Rome in a Day

Today was a full day of sightseeing, miles of walking, enjoying Italian food and atmosphere at sunny sidewalk cafes….WOW!!! Our walk through Rome was very successful due to our efficient guide leader Austin. We checked everything off of our "must see" list. And then some.

The day began with a full breakfast at our hotel - Joel and I may be ordering more machiattos or café con leches when we get home to our local Caribou…we're really enjoying the coffee in Spain and Italy!
As many of you know, this trip was planned in detail…many, many months ago (ha)…it's "cultural week" in Rome, so many museums and events are free! Yay! Our day began at the Colliseum, on to the Royal Forum and Palatine Hill. The good news here was that is is culture week. Free passes for all. It was a big savings. We used the audio tour with some success although a private tour would be nice.

Lunch was at the Tratorria Ristorante, where we had delicious bruschetta and spaghetti. The brushetta was especially good. Something about the tomatoes that made it special. Best I have ever had.

This was soon followed by tasty gelato. It is so fun to walk in Rome, where the narrow streets go every which way, uneven cobblestone, window boxes filled with flowers, local storekeepers sweeping their entryways, and café owners stand outside and invite you to their tables to eat. Crossing the street is an adventure! Every street was sooo narrow that the cars, motorbikes and people must all live and survive in harmony, less a little honking. Mrs. S would often walk down the middle until pull to safety by one of us.

We have learned to do as the Romans do….don't hesitate, just go….the traffic will stop.
The Vatican was amazing! What history. We saw all including the chapel. It was a wonderful experience. While in the Vatican Museum a thunderstorm hit. It was hailing big time. I now know why I was put there. To make it from the Vatican to St Peter's you had to go out side down a ramp and several stairs. One of the folks was going to try to make it quickly during the hail storm in a wheel chair. Austino and I ran to catch him and carried him down the stairs. I feel like the opportunity was a blessing to us both. Mrs. S ran through the hail carrying all the bags.

Speaking of bags don't think that Mrs. S does not shop from time to time at all the stands. I must say she is very frugal. (Joel claims that he was talking about the "bag" that I purchased!?)
Just like when you say a picture doesn't do justice, words cannot describe the artistic talent that we saw all around us….at the Vatican….Sistine Chapel….many churches, fountains, buildings…it's amazing, and we're so glad we were able to see it. Joel and I hesitated many times when considering this trip, thinking about the time away from work and the cost, but the moment we got to Spain..we are so happy with our decision!

Dinner was at the Piazza Navarone, another sidewalk café(the maitre de was out in the street kissing the girls)where we enjoyed the meal as much as people watching…..later to Gigliotti's for their Tyler-recommended gelato….except I thought I was buying Joel a berry type flavor "pompelno rosy" and it was not-so -tasty grapefruit. Dawn's description here is an under statement. I think that no one has ever ordered grapefruit twice. The other flavor was very good.

The Spanish steps were very cool. We sat, climbed and rested at the top. As I write this we are passing mountains and sheep herds. The first class train guy stopped and provided coffee and cookies. The coffee would be one gulp in America. It is still quite fun and you learn to go slow.

We are coming back to Rome! We tossed our coins in the Trevi fountain and this ensures our return, right?