Rome Notes

Written by Harold McNeill on November 20th, 2013. Posted in Travelogue


Peoples Square in Rome

Plaza Del Popolo: The entrance, just two blocks from the Tibre River and four from the Vatican, was
starting point of our visit to Rome.

 Link Here to Part 3 Photos

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”  Well, I don’t know exactly what the Romans do that is terribly different from what we do, but whatever it was is, we certainly had fun. The sky was clear, the temperature around 20 and the crowds very light.

Our tour guide on the one-hour (plus) trip from Cittivencia to downtown Rome, set the tone with his humorous cynicism about Rome, Italian people, the Vatican and the foibles of Italian politicians and any others who came into his sights.

For instance, when passing the Vatican: “Did you know that Vatican Radio is the most powerful radio station in the world?  If you put a finger up your nose and your other hand over your ear, you can hear Vatican Radio.”

“Do you know which country has the highest percentage of Christians?  Answer: The Vatican, as it was given a plot of land by Mussolini in exchange keeping quiet about the war. Following the war it became an independent country with its own police and laws that governed only the Vatican. Rome now receives more ambassadors than any other country in the world – one for Italy, one for Rome and one for the Vatican.”

“You must be careful of pick pockets – they can steal the socks off you feet without touching your shoes.”

“Now all these stories about gladiators being killed in the coliseum – not true.  They were professional sports athletes like professional sports athletes today – they were paid huge salaries.  Do you think the owners of those gladiators would want them killed – did not happen.”

“It is said that Nero ordered the killing of Christians in the Coliseum – not true. Nero died in 68 AD, the coliseum was not completed until 72 AD.”

And so went the stories, jokes and tidbits of information for the entire trip.  For Rome we opted to explore on our own as it was reported this was on the cusp of the season and access to various sites took only minutes not hours as is the case in peak season.

From the Plaza Del Popolo we headed directly south to Roman Ruins and Coliseum where we spend a couple of hours nosing around in very light crowds. As our guide had explained:  “The construction of new cities over the centuries, was build on the ruins of the old, so much so that if you tired to excavate everything underneath, the most recent city would collapse.”  Well, plenty of excavation has taken place and that which has been uncovered is breathtaking.

Guide:  “Did you know the stadium held 55,000 spectators?”, then continued: “and it only took them 20 minutes in and 20 minutes out. We can’t do that today, can we?”

When the Roman Empire collapsed, the city went from 1.5 million to 10,000.  Much of the best of the best granite was taken to the Christian side of the river and today is built into much of the Vatican.  Reconstruction in Rome today is done with stone.

We then continued south to TIbre Tibre river, but of the twenty-six bridges built over the river by the Romans, four are still in use today – three by pedestrians and one by motor vehicles. Of the thirteen aqueducts built to supply water to Rome, four are still in use.

Following lunch at small underground restaurant, we continued down the Tibre, then crisscrossed the city as we visited a number of historic sites: The Palladium, Piazza Di Trevi fountains, Spanish Stairs and several less well know sites along our route.

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  • Harold McNeill

    October 10, 2024 |

    Comments are reduced to 15 words.

  • Mike Fedorowich

    September 1, 2023 |

    I have gone through the above noted text and have found it quite informative.
    I am a former member with several law enforcement agencies from across Canada.
    I worked in the First Nations service under the authority of the RCMP with the over sight of the OPP. My law enforcement service was conducted under the authority of the Nishnawbe – Aski Police Service in North West Ontario the Louis Bull Police Sevice in Hobbema AB, the Kitasoo Xaixais Police Service in Northern in side passage on Swindle Island, the Lac Suel Police Service North West Ontario and the Vancouver Transit Authority Sky Train Police Service. I’m presently dealing with an RCMP member for falsifying a report against me for a road rage event. Court case is finished and the charge was dropped but I have an on going complaint with the member and have forwarded to the WATCH DOGS IN OTTAWA FOR the RCMP review and consideration. I believe the said officer is in violation of his oath of office and should be held accountable for falsifying his RTCC all the while dragging me through the court system here in Nanaimo. RCMP continue to stonewall the appeal but Ottawa and the crowns office are still looking into the matter. if your able and find the time or the interest in this very brief introduction, I would very much like to speak with you and would be grateful to hear any wisdom that may come across from your end. I served with First Nations Police Services for ten years in isolation and six years with Transit Police out of New West Minster. I do value and appreciate any time you could spare to chat for a bit on this particular subject matter. Respectfully with out anger but an open mind, Mike Fedorowich Nanaimo BC 250 667 0060

  • Harold McNeill

    February 28, 2022 |

    Hi Robert, I do remember some of those folks from my early years in Cold Lake (Hazel was my aunt and our family spent many fond times with Uncle Melvin, Aunt Hazel and Family. I knew Lawrence and Adrian. Having read a half dozen accounts it is clear their were many false narratives and, perhaps, a few truths along the way. I tried my best to provide an even account from what I read. Cheers, Harold. (email: Harold@mcneillifestories.com)

  • Robert Martineau

    February 25, 2022 |

    Its been a long time since any post here, but its worth a shot. My Grandfather was Hazel Wheelers brother Lawrence, and son to Maggie and Adrien. Maggie Martineau (nee Delaney) is my great grandmother. The books and articles to date are based on the white mans viewpoint and the real story as passed down by the Elders in my family is much more nefarious. Some of the white men were providing food for the Indians in exchange for sexual favors performed by the Squaws. Maggie was the product of one of those encounters. Although I am extremely proud of my family and family name, I am ashamed about this part of it.

  • Julue

    January 28, 2022 |

    Good morning Harold!
    Gosh darn it, you are such a good writer. I hope you have been writing a book about your life. It could be turned into a movie.
    Thanks for this edition to your blog.
    I pray that Canadians will keep their cool this weekend and next week in Ottawa. How do you see our PM handling it? He has to do something and quick!
    Xo Julie

  • Herb Craig

    December 14, 2021 |

    As always awesome job Harold. It seems whatever you do in life the end result is always the same professional, accurate, inclusive and entertaining. You have always been a class act and a great fellow policeman to work with. We had some awesome times together my friend. I will always hold you close as a true friend. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you this summer.
    Warm regards
    Herb Craig

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Hi Dorthy, So glad you found those stories and, yes, they hold many fond memories. Thanks to social media and the blog, I’ve been able to get in touch with many friends from back in the day. Cheers, Harold

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Well, well. Pleased to see your name pop up. I’m in regular contact via FB with many ‘kids’ from back in our HS days (Guy, Dawna, Shirley and others). Also, a lot of Cold Lake friends through FB. Cheers, Harold

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Oh, that is many years back and glad you found the story. I don’t have any recall of others in my class other than the Murphy sisters on whose farm my Dad and Mom worked.

  • Harold McNeill

    November 26, 2021 |

    Pleased to hear from you Howie and trust all is going well. As with you, I have a couple of sad stories of times in my police career when I crossed paths with Ross Barrington Elworthy. Just haven’t had the time to write those stories.