When in Rome…

Posted on September 22, 2011 by lesleycarter

The Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest building of the era, and, in my eyes, it is the most impressive piece of Italian history.
Rome is my favorite city in the world and the Colosseum is the heart of the city.

46 thoughts on “When in Rome…”

klrs09 on August 27, 2011 at 3:57 pm said:

Stunning photos. It’s a dream of mine to visit Europe someday.

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- lesleycarter on August 27, 2011 at 7:16 pm said:
  
  What makes Europe so amazing is that you can visit so many countries in one trip. Everything is close together yet each country is a world apart.
  
  I hope that you make it there someday.
  
  Thanks for your comments; they are appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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- lesleycarter on August 30, 2011 at 8:09 pm said:
  
  Where are you from?
  
  Lesley
  
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danielfee on August 30, 2011 at 2:59 am said:

Lesley
A few years back we did a 3 week Italy and Sicily trip that started and end in Rome. It is probably my favorite city. We had 3 extra days in Rome after our tour ended. One of the days we were walking past the Colosseum and noticed they were setting up a stage right in front (your first photo is where the stage was located). It was for their annual summer concert, so on our last night in Rome we saw Billy Joel and Brian Adams in concert. It was so nice of the Itilians to do that for us. It was a great way to end the trip. The next morning Billy Joel’s band showed up at the airport and flew back to NY with us. But they bumped us from first class. 😉
Dan

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- lesleycarter on August 30, 2011 at 7:58 pm said:
  
  I think I would take the first class bump for the experience.
  
  I’ve never seen Brian Adams in concert, but I have to admit, I’m still a huge fan. Whenever I hear him on the radio, it brings me back to my teenage years.
  
  You’ve covered a lot of territory. Do you have a favorite country?
  
  Lesley
  
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  - danielfee on August 31, 2011 at 12:09 am said:
    
    New Zealand is my favorite. My wife’s is Italy. When we retire we plan on living 6 months per year in New Zealand and the other 6 in the states. We are thinking we will move to the west coast. We like Bend, OR. But we have a few years before retirement, unless we it the lottery 🙂
    
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    - lesleycarter on August 31, 2011 at 2:59 am said:
      
      I’ve yet to do New Zealand, but I’ve only heard good things. We thought about where we would live if we could be anywhere in the world and we chose California. This is our “lottery” location; we were just lucky enough that my husband could get a job here and make it a reality.
      
      Good luck with your plans; I bet they happen sooner than you think 🙂
      
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danielfee on September 1, 2011 at 1:43 am said:

Lesley
When you do go to New Zealand make sure to include the South Island. As much as you like the outdoor adventures you should probably plan a week in the Queenstown area and probably still won’t be enough time.
Dan

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- lesleycarter on September 1, 2011 at 1:50 am said:
  
  Have you ever been to Nova Scotia, Dan?
  
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  - danielfee on September 2, 2011 at 2:06 am said:
    
    Lesley,
    No, only to western Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Banff, Jasper). I have friends that went hiking in Nova Scotia and said it was fantastic. I haven’t even been to the northeast U.S. yet. We have done more international traveling. We figured when we got older we would do a lot more in the states. Although we have been doing some of the National Parks.
    
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lesleycarter on September 2, 2011 at 2:22 am said:

If you find yourself in Nova Scotia, let me know. My parents own a hotel and my grandparents own a Bed & Breakfast on Cape Breton Island. I’m sure I could give you a little guidance.

Lesley

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joylaurene on September 23, 2011 at 12:50 am said:

Just started reading your blog, and I love love loved this post. I studied in Rome for 2 months 3 years ago and fell in love w the whole country! We stayed about a 20 min walk from the Colloseum, it was so surreal! Your pics are great! Also just read your skydive San Diego post, I did that 2 years ago, and hoping for part 2 next month!

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- lesleycarter on September 23, 2011 at 12:53 am said:
  
  Do you live in California? Which company are you going bungee jumping with?
  
  Thanks for reading; please keep the comments coming.
  
  Lesley
  
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joylaurene on September 23, 2011 at 4:11 am said:

Yes, I live I’m San Diego….for bungee jumping, not sure yet..still researching some places!

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- lesleycarter on September 23, 2011 at 4:48 am said:
  
  The Bridge to Nowhere is noted as the best company in North America. They train other companies from around the world. I’d highly recommend them. (Bungee America)
  
  Good luck with your search. Let me know how it goes 🙂
  
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Adriana talks to you on September 23, 2011 at 8:29 am said:

Rome is so beautiful. But for me, personally, I enjoyed other places even more than Colosseum area. There is much more to discover!! 🙂

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- lesleycarter on September 23, 2011 at 2:56 pm said:
  
  Rome is filled with new discoveries, beauty, history, and culture. I could explore the city for a year and still not be bored with it.
  
  I await my next journey.
  
  What was your favorite part?
  
  Thanks for reading and commenting,
  
  Lesley
  
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sartenada on September 23, 2011 at 1:04 pm said:

Awesome photos, all of them. I have to say that in this case photos in B&W are just the right selection! The last photo is my absolute favorite. I have one same kind in my About me page, but it is not so impressive than Yours.

Thank You presenting these.

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- lesleycarter on September 23, 2011 at 2:46 pm said:
  
  Thank you for your lovely comment.
  
  I’m not much of a photographer, but I’ve had the opportunity to see some amazing things. It looks like you have an eye for photography so I take your comment as a great complement.
  
  Keep the comments coming; they are appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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cocomino on September 24, 2011 at 10:48 am said:

Great black and white shot.I would like to visit there someday.:smile:

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- lesleycarter on September 24, 2011 at 4:35 pm said:
  
  It truly is the most amazing city with more culture, history, and beauty than imaginable.
  
  I hope you get to experience it.
  
  Thanks for taking the time to comment; I appreciate it.
  
  Lesley
  
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John Kleb on September 24, 2011 at 11:28 am said:

That first shot is gorgeous.

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- lesleycarter on September 24, 2011 at 4:34 pm said:
  
  Thank you! That one is my favorite too.
  
  Have you ever been to Rome? It is an amazing city with history and culture for ages.
  
  Thanks for commenting; it is appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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2guysphoto on September 27, 2011 at 4:22 pm said:

Terrific photos Lesley – your B&W treatment renders them antique and ageless at the same time. Ed

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- lesleycarter on September 27, 2011 at 4:31 pm said:
  
  The beauty in Rome would allow a child to take perfect photos, but thank you for the appreciation of what I tried to accomplish with them.
  
  Have you been to Italy? It is in my top five countries in the world. What a beautiful country!
  
  Thanks for commenting; it is appreciated,
  
  Lesley
  
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Chris Carrera on October 6, 2011 at 8:16 pm said:

Rome really is a wondrous city, and you’ve captured the Amphitheatre fantastically. I really like the black and white conversion you’ve done, it really brings out the textures.

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- lesleycarter on October 6, 2011 at 8:23 pm said:
  
  Your photography is beautiful so I appreciated the complement.
  
  Thank you!
  
  Lesley
  
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mist6114 on October 7, 2011 at 5:05 am said:

Beautiful photos of the colosseum – I was amazed at the “vibe” of the inside when I entered. It took a few minutes to sink in, and it had some sort of strange energy. Amazing and beautiful it stands 🙂

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- lesleycarter on October 7, 2011 at 5:12 am said:
  
  I love everything about the Colosseum, Rome, and Italy! I long to return.
  
  Your Bea and the Tree photo is stunning.
  
  Thanks for taking the time to comment; it is appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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lapetiteninine on October 8, 2011 at 10:56 am said:

I love your pictures, the black & white suits really well the monument!!!

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soul1st on October 13, 2011 at 4:20 pm said:

Great post from Rome Lesley! Your blog inspires me to keep on working on mine…thanks for your “like” on the soul1st blog…it means a lot to me!!

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thepiratehorizon on November 8, 2011 at 10:31 pm said:

ciao lesley – thanx for coming by my wordpress place and reading – being part of your (internet) journey map places me in good company, more or less half the world and in a freestyle too, as far as i can see. next time i hope you fall onto my place skydiving, it would be fun 😉
ciao

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Tom on November 16, 2011 at 10:57 pm said:

Great to see a good blog from a fellow traveller. I enjoyed the Amsterdam page particularly!

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- lesleycarter on November 16, 2011 at 10:59 pm said:
  
  Thanks Tom!
  
  Do you have a next trip planned?
  
  Lesley
  
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littlesquares on November 26, 2011 at 9:20 pm said:

Great pictures!

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dianecam on January 3, 2012 at 4:12 pm said:

Just taking a look through your blog! I must say that you are very impressive!!! Although I wouldn’t try most of the extreme adventures you crave I really do admire them! Your pictures are amazing and I love your post on Rome. It is also one of my favorite cities and I can’t wait to bring my kids to see it through their eyes.

Thanks for reading and liking my post!

All the Best,

Diane

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__liga on January 17, 2012 at 3:11 pm said:

wow, you have been all around our continent! Well, if you get back to Italy, meaning Florence, type m,e a note and I will take you to some rock climbing adventure! Of course after a very serious historical sightseenig! ahah Have a great day!

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sapeni on January 19, 2012 at 7:04 pm said:

Wow, you have created an exciting life for yourself. You have been to places of my dreams…like Italy. I would love to go to Italy some day soon, especially Rome and Naples. I had the chance to visit Japan…will you be visiting Asia? Well thank you for reading and liking my blog articles. I really appreciate.

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- lesleycarter on January 19, 2012 at 7:08 pm said:
  
  I’m certain I will visit Asia when my daughter is old enough to remember it. I can’t wait to experience new countries, cultures, and adventures with her, and my husband, at my side.
  
  Thanks for reading and keep the comments coming; they are appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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Andrea on January 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm said:

I’m going to Rome in March and I cannot wait, it is one of my dream destinations. I love your photos, they give back the drama of the place so well!

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robertleather on February 22, 2012 at 8:47 pm said:

Not sure how interesting you’ll find this, but I thought I should mention that the Colleseum is mainly constructed from concrete and was dressed with brick.

The Romans preferred to use volcanic sand in there cement as it set hard quickly and even under water!

By comparison, the Parthenon was poured by the Greeks using normal sand, yes the base is also concrete. Following the major earthquake in the 80’s, they did tiny test drills into the structure to test for damage and found it had still not set! Despite it being 2400 years old.

We think of concrete as being a modern building material, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Pantheon in Rome, built as 126, is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete domes.

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- robertleather on February 22, 2012 at 8:54 pm said:
  
  Typo should read AD126
  
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bellaverita on February 24, 2012 at 6:40 am said:

What great photos! My husband and I visited Roma, a few years ago. I would love to return – so rich in beauty & history. So much to explore. Thanks for the ‘like’ on my post and thanks for bringing me back to some wonderful memories!

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Kathleen Clark on November 26, 2012 at 4:14 pm said:

Nice photos! I’m headed to Rome in about two weeks after my stay in Malta. So I’m reading your blog and taking notes.

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nandiaf on January 21, 2013 at 11:55 pm said:

Incredible black and white photographs! They give so much texture to the ruins.

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lizbert1 on January 13, 2014 at 5:55 am said:

Beautiful photos. Very atmospheric. Off to Rome to show some chums round next month. They were wondering whether we “need” to go inside the Colosseum or whether its enough to see it from the outside!! I’m going to send them your link to help explain why we HAVE to go inside! Rome is also one of my top 3 cities in the world so thanks for the reminder of its beauty! Liz

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