Gallivanting Through Ancient Rome

 We might be here for just two full days, but I'd venture to say that we covered a LOT of ground today to make the most of our time here.  In fact, checking our steps walked today, it appears that we tracked well over 6 miles.  Pretty amazing, considering the condition that my knee has been in.  

But, I took one of my trekking poles, and the other members of our group were graciously patient with me, acting like Zebras, according to what I recently learned from my Tennessee grandson.  ( He informed me that a herd of Zebras will always accommodate the slowest one in the group.  Now, I wonder how many know that?)

As soon as we walked out the hotel door this morning, the clouds decided to burst, making me grateful that I had taken the time to pack a raincoat.  We headed to the metro in the rain, like ducklings following Mama Duck, (our tour leader.) Each of us was wearing our transmitter and earbud, as had been instructed,  so that we could follow her directions.  She ensured that we all squeezed into the metro (which, believe me, was quite a tight fit.  Although we did have to chuckle when she said it wasn't very crowded this morning.  I'd hate to see her idea of crowded!)

Three stops later, we were exiting the station, in the rain, with this as our view. 

The Roman Colosseum , of course. 

We were handed over to a second guide, who spent three hours with us, explaining the history of the building and the unique structures within.  I don't have the time or the energy to offer the Roman Experience to you tonight, but I'm going to just share a few of the many photos that I took, that highlight our adventure today.

After exploring nearly every facet of this amazing construction, we headed to the Roman Forum.  It began with yet another short deluge of rain

but the skies soon cleared

and we were bathing in brilliant sunshine by the time our tour was complete. 

Ambra was ready to pick up where our Colosseum guide had finished, to show us some of the brilliant highlights of this part of the city.

Walking from the forum, you can see the discoveries of a past civilization below the ground level of the city.

I was quite surprised to see these brilliant poppies, growing wild in the fields within these grounds. 

To our left was the Victor Emmanuel II Monument on top of Palatine Hill.

and adjacent to the Mayor's Office Building, there was a replica statue of the She Wolf, mother of Romulus and Remus.

Just down a walkway past this statue, I was able to take this stunning view.

and around the front, just to the left, stands this beautiful church

with an amazing set of steps that we did NOT even TRY to venture!

Strolling through the narrow alleys, Marty tasted the icy cold water from one of the many fountains.

And I was charmed by the beautiful icons that are featured on so many buildings.

Here you see one of the fountains in the Piazza Navona

The Fountain of Four Rivers stands in the middle of the piazza, directly in front of the Church of St Agnese of Agone.  An inscribed obelisk stands upon the statue that was designed by Bernini and Borromini. 

We passed by the Pantheon, but did not go inside.  As you can see, another inscribed obelisk stands in front, but since the fountain was being repaired, there were protected screens surrounding the structure and this was the best photo that I could muster. 

We managed to make our way to the The Column of Marcus Aurelius, an impressive sight in itself. 

And, finally, we conquered the crowds who had come to see the Trevi Fountain, 

and even managed to get a selfie in front.

From here, we found ourselves struggling to make our way through throngs of tourists, while attempting to avoid mopeds that wove in and out, suddenly popping up when least expected. 

We finally made it to the Spanish Piazza, where the Column of the Immaculate Conception graces this magnificent area.  We were told that on every December 8, the local fire company places a wreath upon her head in honor of the protection that she offers. 

And, to the far end of the piazza, just to our right, we saw the Spanish Steps.  As were most places today, the steps were quite busy, so it was difficult to get a photo, but there was NO way I was climbing up those steps for a better view.  The walking today was already challenging enough, and I certainly wasn't going to risk it for the sake of a better photo. 

 Marty needed a selfie,  (are you surprised?) particularly since he was now sporting a new hat.  Doesn't he look spiffy? 

Directly below the steps sits a unique fountain, in the shape of a boat.  As you can see, the fountain was a favorite as well. 

From here, we headed back to the Metro, under Ambra's direction, to once again face the Sardine Can experience to return to our hotel.  We had just about an hour to freshen up and dress for dinner, as tonight was a special treat in the Trastevere Section of the city. 

We were all pretty excited to find ourselves on a large, air-conditioned bus, with comfy seats and large windows.  Certainly overkill for 8 of us to travel, but believe me, after the day we had walking, none of us was complaining!

We passed some interesting sites on the way.

And, after departing the bus, we strolled along several quaint streets until we reached our dining destination. 

It was quite obvious to us that this was a restaurant who catered strictly to American tourists, but the wait staff was super friendly, the food was delicious, the wine was outstanding, and we even had a group of singers entertain us. 

Honestly, it was the perfect way to end the day!

Until next time....