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| These two cherubs kept things quiet in our room. |
Rome has been an adventure for the Two Hat Tour beginning with our arrival at our hotel. Mustafa must have read the look of shock on our faces as we disembarked the elevator, circa 1930. He immediately reminded us our room was not refundable and we’d already paid for our three night stay. We have endured it, and have been friendly with the charming man, but when I re-read the website, I laughed at the description. Lots of slick marketing, to be sure. I have no idea how he got three stars. The upside – a top notch popular Italian restaurant across the street with great wine! All part of the adventure.
Highlights of Rome included a tour of the Vatican
Museum, including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s
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| St. Peter’s Square |
Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. As we entered the Basilica, Mass was ending and the most wondrous sounds of singing filled the entire space. Our guide also answered my question from Florence about discovering Nuns and Priests in paintings at the time of Jesus’ life. Almost all paintings done during this Renaissance period were done for the Catholic Church somewhere along the line, so a priest or nun was included as a sign of nobility and respect. Such were the times when church and government were one. Last note about this stop – it is hard to imagine that it was the same man who sculpted David and also painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Amazing.
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| Makes my white ceilings feel a bit plain. |
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| The Vatican |
We also loved our visit to the Borghese Gallery and grounds – a massive park, and since the day we visited was a national holiday, there were many families picnicking and letting their dogs loose in the dog park. Again, tremendous art, but I also loved being outside surrounded by green space. I will say, after looking at all of this Renaissance art (paintings and sculptures), my juvenile side began to take over, all in good fun however. But man, I have seen enough – two museums in Florence and two in Rome.
Next stop – the Coliseum. Let me tell you, this is a magnificent sight, and well worth every step, every euro and every minute. I need to do more reading, but this is where men (and women) were put to death – at the hands of other gladiators, or wild animals like the lions we are most familiar with. Just a fascinating maze like area, and when you got trapped, death was inevitable.
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| When in Rome… |
Finally, we finished this leg of the trip with a stop at the laundromat. Not on anyone’s list of exciting things to do in Rome, but a necessity when the next day brings a cruise. Yes, tomorrow, we leave on our Meditarranean Cruise and we will have internet service only off the ship, so who knows when you’ll hear from me next. It’s been a quiet day and we needed this after having been on the go since we landed Tuesday. Tomorrow we sail, and I can’t wait. We just have to take one more taxi ride to the train station and you bet, we’ll confirm the price first!
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| This kind woman introduced us to Limencello. |
When we were in Rome our tour guide marched our group into busy streets commanding us to "Walk closely together and FAST, they won't hit us as a group!" Scary? Yes! But I was amazed at all the city we covered, given the traffic and a walking tour. Can't wait to hear more about the cruise!!!!! Sue M.
I learned while traveling in Rome that an Italian man will give you directions with great confidence even if he hadn't a clue where the place us you are inquiring about. LOL!
What a fabulous time you're having! I'm loving having a vicarious vacation. Can't wait for the cruise.
Forgot to tell you to definitely try the bracciola where you are. Thin thin slices of cured beef laid o. Arugula with thin thin slices of Parmesan cheese slightly coated with olive oil. Fabulous on the appetizer menu
I always stayed in the middle of the pack crossing the street! Crazy traffic.
Well, I didn't have that, but could eat proscuitto, mozz. cheese and tomatoes every morning for breakfast!
Oh Carol, why didn't we know this ahead of time? So true. Our hotel guy was the worst.
It was another good trip. So glad to be home and have access to technology again though.
What an adventure! Sounds like you got lots of steps in to counterbalance the pastasciutta!
Pat, I'm still catching up from out of sync internet connections, and just saw this. I am so afraid we did not get enough steps in – the pasta and pizza was just sooooo good. Thanks for the comment.
Pat, I'm still catching up from out of sync internet connections, and just saw this. I am so afraid we did not get enough steps in – the pasta and pizza was just sooooo good. Thanks for the comment.