We were dropped at the Spanish Steps, purchased some wine and watched life pass us by for a few minutes. Next, onto Trevi Fountain at night to make our wish of a return to Rome (definitely not in the summer) We tossed in a Euro, an American dollar, and an Italian Lira. I think we are good. We will return one day.
We realized we had not eaten. We went off in search of food, thinking we would come upon the bustling nightlife of Piazza Navona, yet we happened upon the Pantheon and at night, you can stand in awe of of the magnificent structure for eternity.
I can tell you that picking a place because of the view isn't necessarily the right choice. So, we had one bad meal... And it wasn't even bad.. Just not spectacular... But sitting steps away from the Pantheon. What a life!
Saturday morning... The immigrant was at it again. Ernie remembered the forgotten silverware. Great breakfast... Ready to conquer the world, or at least, the Gladiators... On to the Colosseum!!
We were NOT prepared, nor were we entertained... It was HOT. Unbearably so... But IT WAS HUGE! We may have not left blood in the sand as had occurred in its storied past, but we definitely left sweat in the walls.
The lines were crazy, even having prepaid the Roma Pass had us standing under the large structure for what seemed like forever. Then we walked out to view one of the most breathtaking stadiums in the world.
If one closed their eyes, you could imagine the roar of the crowd, and the smell of the spectator's sweat. It was overwhelming. The thousands of flashes and foreign languages quickly brought me back to reality and we set out in search of a quiet spot to take it all in. We walked around the lower level and then went to the upper level.
After the steepest stairs that exist in all of Christendom, the only quiet spot we finally found was looking out of the windows in a quiet corner on the 2nd floor overlooking the Arch of Constantine and the Roman Forum. We had no clue what that entailed, but we were ready to walk it... After we bought more water.
The walk TO the Forum and around the Forum took about 2 hours and it was brutal. It was hot. The structures we huge qnd ornqte qnd every single one had a significant meaning or were dedicated To some Caesar, Emperor, or God. I know that it was important and I promise to write more about it, but at the moment, all I could think of, was that it was HOT. We all drank over 8 bottles of water and never had to use the restroom. We sweat that much... eewww. I can't describe into words the feeling of all that we saw, it was history and it was old, and you could feel it in every piece of rock and in every structure.
After the Forum, we visited the Mamertine prison where St Peter was held before his execution. We found some breathtaking frescoes of St Peter and Jesus Christ and quietly contemplated St Peters last days.
After walking out onto the Vittorio Emanuele monument square, we were off to the hotel for some cooling off. Ernie, Vicky, Alex and Matt were off to Trevi Fountain to throw in A&M's coins. We were to meet them later.
That late afternoon's meal with Chiro at La Scuderia, was one of the most entertaining ever!! From the freshly grilled sea bass chosen for us to the home made tiramisu, I don't think I have ever enjoyed a meal more. After dinner drinks at the Regina Wine Bar, and we were off to bed...
Tomorrow, it's Civitavecchia day and we set sail...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
No comments:
Post a Comment