My only full day in Rome and I wanted to maximize my time in the city. Before breakfast I went over to St. Peters Basilica hoping I could get in without waiting in the long lines I had seen the afternoon before. The hotel told me the Basilica was not open on Sundays but they were wrong. I walked right in without any lines, listened to my Rick Steves podcast, took some pictures and made it back to hotel for a mediocre breakfast. well the croissant covered in chocolate was good but italian coffee too strong for me and the juice very sweet.
So off for a day in Rome. Walking back through St Peters Piazza just an hour later, the lines were long and plaza filled with tour groups.
Just started walking through the city towards the ancient part of the city where the Forum and Coliseum are located. I remembered seeing a brochure for a Tiber River cruise that starts at the Castel San Angelo which is close to St. Peters. I took a one way cruise with narrated tour down the river, disembarking near the Travestere area. Very interesting and a different perspective of the city from a boat.
Love all the fountains in Rome, large elaborate well known tourist spots to funky little fountains in walls on side streets. Fresh cold water that is safe to drink. How refreshing not having to buy bottled water on a hot day. Just refill your own bottle and if you dont have one drink from the water flow. So I took a series of fountain pictures.
Rome is also filled with bridges as are all the cities in Italy on my itinerary.
From the boat landing, I just started wandering towards the old town. It was a warm day (still summer weather) but pleasant. Everywhere you look there are unbelievable views of ruins, river, ancient buildings and then intersdispursed with new and modern. Found a market in an old covered building – a modern market selling fancy oils, wines, meats and cheeses. A rather yuppy market. Down the road I found a Greek Orthodox church in the middle of a Sunday liturgy. I went in and sat through the service and took communion. Funny how comfortable it felt to understand the language. I learned a little Italian before coming, just enough to get around and be polite. But not really knowing the language when you are travelling makes you feel somewhat illiterate. Also the Orthodox church was very simple and not ornate as compared to the Byzantine churchs in Greece and of course the ornate churches all over Italy. It is called The Church of Saint Theodore on the Palatine and was originally built in 313 AD as a place to help the needy. It became a (catholic) church in the 4th century and it was given to the Orthodox church just recently in 2000.
Came up to the Forum from the backside and walked a long way around to get to the entrance. You can see the inside of the Forum from all sides from outside gates.
A young couple playing australian instrument… will post video later.
Roma Pass is fabulous, no waiting in lines to get in to museums that accept the pass. Costs 25 euros and can be used for public transportation and includes 2 sites and reduced rates on others. Listened to some of Rick Steves’ podcast inthe Forum but I got confused on where I was so just wandered around and took pictures after a while.
From the exit of the Forum you keep walking and walking to get to the Roman Coliseum. Was starving by then and settled on a small cafe where I scarfed down a sandwich and gatorade.
Found that I could get into the Coliseum with my Roma Pass ‘ again with no lines. But after I got in I left when I realized that the exit was on the far side of where I wanted to be – near a metro to get home. So I can say I went but I didn’t really. Here’s a picture to say I did.
Stopped in at the National Museum of Rome. Coming from the Acropolis Museum in Athens, this was not that impressive. Had lots of statues and heads of arrogant people who wanted to be remembered. A couple of bronze statues were memorable.
Took bus 64 home.
Home to change and rest up a bit before tackling the “night walk” of Rome. Took bus to Chelsea Nuova stop, walked to Piazza Novona , a happening place in Rome night and day. Huge plaza with vendors and people walking, street performers, lined with restaurants and impressive buildings.
The walk continues to … along pedestrian only narrow roads.
Found a road lined with restaurants with tables in streets. Picked one and sat down to watch the parade of people and eat. Sat next to a local man who apparently eats at this restaurant twice day. We had a nice chat. He is an architect but sails all over the mediterranean. He said Croatia is his favorite place to sail.
