Roman Aqueducts

Today was the day of the Allergy Crisis 2008. Apparently I have both indoor and outdoor allergies in Rome, and so I am allergic to my apartment and to all the blooming spring flowers. Today my allergies flared up to a point, that what could very well have been a fun day, was full of blood shot eyes, and a runny nose that wouldn't quit. Later, I stopped at a Farmacia and got some Reactine (Italian Clarinex) and all had been well ever since. Allora, toady was when we walked along the path of the ancient Roman aqueducts. Some parts are missing due to the fact that snot tissues and digital cameras are hard to juggle.

Aqueduct di Claudio, or whats left of it.

Walking through the marshes to get a closer look

Claudio!

Here is a greater, undisturbed chunk of it

While walking through some areas of the aqueduct, there are places where the homeless, the druggies, the poor live, and so we had to watch out for drug needles so as not to step on them. Here, Susan points one out so we know to walk around it.

Back in the 50's (I think) the aqueducts became a sort of refuge housing. Some people put in doors, tiles, wall treatments, etc.

One person's idea of a better housing situation for Rome, instead of the aqueducts. This is drawn on the inside of one of the arches.

Brandi posed for me while I took a photo of the creepy construction workers staring at us.

The arches of the 'ducts have been transformed into all sorts of things, here an alter of sorts.

railroad tracks and roads run through some (these arches have been modified)

Your aqueduct arch can be: a garage...

...the door to your home...

...a trash dump...

...a garden...

...a place to sell your garden statues...

...or just a place to hang out.

The end of our walk was to the Porta Maggiore (Major Port/Gateway), where the aqueducts 'become' a part of the Aurelien wall, the gateway into ancient Rome.

After the Reactine and some grocery shopping at Bet Kosher Mini Mart across the street from our apartment, I cooked Matzo Ball soup for dinner. Happy Pesach!