you nonetheless.  The view up the other way is lovely as well, but that's for another day.

One of the things that struck me about Rome was the abundance of scooters ridden by all ages across the city.  I was also made very aware of the risks because we bused past a scooter splayed across the road after an impact.  Our experience of Italian driving was certainly cavalier, to say the least, but it is a memory that will stick with me for the trip.  So much so, I tried to capture scooters as part of a mini photo project whilst my wife had a siesta in the late afternoon.  Good panning practise and I think I grabbed a few nice captures.  I particularly like this one because of the look the girl gives as she gazes off camera.

The Pantheon in Rome is a sight to behold.  The sheer intricacy of the interior and the huge scale cannot be captured in 2d, you've got to be there to appreciate it.  The question I often hear is, "Does the floor get wet when it rains?".  Not too often, as rainfall in Rome is noticeable by its absence, certainly at this time of year.  Apparently, during Roman times, the floor would often stay dry, in spite of having a bloody great hole in the roof.  This was because the sheer heat from its use and the resulting convective effect of heat rising would evaporate the rain before it hits the ground.  There you go, you've always wanted to know that, haven't you!

A view from the top of the Palatine Hill overlooking the Roman forum.  We were blessed with an overcast day, which meant the trek to the top was manageable.  Spectacular views from the top.  After all, Rome has seven hills - shame we didn't manage the other six(or at I don't think we did!)

Classic red vespa shot with accompanying Italian helmut and girlfriend on the back.  Stroke of luck to have managed to capture this iconic image of moped travel around the city.
​