They knew how to build things then.

I survived the 2.30 am alarm call and managed to get to our Rome hotel room by 2pm. Just time for a quick unpack then off to have some lunch and explore. We got a bit lost but managed to do The Colosseum and The Forum. I wasn't bothered about paying to actually go into them but my friends persuaded me. I'm glad they did because they were absolutely wonderful.

The Wedding Cake was all roped off for some official function which was a shame.

I was 'accosted' by a dishy chap in a gladiator costume. I think the plan was for me to pay to have my photo taken with him and although I was never going to do that we did have a bit of fun.

Dinner was in a tiny backstreet bistro where no-one spoke English - perfect. We sat outside and soaked up the Italian atmosphere (and 2 bottles of wine) before dragging our weary bones up the hill to our hotel.

Great first day.