A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum...

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Well, Chris and I have made it to Rome. Due to our lack of forward thinking while we were enjoying ourselves at the wedding, we ended up in Rome around 2:30pm with no bed to sleep in. The first place we encountered were full, so they called another place for us. Being that we were not in a position to be choosy, we took the two beds they offered at Hotel Positano. Well, needless to say, there was one bathroom with sink, toilet and shower with a cockeyed shower curtain and rod nearly falling off the wall. Our door didn't seem to lock quite right (which we of course brought up with our hotel manager who said he'd get on it). Anyway, we fled our hotel in search of our friend Lauren. We then proceeded to wander around Rome for nearly 8 hours.

The trek began with the Borghese gardens/park where we encountered about a half dozen men both relatively young and very old playing Bocce ball. It looked as though the sandy playing service was well tread ... perhaps they had played there continually for decades. Afterwards, we wandered through the city and came upon the Trevi Fountain. I'm still surprised even the second time I've seen it that this fountain can be found against the side of a building. Then, our minds inevitably turned to gelato. I think I've averaged nearly 2 a day since I got here. We had the best gelato ever! Pistacchio, chocolate and crema on a cone dipped in white chocolate. MMMMMM!

As we walked along eating our gelato, we came to Piazza Venezia. What a horribly scary place to drive a car! I can't imagine, but somehow everyone makes it to where they need to go. Although, I swear we saw at least 3-4 potential accident situations occur in about 15 minutes. Since the Pantheon wasn't too far of a walk, we wandered to the piazza where it stood. Unfortunately, it was already closed. So, we decided to walk to the Forum and the Colloseum. The sun had started setting by then, so the city was awash in soft oranges and reds. A glorius time to see the city! As we came to the top of the piazza di campoglio, chairs and lights were set up. It was then we read the pamphlet someone had handed us. Beethoven's 9th Symphony to be performed at 9:30. So, we sat in the piazza, ate fruit and listened to the 9th. Amazing!

Today, we're off to the Vatican for our own Angels and Demons tour. Ciao!

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Photos

A Roman Holiday
Chris and I are striking a pose on the Spanish steps.

Gladiators, HO!
Here's my shot of the Colloseum at dusk. I think I could almost here Russell Crowe grunting.

Comments

[Savage]

Pictures
Beautiful pictures, especially the one taken at dusk. Very well captured!

[Manx]

Colesseum
Loved your picture of the Colesseum. Very evocative. Makes me recall my first view of it so thanks!