I admit, I'm a stickler for well-planned travel.But often, the unexpected encounters make the best experiences. We were heading towards the Capitoline Museum when we passed by these interesting-looking ruins.
Turns out, they are what remains of the Imperial Forums.
For some reason, I had thought the Imperial Forums to be located on the other side of the Roman Forum, so it was definitely a nice surprise.
Forum of Augustus
Something poetic about poppies growing in between the ruins.
Forum of Trajan
Trajan's Column
There was a great article about Trajan's Column in a recent issue of the National Geographic. The column depicts emperor Trajan's victory over the Dalcians. The series of reliefs forms one continuous strip spiraling upwards, almost like an ancient comic strip. The entire column would have been in colour as well. Think of the engineering and construction prowess needed for such a marvel. The column is hollow and once upon a time, people could climb the spiral staircase within, an innovation at the time, to the podium above.
When people climbed the staircase within the column, how could they read the "comic strip" on the outside?
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree the having a schedule but letting what comes up, come up is probably the best way to approach travel--and life!