Today we started off to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This is the quintessential Rome site. Old, historic, history, the center of the original Rome. It was a quick metro hop away and up the stairs we smacked right into the massive structure. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, a little breeze, beautiful and breathtaking. We had downloaded a podcast tour by Travel Guide Rick Steves to take us through the 3 sites on the docket.
The Colosseum was for all of the people of Rome to view spectacles of grandeur. The almost football sized field where all the games went down and the 4 tiers of seating where the free events could be viewed. The sun made for some really great photos and the architecture was a marvel. Rather awe-inspiring to see it in person, hope the pictures do it justice. We then walked part of Palatine hill where the original Romans first lived and then onto the Forum. This is where the likes of Julius Caesar, the Vestal Virgins, and senators lived. It butted up against Capital Hill. More ruins now, but very cool to hear the history and to see what kind of life these folks led.
We metroed home for a quick change, then it was off to our 1 pm tour of the Vatican. One of the smallest countries in the world, this walled ‘city’ was just a few blocks from our hotel, and with a gelati for the road, we were ready to go. We met up with our tour guide, a tall blonde Italian who knew her stuff. On this three hour tour (like Gilligan) we were headed to see the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and so much more.
The museums were full to the brim and beautiful. So many sculptures and tapestries and paintings. We saw the old popes living quarters which were painted by Raphael. It was all so beautiful and you can take all the photos you want! Then we headed into the Sistine chapel, where picture taking is a no-no, but as you can see, I did something illegal! Hahahaha! (evil laugh). The chapel had so much to see and so many people in it. But it was pretty amazing to sit in the glory of it all. We then headed through the Private Papal stairway into the Basilica of St. Peter. Grandiose and stunning! So much to see, St. Peter’s remains could be ‘viewed’ from so far away you couldn’t even really see them. The large alter was striking and cast out of Bronze, even though there was a lifelike movement to it. It was so beautiful, I can only hope that you someday can visit it, no matter your religious beliefs.
After sending some postcards from the Vatican, they will not send them from Italy, we headed to lunch. Nothing special, street pizza that was way overpriced. Then we headed home. Bound and determined to get a night walk in I refused my mom a nap and we watched mind-numbing TV for an hour. Then it was off to do Rick Steves rome night walk. We started at Campo Di Fiori where we had a lovely meal outside. Then onto the Four Rivers Fountain which you should read about. The designer, made 4 rivers in ‘man’ form and each has a very funny meaning and story. It was gorgeous all lit up. We stepped into the Church of St. Agness, where they were holding a late mass. Then onto the Pantheon eating our gelati. We then headed to the Trevi fountain where we each through a coin in to bring us luck to come back to Rome the next year. Then back around to the Spanish steps. It was a lovely walk.
Then came the first travel issue, the Spanish Steps metro was not running for some reason. We took the bus, in the wrong direction, then we got dropped off in some remote part far from the city, then we got back on a bus which took us to Termini train station then we took a cab who went the wrong way on most of the streets to get us back to our hotel. Ooppps. All in all, my mom was a trooper. Marcee, this is some shit that would happen to you and me, hilarious now, but then, way annoying.
Good night all!!!
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