Rome Colosseum

Being a huge follower of history, i couldn't wait to visit the Colosseum located in the middle of Rome. It was awe inspiring to see this Amphitheatre and even with the general decay of the structure due to pollution, earthquakes and even stone-robbers  well worth the trip for anyone thinking about it. Now once inside the Arena you can see back in the day it could hold around 50,000 spectators who would view gladiatorial contests, executions and even mock sea battles....how you ask?  The Romans would flood the floor through a series of tunnels that ran underground from the outside and also these secret passageways where used to transport the animals, "performers" (lol) and even the Emperor to avoid the crowds. The floor was approx 83 by 48 meters (272 x 157 feet) but since it was made from wood and covered with sand its long gone, but because of this the top is open to view and you can now see how the  hypogeum (meaning underground) worked with its two level subterranean network of tunnels and cages.

To present times....because of the condition of the interior, the Colosseum can not host any large events inside but many large concerts have be staged outside and by using the Amphitheatre as a backdrop you get that feeling your going back in time and watching an event, much like the Romans in 80 AD

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                                              Walking on the historic floor of the Colosseum

Running Diamond Head Volcano

As i sit on Waikiki Beach relaxing, you cant help but notice Diamond Head
volcano (named after British Sailors in the 1800s who thought the calcite crystals in the lava rocks were diamonds) overlooking the island of Oahu and the Pacific Ocean

Now I've been told by the locals that the trail (1.1km) to the rim is manageable for the average person, but when i said  i was going to run it they rolled their eyes...then i added i was tacking on the 4kms from the hotel to the trail just to make things a bit more interesting lol

I leave the next morning early to avoid the heat/tourists and the run to the trail was a non-event, then as you start on the trek to the top your footing consists on everything from volcanic dust, some concrete steps (70+ and 90+) few tunnels and finally a spiral staircase to an old military bunker at the summit with great views of Waikiki and Pearl Harbour. I must admit it was tough and wouldn't recommend to anyone who isn't fit, but the next day back at my favorite watering hole i raised a glass towards one of natures marvels and gave her a toast to presenting me with a another challenge to overcome.