A funny thing happened on the way to the Colosseum

The Colosseum was not open in the morning due to the meeting that the Union officials were holding on behalf of the workers.  So we walked around the outside of the Colosseum and then went to Palatine Hill.  We were just fortunate enough to be in Rome on the two hottest days they have had this entire summer.  43°C -- 109°F -- yeah, I would say that is hot. 

Outside the Colosseum

Outside the Colosseum

Keep in mind that all of Rome is stone, asphalt, brick, hills, traffic, and tall buildings with little or no air circulation except in open places (piazzas and such).  We were in the middle of a heat island.  It was a real pleasure to find that there are water fountains hidden in various places among the ruins.

Just looking around planning the next move since Colosseum is closed.

Saw this on the way to the Palantine Hill entrance.  Gotta take a pic for our Greg!

Entrance to Palantine Hill -- waiting in line to get tickets

White building is a museum that has displays from some of the archeological finds.  There were lots of "sherds" of pottery.  We are getting fairly good at recognizing flawed translations.  Some were amusing.

Is the carving Latin for "Construction Stopped"? 

The "Stadium"

Some pretty flowers and greenery amongst the ruins

We would leave Palantine Hill eventually -- it took forever to find the exit once we came into the lower ruins as all the usual ways out were barricaded.  By this time I was very hot, tired, and ready for lunch.  Being stuck for want of an exit was not helping.

From inside the Colosseum (after lunch and a short rest in the shade)

Still keeping "lions" at the Colosseum?!?  M. Souris is not pleased.  Luckily there are no spectacles planned for today.

So there you have it -- Palantine Hill and the Colosseum of Rome.  By the time we were finished with the Colosseum it was time to find another cold drink.  Next up, the Pantheon.